Dyslexia: your queries answered

I am curious to know if technology and computers are the most innovative way forward for teaching strategies for dyslexics or if more traditional methods are more appropriate?

Ann Gregory, Hett Village, Durham

Dyslexics learn better from one-to-one teaching so we don't think that technology should ever be a complete substitute for traditional teaching. But there is very goodeducational software that can be used alongside it and of course, some excellent assistive software for those who have to face studying or working alone. See: bdastore.org.uk.

I have severe dyslexia and find it very hard to read anything. Now I am facing one of the hardest challenges: my son is two years and three months old and I know that reading books is good for him. However, I'm scared of reading his books wrong and get embarrassed when simple words cause me problems. What can I do about it?

Paul Westwood

You really need to know why you have the problem. We suggest that you try out some strategies to try to find out what is causing your difficulties. Make sure you know your sounds and perhaps try reading with simple phonic readers like Dr Seuss or Dandelion readers. Changing the colour of the background and font can often help and using something as simple as using a crossbow-coloured acetate ruler could make the world of difference, (see: crossboweducation.com). And for when you are stuck you can always use a reading pen to help you out (scanningpens.co.uk). Or maybe it is time to find some expert help from your local further education college or the BDA or Patoss hold lists of specialist qualified teachers.

I am a specialist teacher who has been specifically trained to work with dyslexic students and pupils with a variety of learning difficulties. Recently one of my dyslexic students, who had one-to-one sessions with me from years seven to 11, has passed 11 GCSE exams, five of which were A grades. It is encouraging that, at last, the need for this type of intervention is being recognised and made available to many more pupils. I think this is a fantastic achievement by the BDA and Spring Board for Children, and all credit to them. One wonders though, why we have to rely on charities to provide such interventions.

Jacqueline Wilson

We totally agree and wish that we could influence teacher training more so as not to be so dependent upon charities like ourselves. We are working with Xtraordinary People (xtraordinarypeople.com) and The Inclusion Development Programme (DCSF funded).

What support is there for diagnosis and treatment of adult dyslexia? I have long suspected that I might be dyslexic and results from tests on the internet are very indicative of this. To date I have used several coping techniques so this has generally not been a problem, however through a change in my role at work it is now becoming an issue. I have done a great deal of research and contacted many people, but I am still unable to find support and the diagnosis cost is a prohibitive £400.

Simon Cripps

We would encourage you to speak to your employer. Under the Disability Discrimination Act it would be seen as a reasonable adjustment to fund an assessment and support and equipment could be made available via the government's Access to Work initiative (jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/HelpForDisabledPeople/AccesstoWork). You should draw your employer's attention to our "Employers Code of Practice" – see: the BDA website for details (bdadyslexia.org).

I was six when I was diagnosed with dyslexia. I had intense tuition from the Dyslexic Institute in Darlington, Co Durham, from the age of six till GCSE level, and I know that without this tuition, there is no way I would be where I am today as an infection control surveillance nurse for a teaching hospital in the north of England. I wonder about the genetic link. Neither of my parents or siblings have any learning difficulties.

Elizabeth Walters

Well done, your own experience is invaluable. Research still continues into genetic links but anyone wondering should look at the signs and symptoms on our website: bdadyslexia.org.uk. The good news is that help, in the way of support and equipment, is available for anyone in higher education studying nursing now via the Disabled Student Allowance. For more information on this see: Bridging the Gap, a Dfes publication.

I have been struggling through a part-time degree course at Lancaster University for the past four years. After some insistence I was assessed and it was confirmed that I have dyslexia. My son has difficulty, like myself, with English but does manage (with support) to produce just below average written work. His CATs and SATs scores were extremely high and he is a member of NAGTY, but the education board and school will not access him for dyslexia. What should I do next? I feel that he will not flourish as he is being told constantly that he must try harder and I feel that his intelligence is disguising his disability.

Jennifer Rosier, Lancaster

It sounds like it could be time to encourage your governor for special needs to hold an inset day for the teachers' professional development. You can contact our BDA training co-ordinator for details: paulb@bdadyslexia.org.uk

Should dyslexia be the preseve of the clever? By that, I mean should people with low IQs who have reading skills even poorer than their IQ would suggest be classified as dyslexic? If so, should the same level of resources be spent on their dyslexia as on clever people's dylexia? I'm dyslexic and I think it should – but then maybe I'm not that clever!

Thomas Jameson, Islington

All people with specific learning difficulties should be given multi-sensory teaching appropriate to their needs. Visit our new shop for any items mentioned here: bdastore.org.uk.

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