Identification

IDENTIFICATION
As a parent or teacher, what can you do to investigate if you think a child might be dyslexic? If the child is not progressing at the same rate as his/her peers, and is struggling to keep up, the first step would be a check-list. See here It is important to note that the check-list is not an assessment. It is a starting point in order to determine if further assessment is necessary.
 
Alongside the check-list, please don't forget to make a list of activities which the child enjoys doing and does well. This is very important as it gives the child a sense of perspective and is also a great boost to their self-esteem.
 
The importance of early identification

Why is early identification so vital?

There are cases when older children slip through the cracks and are not identified. They are called lazy by their teachers although they are working extremely hard. Needless to say, this leads to a great deal of frustration, anger and very poor self-esteem.

In some cases lack of detection can lead to depression.

Leaving reading problems to spiral into much bigger ones, makes it much harder for children to catch up. That in addition to their poor self-esteem, makes it much more difficult for them to get back on track.

Many parents still adopt a 'wait and see' attitude, hoping their child will grow out of dyslexia and their delayed speech, which very often is a precursor.

Being aware of dyslexia signs and symptoms and developmental milestones can go a very long way in helping children to make tremendous progress or even to overcome their reading difficulties.

Early identification, means early intervention. 'Good teaching delivered at the right time will not eradicate the condition but it will greatly help these children to read, write and cope with the demands of our education system.' (Snowling, 2006)

We learn to read so we can read to learn.