Getting help
Dyslexia
All children develop at different rates and learn to read and write at different times. If you are worried your child might be dyslexic, it is important to talk to their teacher about your concerns. They may reassure you that your child’s development is within the normal range for their age, or suggest some simple ways in which you can support them at home.
If the school shares your concerns, it should involve the special educational needs co-ordinator (senco) to offer your child more support. School should also arrange for an educational psychologist to assess your child.
If your child is diagnosed with dyslexia, they have the right to extra support in the classroom. You can apply to the local education authority for a statement of special educational needs. This is a legal document which sets out what your child’s needs are and how they should be met at school.
If your child is struggling with the impact of dyslexia on their self-esteem, or has mild behavioural problems, it is important to address this as soon as possible. Explaining dyslexia to your child, that it does not mean they are stupid can reassure. Focusing on the things they are good at and do well in (such as sport, drama, singing), and encouraging them to go to clubs or activities in these areas can really help boost their self-esteem.
Finding out what the school is doing to deal with their difficulties and using the same approach at home can be helpful, so the child does not get confused.
If you think the dyslexia is having a severe effect on their emotional wellbeing or behaviour you may need to get specialist help and get support your child and for yourself as a parent. You can talk to your GP about getting a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS). Your child may be offered some talking therapy to help them with their problems. You and other family members may be offered support to help understand and manage their behaviour.
If your child is over 18 they will need to ask for the help themselves.
Youth counselling services can also help, and young people can refer themselves. Most will see young people between the ages of 13-25.
Dyspraxia
All children develop and learn at different rates. But if you are worried your child might be dyspraxic, it is important to talk to your health visitor or GP, or if they are school age, their teacher, about your concerns. They may reassure you that your child’s development is within the normal range for their age, or suggest some simple ways in which you can support them at home.
If the person you speak to shares your concerns, they should refer your child to the local child development centre, where a team of professionals will be able to assess your child.
If you child is at school, the special educational needs co-ordinator (senco) should be able to offer your child some support.
If your child is diagnosed with dyspraxia, they may have the right to extra support in the classroom. You can apply for a statement of special educational needs. This is a legal document which sets out what your child’s needs are and how they should be met at school.
There are lots of ways in which people with dyspraxia can be supported, for example occupational therapy, exercise and aids such as pencil grips which can help with handwriting.
If your child is struggling with the impact of dyspraxia on their self-esteem, or has mild behavioural problems, it is important to address this as soon as possible. Explaining that having dyspraxia does not mean your child is stupid can reassure. Focusing on things they are good at and do well in, and encouraging them to go to clubs or activities in these areas can really help boost their self-esteem. Finding out what the school is doing to deal with their difficulties and using the same approach at home can be helpful, so the child does not get confused.
If you think dyspraxia is having a severe effect on their emotional wellbeing or behaviour you may need to get specialist help and get support your child and for yourself as a parent. You can talk to your GP about getting a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Your child may be offered some talking therapy to help them with their problems. You and other family members may be offered support to help understand and manage their behaviour.
If your child is over 18 they will need to ask for the help themselves.
Youth counselling services can also help, and young people can refer themselves to these. Most will see young people between the ages of 13-25.