Eval for dyslexia - what to expect?

[DopeyDame]

I just sent off a request for information to have my son evaluated for dyslexia. Can anyone with experience (either as a parent or specialist) shed some light into what to expect? He's been in speech therapy for a while, but the dyslexia eval will be with a private reading specialist, while speech has always been through the county/school district.

Thanks!

 

[Suzie13]

I just sent off a request for information to have my son evaluated for dyslexia. Can anyone with experience (either as a parent or specialist) shed some light into what to expect? He's been in speech therapy for a while, but the dyslexia eval will be with a private reading specialist, while speech has always been through the county/school district.

Thanks!

I don't know how it works in the usa. I remember when my sister was gettbg tested dyslexia(after many other things were confirmed not to be the case for her troubles) it took a few months but each case is different. After that though it was the best thing for her. She got her own special program which helped her learn better and now loves books and writing reviews for books on her blog. It's quite amazing really when you think about it. I know this isn't helpful but I'd just thought you'd like to know if it comes back that he is, it can get better

 

[Kirby]

My children were tested in the elementary school they went to. How old is your son?

 

[SulleysMonkey]

I'm not a parent or specialist, but I have dyslexia. I was tested in the 3rd grade. I remember taking a written test and then (I think at a later date) I had an oral test. I also had speech problems.
I received help for both through school and outside of school.

I do want to add, that if your son is dyslexic it's not the end of the world. I'm 23 now and after help in elementary school I made honor roll in middle and high school, i went to college and am working on finishing my degree(Elementary education and special education). Theres so much out there, while I still have it, most of the time it's no big deal(stress/tiredness makes it worse).

If you want any advice, tips or just to talk you can message me. I'll do my best to help.

 

[DopeyDame]

Thanks so much for the support and encouragement!

DS is 5, which I know is on the early end, but given his history and some things his SLP and regular teacher have noticed, we all agree it's time to start moving forward with a reading specialist evaluation. The hope, of course, is that the earlier we can start the correct form of instruction and support, the less likely it is that he'll fall behind.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your stories and successes - it's very helpful!

 

[K and K's Mommy]

Thanks so much for the support and encouragement!

DS is 5, which I know is on the early end, but given his history and some things his SLP and regular teacher have noticed, we all agree it's time to start moving forward with a reading specialist evaluation. The hope, of course, is that the earlier we can start the correct form of instruction and support, the less likely it is that he'll fall behind.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your stories and successes - it's very helpful!

It's been a long time - 15 years ago - but I did take a class in teaching dyslexic students. I can't remember if there is an actual test for dyslexia or not. If they are checking for a learning disability, they will give your child an ability (IQ) test and an achievement test. If there is a gap, there is a disability.

For example, an average IQ is 100 so if that is his IQ he should be doing normal kindergarten things. Reversals are still normal in kindergarten for all kids so I'm not exactly sure what they would expect a K student to be able to achieve. The problem with testing early is that some kids haven't developed a big enough "gap" yet so the test results come back fine. That doesn't mean there is not a learning disability. If the child hasn't "caught up" by 2nd grade, I would retest. There is also something called "developmentally ready." Some kids just aren't developmentally ready to read at 5. They will eventually be ready with more exposure and because there was no learning disability, they will start to read as soon as they are ready.

If he does have dyslexia, I highly recommend Orton Gillingham method.

 

[summerblue]

It depends. Are you having just a screening for dyslexia or full psychoeducational evaluation? Honestly either way, several different evaluation techniques will be used. Such as Diebels screening. As well as teasing their reading by having them read passages, as well as cold reads (list of unrelated words, without context clues to use), vocabulary (,having them orally tell the meaning of words), reading comprehension, as well as comprehension by listening.

My daughter had a full psychoeducational eval, so it was a full day of different screenings and exercises, which were disguised as game type activities.

My daughter is dyslexic, and because I could not find a certified tutor, I became certified and now work with other dyslexic children. I actually go next week to do a course for the actual screening part.

If your child is dyslexic appropriate intervention will be important, make sure it is an Orton-Gillingham program, such as Barton, OG, Take Flight, etc. make sure your tutor is trained in the program they are using and certified.