[senco-forum] Assessing and diagnosing for dyslexia

Sounds good Jean -
What about the terms:
'Dyslexic characteristics' and 'Dyslexic processing style'- usually covers the working memory and processing speed difficulties ... and others!

When it  comes down to it is it not generally an 'information processing difference'???? 

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk [mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Jean Dowding
Sent: 18 March 2008 19:29
To: Michael Davies
Cc: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: Re: [senco-forum] Assessing and diagnosing for dyslexia

I have a Diploma in Special Education, including a qualification in
Specific Learning Difficulties, from the University of Wales, which
enables me to assess and teach pupils (and adults) with dyslexia.  I have
assessed children in the primary school in which I taught, since I was
awarded the diploma in 1994, with no objections from anyone.

In most schools in the LA the Senco does not have a relevant
qualification, so assessments are done by the Pupil Support Service
Specialist Teachers, who have the same qualification as me.  Whenever the
EP and I came to the conclusion that a particular child needed a cognitive
assessment, it was not primarily to assess for dyslexia, although we
usually compared our results.

In common with the Specialist Teachers and other Sencos, I always used the
phrase "dyslexic tendencies" when discussing my findings.  I found that
this softened the blow somewhat with parents (and children) who thought
that having dyslexia was the end of the world and helped them to accept
and be receptive to what we needed to do next.  It also seemed to cover
the wide range of difficulties a little better than just using "dyslexia".
 After a while we all used the one word anyway!

Regards

Jean

>
> Can anyone confirm that holders of Practising Certificates (PATOSS and/or
> Dyslexia Action) are allowed to assess and diagnose pupils--Primary,
> Secondary and F >E. for dyslexia.
>
> I have just been told that ONLY ED.PSYCH's are allowed to diagnose
> individuals for dyslexia.(and give the label ¬!!!!)
>
> Michael
> SENCO
>
>
>
>
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