So how do you tell if a child may be dyslexic? There are some obvious signs, if you know what to look for. But not all children have the same cluster of abilities or difficulties.
Look out for the following areas of weaknesses which will appear alongside abilities, which may be in areas of creativity or in highly developed verbal skills:
General
Written Work
Reading
Numeracy
Time
Skills
Behaviour
A child who has a cluster of these difficulties may be dyslexic.
Your next step should be to consult the school’s SENCo immediately, to inform the parents and the child given appropriate help.
Parents can often feel confused and isolated when they are told that their son or daughter may be dyslexic. The Shropshire Dyslexia Association can support parents and children by helping them understand dyslexia and by providing them with advice on where to access tuition and assessments in their area.
Please find a copy of our flyer attached to give to parents.
If you are a teacher and require advice please feel free to contact us.
The British Dyslexia Association provides training for parents and teachers. Details of their courses are available from the British Dyslexia Association website.
Courses local to Shropshire
Local colleges and universities provide courses ranging from 'dyslexia awareness' to undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Details of courses can be found on college and university websites.
Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology
Telford College of Arts and Technology
The Shropshire Dyslexia Association hold an annual conference as well as various information workshops throughout the year. We look forward to hosting our annual event in the Autumn. Look out for details on our website.
CReSTeD
CReSTeD accredit schools for their learning support provision. The organisation maintains a register of schools which meet their criteria for teaching pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties. For more information follow the link to their website
British Dyslexia Association Quality Mark
The philosophy underpinning the Quality Mark is that changing practice to accommodate dyslexic individuals often results in good practice for everyone.
In the case of educational institutions, the British Dyslexia Association recognises that the majority of moderately dyslexic students will be taught in mainstream classrooms and by non specialist tutors.
Therefore it is important that, as well as employing appropriate teaching methods, all environments are dyslexia friendly. This is what the Quality Mark strives to be.
For more information on Dyslexia Friendly Schools, download the Application pack for schools in England, Dyslexia Friendly Schools information pack and the ICT Supplement to the Dyslexia Friendly Schools pack.
Shropshire Dyslexia Association Helpline:
Kris Prince
01691 831191
NB This number is staffed by volunteers. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
email: info@thesda.org.uk
Or use our contact form
Charity No:513065
At Belle Vue Methodist Church, Belle Vue Rd, Shrewsbury.
On Saturday mornings during term time between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm.
On Thursday evenings between 4.15 and 6.15 pm.