Getting informed (for a parent)
One of the most important things a parent can do is find out as much as they can about dyslexia.
Dyslexic’s think, see (Not visually) and learn differently to most and this is why they often excel in certain things and what makes it hard to understand them and what they are going through.
So please read our site and read as many of the links as possible. Print them out and then talk to your partner and family what you have learnt. It is very important that the whole family works together and tries to understand what it is like and feels like. A good understanding will be a big step in the right direction.
To help you understand what living with a dyslexic person is like please feel free to watch the following webcast:
You as a parent have to take a much more active roll in your dyslexic’s academic life than most. It’s hard work. You are responsible; so don’t just blame it on someone else. You need to push the schools and encourage your child and even yourself.
UK- Occupational & Educational Psychologist
David McLoughlin- www.dyslexia-idc.org/index.html
Resources/Library
We advise that you purchase some books and make full use of the Education Departments Resource Library (Situated at Ed Dep.) and the GDSG Resource Library, which is at the John Macintosh Hall Library.
Extra Lessons
It would also be beneficial for your child to have extra lessons. But remember that academic work can be very tiring, so do not expect miracles from your child after school. Also, remember that the best teaching methods for dyslexics is multi-sensory. Make sure that every teacher knows your child is dyslexic, and talk to them to make sure they know how to deal and teach a dyslexic child.
In fact, every person who deals with your child – i.e. any after school activity – must also be informed.
Other factors you may want to consider
It is also good to narrow out any other factors, which may be hindering your child reading etc. We recommend that you have your child’s eyesight checked by a professional. Visual stress does affect a considerable number of people – dyslexic or not. However, it clearly will not make learning any easier. The GHA and certain opticians in Gibraltar can test. The Support group have some tools that may give some indication. Please contact us for guidance on how to proceed.
Occupational Therapist
Also, it is good for your child to see an Occupational Therapist (O.T), which could help in a lot of practical ways.
Education Psychologist
Obviously your child has to be assessed by an Education Psychologist. The Education Department Education Psychologist who should see your child if they have been referred by the schools SENCO (Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator) or form tutor.
For the Ed Dep. the Education Psychologists report is necessary to get the help needed, but there are tests that can be done to find out what your child needs are before seeing a Ed Psy.
What a dyslexic normally gets from an assessment
If your child is already assessed and is dyslexic, please contact us and become a member.
Your child once assessed should get extra help twice a week by a teacher qualified to teach dyslexic children. The schools Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) should keep you informed of their progress and give you tips etc to help you. The Education Psychologist should also see your child re-assessment ANNUALLY. As a parent you must remember to request this.
Psychological & Emotional effects
Dyslexia can be a very big strain on a child’s self-esteem, will etc. It can make you very disheartened; think low of yourself, depressive etc. One of its major problems is how it affects us in this way, that is why we encourage that dyslexic children need to have a very supportive family. This includes not only the immediate family but also grandparents and cousins.