Dyslexia Advice

[boatwife98]

What to do? I have suspected for some time that my son (12) has dyslexia. I finally had him take the DYNAREAD test and, indeed, he shows moderate characteristics of dyslexia. I feel that my next step should be a formal assessment, but I am struggling with what to do next. Should I have a full psychoeducational assessment done to get a big picture or should I take him to a local reading specialist first? Anyone with thoughts? They would be greatly appreciated!

[OneStepAtATime]

If possible get a neuropsychological evaluation for the big picture and confirmation of dyslexia. That would probably give you better answers.

[PeterPan]

There are some blogs with articles on this, and obviously there are pros and cons to the choices.  On this board you're going to find getting the full eval is pretty popular, and here's why.  A LARGE percentage of these kids will have more going on.  There could be ADHD (60% comorbid with dyslexia), low processing speed, SLDs in math or writing, etc. etc.  You might benefit from referrals for OT, VT, or an APD eval.  

 

Without full evals, you don't get all that info.  Yes, you can get an assessment by a reading tutor for a lot less and get their thumbs up/down on the dyslexia question, but you won't be answering the REST, without which you don't have enough info to make COMPLETE changes.  And when you need paper trail for accommodations, to get access to NLS/BARD, etc., etc., is that tutor eval going to be enough?  Maybe, maybe not.  

 

Considering there's likely to be more going on, a full eval makes sense.  But, you know, roll with your pricepoint, with what you can make happen.  If you want to start with a tutor and then go to a full psych, that's your business.  Or you could decide to go through the ps to get more complete evals.  You don't *need* the reading tutor eval to decide to get the full eval.  It's more of a question of price and whether it makes you feel more confident about your choice.

[geodob]

What an evaluation can provide, is a sort of  'User Guide'?

Where the various tests and sub-tests, will provide information about performance in different areas.

 

With areas of 'weakness' defined, it will also highlight areas of 'strength', to be used to advantage.

[displace]

I haven't used a dynaread screener. What kind of things it tests would prompt me differently. If it asks questions about reading concerns, I would hesitate to believe it. They're just screening if there's concerns or not. They can bring in symptoms together that not everyone understands are related, which can be helpful.

 

If you've suspected it, I'd recommend a full eval.