Dyslexia: To test or not to test...

[Twinmom]

OK, I'm beginning to believe that DD8 may have mild dyslexia. We've been doing remedial phonetic work in reading and she's done really well (improved a lot!), but often slides back into flipping some letters and words, continues to be confused about vowels/digraphs she's already studied, and really struggles with spelling. Reading is not fun for her...she is proud when she can do it, but she tires easily when reading and slides backwards in ability quickly if we aren't reading all the time. She stresses constantly over just the thought of making mistakes, and I'm constantly reassuring her that she's not "stupid." Actually, she's quite bright...but something is going on with reading and a bit with short term memory with math. We're moving towards a very visually based, kinetic sort of curriculum set, which seems to help a lot.

I am wondering whether or not to put her through all the testing for dyslexia...is it worth it, under the circumstances? I have a background that includes specialized training in child development/mental health issues and I have a basic knowledge of what she'll need academically (and have already put some of it into place), but I'm not an expert in LDs. Would testing get me on the right road in terms of a great educational plan? Also (and probably most importantly!), DD has some emotional issues that she's dealing with...she has MAJOR test/school anxiety (taking the CAT was a HUGE issue!) and is in a sensitive emotional state due to abandonment issues. When tested in the past by someone other than Mom, she's completely frozen up and answered very little. We've had her in counseling for a year and have made great strides, but she's still finding her way in terms of handling her emotions visa vis school. (Home school is helping a lot...and it helps to have a therapist for a mom! ;)) Her therapist feels she's doing well and is of normal intelligence, but she's also not an LD expert...

Truly, it's hard to see the forest for the trees with my precious DD, and it's esp. hard when we have no family medical history on her! Anyway, I'd love any feedback on what you all would do under the circumstances.

Thanks!

[Kathy in MD]

The first test should be a developmental vision test. This is a much longer test and covers much more than a standard eye exam. Find a developmental or behavioral optometrist to give the exam. If there is a problem, therapy is generally the treatment.

The second test should be either a speech and language test OR an auditory processing test. Have the tester pay extra attention to anything that might interfer with phonics and reading.

While you're waiting for the testing, read The Out-of-Sync Child. It's just a possibility worth investigating sooner rather than later.

Only after covering these 3 bases would I worry about additional testing.

I would not wait for testing. Your dd is already labeling herself dumb. Testing results will give her a positive reason for her problems. Also it will reduce or even eliminate the time wasted while searching for a program that will help. She may also need cognitive therapy after recieving therapy to train her brain to use improved sensory imput.

One last comment. No academic curriculum will ever cure the physical problems I referred to. To do academics before having good sensory imput and cognitive skills is like building a penthouse on a rotten foundation and a sagging first floor. The penthouse will be wobbly and prone to collapse.

[mom2g2b]

I am debating on testing my 7 yr old son. He is working with an Orton-Gillingham tutor right now. He has improved his phonological awareness since he started working with her. I also took him to a pediatric opthomologist to make sure his eyes were healthy.

I've wondered about needing the testing in order for accomodations when taking the SAT or ACT.

Vickie

[Twinmom]

The first test should be a developmental vision test.

Thanks, Kathy. That sounds like a great place to start! She's already had a basic eye exam, and they did say that she had some minor issues (as in nearsightedness) but believed they were the type that would resolve themselves within a year. She's due to go back for that checkup...I'll look into a developmental optometrist to look at her instead. She won't get upset about THAT kind of test! ;)

Other than looking at my insurance list...got any suggestions on how I find one of those guys? I'm new to NC...don't know anyone to ask here yet.

Thanks!

[Kathy in MD]

COVD.org will give you a list of dev. opt. A dev. vision test will also include the standard vision test.

Childrensvision.com will give you more general info on vision problems, including symptoms.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Truly, it's hard to see the forest for the trees with my precious DD, and it's esp. hard when we have no family medical history on her! Anyway, I'd love any feedback on what you all would do under the circumstances.

Thanks!

As a mom who almost missed the boat all together, PLEASE have her tested.

And read this book (http://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Dyslexia-Complete-Science-Based-Problems/dp/0375400125).

[Twinmom]

As a mom who almost missed the boat all together, PLEASE have her tested.

And read this book (http://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Dyslexia-Complete-Science-Based-Problems/dp/0375400125).

Thanks, Pam...I'm definitely on board now! Just needed you guys to push me over the edge! ;) That book looks fantastic...I'll be getting it!

Kathy...thanks for the sites! You are a wealth of information, and I'm very grateful!