[senco-forum] assessing 7yr old for dyslexia!

Hi Janet,

If the boy has phonological problems that I could be worth suggesting to the
parent that an Auditory Processing Disorder, and an assessment for other
Auditory issues that may cause dyslexic symptoms. 
You could also suggest a visit to an Ophthalmic Optician to start testing
for the Visual processing issues such as Mears Irlen Syndrome that also
cause the dyslexic symptoms.
Dyslexia is easy to diagnose, having problems with reading, writing and
spelling. It is the real underling causes that are the real problems and
most difficult to diagnose. Many of these underlying causes can now be
clinically diagnosed after the age of maturation, which is about 7 Years
old. So the responsibility of diagnosis should move from the education
sector to the Medical Sector.

Best wishes

dolfrog

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Janet Barlow
Sent: 24 January 2007 10:13
To: senco-forum
Subject: [senco-forum] assessing 7yr old for dyslexia!

Dear all,
        Help needed please!
  I am secondary trained so excuse my ignorence...
  I have been asked by our small primary unit to 'assess' a 7yr old boy to
see if he's dyslexic or presumably anything else. Request has come from
mother who is concerned about his progress. As he's so much younger than my
usual pupils, I'm not sure what to use. I don't intend to raise a full
formal assessment or anything like that or attempt to apply any sort of
label but I have to do some sort of testing and have a look at his profile.
  I thought I would do:

  single word reading
  spelling
  some sort of phonological - any ideas? I have PHAB but am not sure which
bits
  digit memory span
  I could do with some sort of 'intellectual' type thing - I have WRIT
(visual & verbal scores)

  I have asked his teacher to give me details of any tests  -if any -
already done and for a sample of his free writing with comments relating to
strengths etc and how it compares to peers - & same for maths

  What would you suggest??
  I could do with something for dyslexic indicators - have the Bangor but
it's for 8 yrs +
  With grateful thanks  - in advance.
  Janet