What age do you need to get your children tested

[Patsyj24]

Hi lm worried about both my boys one is age 5 and cannot get his letters the right way. And also finds it hard to read. But sometimes can read a word on one page then forget it on the next page. I myself have dislexia can it run in the family and what age do I need to get him tested he started school at 4 years old and went to nursery before that lm I worrying to soon thanks

[KTSmith77]

All of that sounds pretty normal for his age and I wouldn't be worrying yet. I know I did a lovely picture for my dad when I was about 5 or 6 and put babby on it instead of daddy and I've gone right through to get a degree and love to read and write.

[Patsyj24 in reply to KTSmith77]

Thankyou

[Giosang]

Hello, the fact that you're dyslexic makes me suspicious because dyslexia absolutely runs in families. There is no advantage of waiting - you don't have to wait, I would get on with it if I were you.

[Patsyj24 in reply to Giosang]

Thankyou saw much I do think my son has it because it's like watching myself when I right and read with the same letters. I no he is only 5 but he started school at 4 coz he is a June baby. But kids his own age are doing there letters right and reading there books.

[Giosang]

Lots of kids of that age confuse the direction of their letters, and struggle to learn to read, however if you have a dyslexia test at an early age they will not test letters or reading but other things - there are all sorts of ways they assess very young children. The advantage of testing early is that proper intervention can start early too. Early intervention is vital. You will hear all sorts of other advice, but I have worked in this field for many years, I too am dyslexic and my son is. I knew he was dyslexic when he was very young, about 4. So please do not let them put it off. Both your children should be tested especially because their mum is dyslexic. Let me know how you get on.

[Patsyj24 in reply to Giosang]

Thankyou

[austinsmrs]

Hi - its great that you acknowledge there is a problem/concern and best to keep your eye on your children. Yes they are young and personally I would wait until they take their KS1 SATS assessments at the end of Year 2. These tests will definately highlight whether there is a problem or not and I know for a fact the leading dyslexic school in the country will normally take dyslexic children from mainstream about Year 4 at the earliest and they look at these test results which provide a very good indicator as to whether you should be concerned or not. The new scoring system for the KS1 SATS means that a score of around 100 indicates average ability, over 100 is exceeding and a score of around 85 below expectations and indicates further intervention from you. The next step would be to get two test done IF the results are at the low end these tests are WISC and WIAT tests and should only be done by an educational psychologist. There is a lady in Birmingham area who charges approx £300 for these tests and definately worth visiting her as other professionals charge far in excess of this. However, if you find local Ed Psych in your area ask for these tests and a listening comprehension test also and ask that the results be provided for use in tribunal with full results and recommendations in. The reason for this is you dont know at the time of the test what the result is going to be and so you dont know at this time if you will go to tribunal or not and why pay all this money for a report that is worthless because it doesnt provide all the information. However, there is alot to do before tribunal etc comes into it. First speak with the class teacher and also the SENCO. Follow up with a written letter your concerns, outcomes from the meetings, any interventions the teacher/senco may put in place. This letter will stay in the school file as evidence you are raising concerns and dyslexia runs in your family. In the meantime, reading lots and lots together (ie take in turns reading sentances, paragraphs, pages) with your child and most of all dont let them see your frustrations. My son was diagnosed in Year 5 and now attends a specialist school and is statemented for dyslexia. It does not run in our family. His self esteem was rock bottom and I used to get so frustrated with him - now I know he is dyslexic I accept him for his abilities but I beat myself up over how I shouted at him etc. If you need any further info or advice dont hestitate to contact Health unlocked.

[Patsyj24 in reply to austinsmrs]

Thankyou saw much

[Giosang in reply to austinsmrs]

I still think that early intervention is vital and that there are no advantages in waiting. Damage to self esteem starts as soon as children see that they can't keep up and age is no indicator as to when they become aware of these issues. Another reason why it's vital to get diagnosed as early as possible is because everyone needs to be aware of the needs of the child without doubt or question ASAP, including parents and siblings.