Dyslexia & Dyscalculia - what is it?

I understand that Dyslexia and Dyscalculia can be difficult to understand. However, if your child is struggling with one of these specific learning difficulties, it's useful to have as much information as possible. If you have any questions about either of these conditions, I am happy to communicate via email. I also offer Dyslexia and Dyscalculia assessments and tuition throughout Newton Abbot and Devon if required.

What is dyslexia?

The Devon Local Authority has settled on the following definition of Dyslexia:

"Dyslexia is evident when accurate and fluent reading and or spelling develops very incompletely or with great difficulty. This focuses on literacy learning at the 'word level' and implies that the problem is severe and persistent despite appropriate learning opportunities" (British Psychological Society 1999)

Meanwhile, the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) follows a slightly different definition, which is:

"Dyslexia is a specific learning disability which is constitutional in origin, independent of socio-economic or language background and can occur at any level of intellectual ability. It can cause unexpected and persistent difficulties in acquiring certain skills in one of more of the following areas: reading, writing and sometimes numeracy and spoken language. There may be accompanying weaknesses in the skills that support personal organisation, for example, speed of processing, short-term memory, sequencing and possible weaknesses in auditory and visual perception skills."

If you would like to know more about Dyslexia or need help understanding either of these definitions, I am more than happy to help and am always contactable via email.

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What is dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is another specific learning difficulty, and is often found alongside other conditions such as ADHD/ADD, Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. It is thought that this difficulty is most likely a result of characteristics such as working memory, however, research is continuing so that we can assess whether there is a link between any environmental, biological or cognitive factors.

As with Dyslexia, there are numerous definitions of Dyscalculia, however, they all have certain points in common:

Showing difficulties understanding numbers
These mathematical difficulties are not caused by a lack of educational opportunities
The degree of this difficulty is shown to be below expectations for the age of an individual

The SASC and BDA definition is:

"A specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities."

If you have a child or young adult that is struggling with reading, writing, spelling or maths they may benefit from my assessments and/or tuition. If you would like to know more, please make sure to drop me an email.

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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD A DYSLEXIA TUTOR OR ASSESSOR HAVE?

A specialist dyslexia tutor should have a level 5 qualification which will provide them with the title of 'Dyslexia Specialist Tutor'. A level 5 course is needed for anyone wanting to work privately as a dyslexia tutor or to work in a role designated for a dyslexia specialist.

Dyslexia specialists who are qualified to MA level (level 7) will have done further training past level 5 in Psychometric Testing and assessment and are formally qualified to assess for Dyslexia.

As a parent looking for a 1:1 dyslexia tutor, you should ensure your tutor has a level 5 qualification and for assessments, a level 7 qualification. A level 7 assessor should also hold an APC (assessment practising certificate), meaning the report provided on the results can be used for the Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA).

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HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD AT HOME?

Help your child to develop strategies that will help them in the classroom
Work with the school to find the best ways of supporting your child
Encourage them to talk about their difficulties and to let others know
Give lots of praise when they achieve something that they are proud of
Encourage them to take up activities that they enjoy or feel good about
Avoid being negative or comparing them to someone who is successful
Avoid talking to others about their difficulties, especially in their hearing

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HOW TO SUPPORT THE WORKING MEMORY

Use simple language and don't speak too fast so as to avoid over loading your child with information
Give instructions one at a time and ensure each instruction is grasped before continuing
Find out what your child is struggling with, and be prepared to recognise when it is necessary to repeat instruction etc

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