Diagnosis The Problem
As dyslexia is not a medical condition, a diagnostic assessment is not covered by the NHS. It costs £500..
The only way to be diagnosed with dyslexia is to have an assessment. Although many schools will screen children if they are struggling, they cannot officially diagnose them. Lack of funding was ranked as the greatest barrier for obtaining a diagnosis and for access to appropriate and helpful support.
Below is a poignant case study shared with us at 1 in 10 Dyslexia from UCL’s Sarah Muzzle.
“J’s mother considers that without the diagnostic assessment and its detailed recommendations of support, the outcome for her son would have been drastically different. It is frustrating for her that the appropriate level of expertise was not available within his primary school to diagnose and support her son’s dyslexia early in his learning. Her regret is that she did not pursue an assessment in primary school; having an insight into his abilities and how they could be enhanced and supported is likely to have made a dramatic difference to years of underperformance and mental anguish for her son”
Without support, the challenges of coping with dyslexia can be overwhelming, lead to low confidence and self-esteem, making it much harder for children to reach their full potential.
We know that dyslexia can overlap 40 % with other specific learning difficulties such as dyspraxia and ADHD, so getting an early diagnosis is key.
Whats the point in a diagnosis?
It helps both the child and the school understand their specific challenges, weaknesses and strengths.
It can provide a basis for tailored support and intervention.
It can offer a sense of relief to the child and their families.
It can help them navigate their future employment choices.
Importantly it shows the child who they are, it can stop the ‘im stupid’ thoughts and show them who they really are. Creating a sense of self!
Read more about why a diagnosis and early intervention is so important in Human Cost of Dyslexia report.
What are reasonable adjustments?
Access to assistive technology or other resources to support learning.
Adaptations to teaching methods or materials to better suit the student's learning style.
Flexible arrangements for assessments, such as additional time or alternative formats.
Modifications to the physical environment to improve accessibility.
The specific adjustments and support provided will depend on the individual needs of the student and the resources available within the school.
A formal diagnosis ensures that the child is entitled to receive reasonable adjustments and support in their education, including accommodations in exams and day-to-day learning activities.
The importance of a dyslexic label from a parents perspective.
It provides a greater understanding as to how and why their child is struggling; ‘I think it gives an understanding to people, an awareness is always helpful’.
The label and diagnosis also gave parents a sense of relief ‘Glad we've finally got to the bottom of what is holding him back’.
It was also considered important by parents as a label meant their children were able to access support ‘The diagnosis helped get the right support in school …’ or were hopeful that it would enable future support ‘Hope it helps him get more time and input with the school’.
However, some parents did still worry about negative connotations around intelligence and being different, ‘I don't mind [about the label] providing people don't think she lacks intelligence.
‘A Delphi study exploring the barriers to dyslexia diagnosis and support: A parent's perspective’.
What can we do to help?
Increase Awareness and Training
By creating awareness and understanding of dyslexia among educators, parents, and the general public.
Fund and petition for all schools to provide comprehensive training for ALL teachers and school staff on identifying dyslexia so they can implement effective teaching strategies, and provide appropriate support.