What to Do If You Suspect Dyslexia

Part 3---Two Options to Consider

Regardless of the age of an individual with dyslexia or other reading challenges, it is important to consider obtaining an official diagnosis.

In the case of children and teens, some school districts use a relatively new process called Response to Intervention (RTI) to identify children with learning disabilities. For students who do not go through this RTI process, an evaluation to formally diagnose dyslexia is needed. Such an evaluation traditionally has included intellectual and academic achievement testing, as well as an assessment of the critical underlying language skills that are closely linked to dyslexia. For children, this may be accomplished through one’s school district; however, the wait time could be significant depending on available services in each district.

Another option is to seek such an evaluation through private testing. A developmental optometrist is an excellent medical professional to conduct such an evaluation. The “upside” with this option is that wait time can be significantly less. In addition, such an evaluation is available for either children or adults. However, this option can be quite expensive and often is not covered under traditional healthcare insurance plans.

Resources for Dyslexia

http://www.dyslexiasw.com/advice/help-andamp-advice-for-teachers/teaching-strategies-for-dyslexic-children Teaching Strategies to help Children

http://dyslexia.yale.edu/Stu_whatisdyslexia.html?gclid=CP2_q5e58qoCFUQCQAodgBiDOQ A supportive resource for parents, educators and others who want to know more about dyslexia.

http://www.smartkidswithld.org/ld-basics/signs-symptoms/dyslexia-article Signs and symptoms of dyslexia

http://www.BrennanInnovators.com/ Website for learning challenges offers a feature to change the background color of every page on the site. This changing of color can help with visual stress and some dyslexic symptoms.

http://www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages

http://www.fabresearch.org/473 Information on a possible link between Omega 3 fatty acids and dyslexia, AD/HD, dyspraxia, autism, and other challenges. Also, info on Dr. Alex Richardson (University of Oxford) and additional links to related articles. (professional articles here)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-146303/Could-test-spell-end-dyslexia.html#ixzz1W9EasK4z Could a simple breath test identify children with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder and behavioral problems before they start school? (mainstream media article)

Next week's article (Part 4) will be entitled What to Do While Waiting for an Official Diagnosis?

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/book_clipart.shtml