Dylexia - lots of questions

[Loowit]

My 9 year old son has been through a number of evaluations starting when he was 4. He has been formally diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder, speech delays, and Sensory Integration Disorder. We also learned he has problems with coding/decoding and executive functions, though I am still not sure exactly what that means.

 

He has had some OT that has helped with concentration during schoolwork. But he is struggling a lot with spelling, reversals, very poor handwriting, and other things that lead me to think he may have dyslexia. However, his reading comprehension is high, so many people think he is fine. I think he is just great at coping. He is very smart and creative, but can't put his thoughts on paper.

 

I am wondering if going through more evaluations would be helpful at this point in order to see if he has dyslexia? What would be the purpose of a formal diagnosis vs. just addressing his weaknesses? Also, if I wanted a formal eval would I go back to the developmental ped team he saw or is there another type of professional that would do this. I want to avoid the local school district if possible. I know that they can't diagnose and that he would test high enough on most things to not be delayed enough for services.

 

What curriculum would you recommend for a child with dyslexia? I am using Apples and Pears which is helping somewhat with spelling, though not as well as I had hoped. Also, are there homeschool resources out there for parents of children with dyslexia?

[Guest]

bump! Hope you get the answers you are looking for :grouphug:.

[DyslexicParent]

I'm on the same dyslexia journey as you. Helpful resources I've found so far include:

- Free videos at BrightSolutions.us

- Overcoming Dyslexia book.

 

I got the same advice from Susan Barton at BrightSolutions as in the book The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain.

 

"The good news is that the brain's sound processing system isn't fixed but highly programmable. Brains with weak segmenting or discriminating skills can often be retrained with phonics instruction based on the Orton-Gillingham method. Individuals with especially severe sound discrimination difficulties [like my child] should usually begin with an instructional technique that specifically improves the ability to distinguish word sounds, like Lindamood-Bell's LiPS."

Edited November 7, 2012 by DyslexicParent

[simplyme99]

My 9 year old son has been through a number of evaluations starting when he was 4. He has been formally diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder, speech delays, and Sensory Integration Disorder. We also learned he has problems with coding/decoding and executive functions, though I am still not sure exactly what that means.

 

He has had some OT that has helped with concentration during schoolwork. But he is struggling a lot with spelling, reversals, very poor handwriting, and other things that lead me to think he may have dyslexia. However, his reading comprehension is high, so many people think he is fine. I think he is just great at coping. He is very smart and creative, but can't put his thoughts on paper.

I am wondering if going through more evaluations would be helpful at this point in order to see if he has dyslexia? What would be the purpose of a formal diagnosis vs. just addressing his weaknesses? Also, if I wanted a formal eval would I go back to the developmental ped team he saw or is there another type of professional that would do this. I want to avoid the local school district if possible. I know that they can't diagnose and that he would test high enough on most things to not be delayed enough for services.

 

What curriculum would you recommend for a child with dyslexia? I am using Apples and Pears which is helping somewhat with spelling, though not as well as I had hoped. Also, are there homeschool resources out there for parents of children with dyslexia?

 

I am wondering why the dyslexia wasn't caught if he had it. My DD went through a neuro psych eval.... we weren't looking for a dyslexia diagnosis, but that is what we got.

 

I agree with testing him on Susan Barton's website, you can administer it yourself.

[Loowit]

I am wondering why the dyslexia wasn't caught if he had it. My DD went through a neuro psych eval.... we weren't looking for a dyslexia diagnosis, but that is what we got.

 

I agree with testing him on Susan Barton's website, you can administer it yourself.

 

When he was originally testing they were looking for Autism. It was also a few years ago and typically from what I have been told dyslexia is usually not diagnosed until they are older. I was told that I need to bring him back in for another follow up evaluation to see how he is doing, however, I am wondering what it will accomplish.

 

Honestly I have found the whole processes frustrating and exhausting. When he was young I was told that he was quirky, could be diagnosed with Aspergers by some specialists although the one we saw didn't want to, and that he may or may not outgrow his behaviors. As he got to school age and started to struggle to pay attention they thought it was ADD-ADHD or Autism. After the formal evaluation they said that it was DCD, along SID. He couldn't sit still and pay attention because he was on sensory overload.

 

But with that being addressed he is still struggling in school and is starting to say he is "stupid". He is so bright and so sweet, it just breaks my heart that his struggles with writing, oral reading, and spelling are keeping him I back. I just am not sure what the best approach is right now. Is it more formal diagnosis or is it something I can learn to work on at home to help him? Should I be forcing him to write things, or should I write stuff for him or let him do exercises orally? I just don't know.

 

As a vent, I am frustrated that we as parents hear over and over that early intervention is best, but when you know something it wrong it takes years and years to get anyone to listen, especially when a child is bright and engaging and can cope so well for so long. But he has hit a wall. His reading comprehension and vocabulary is well above grade level at 80th and 90th percentile respectively. However, his spelling is well below at the 2nd percentile.

[Guest learningwithconfidence]

Hi Loowit,

 

My understanding is that the major reason for a formal diagnosis is a) to get services in a public school and b) to make sure you are teaching your child the right way.

 

I just started tutoring with Barton and I agree with the others saying Bright Solutions for Dyslexia is a good starting point. Here is the link for Susan Barton's video on what Dyslexia is. http://www.dys-add.com/videos/dyslexiaSymptomsSolutions_Part01.html

 

If your son has Dyslexia, he may really benefit from an Orton-Gillingham based teaching method. There are different methods.

 

Going back to the diagnosis, Dyslexia is not in the DSM-IV as Dyslexia, so many psychologists (educational, neuro, etc.) who you go to do not test for Dyslexia specifically. They will label it many other things, which is much less helpful for you. Ask before you go. Also make sure they test every area Dyslexia affects.

 

It is horrible how difficult it is to get information. There has been a huge effort to get Dyslexia officially into DSM-V, and it seemed that it was going to happen until a few months ago. I'm not sure what happened, but the tables turned and now it seems like it will not make it in again.