Dyslexia – Page 3

Music Web Addresses – Help

The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) has an excellent music section. To find out more go to:

British Dyslexia Association (BDA)

Scholarly Article

Dyslexia & Bullying

‘Stamp out Bullying Now’

Many students’ with Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD’s) suffer from bullying because they may be seen by some of their peers as ‘different’ and usually take longer to do things, like, reading, spelling etc.

I know of someone with a six-year-old boy and when the children did their writing, they had to keep going up to the teacher’s desk to ask for a word to be spelt out, the child would write about ten words and spent the entire 20-minute session stood in the queue at the teacher’s desk. Isn’t that ridiculous and the other children would pick on him because he was stood there all the time and the teacher would make remarks like, ‘not you again’, ‘can’t you spell anything’.

This was just asking for problems as if the child didn’t have enough already. The other children soon picked up on this and then they join in too. Some teachers need to re-think this method of ‘teaching’.

Nobody, regardless of age, should have to put up with being bullied. Treat people as you expect to be treated.

Respect each other and ‘Stamp out Bullying Now’!

We all know how traumatic bullying can be!
Many of you know just how traumatic it can be when your children are being bullied at school; some of us will have been bullied ourselves when we were younger. I am not talking about the one-off isolated case, (although this is not very nice), but children who are being bullied on a regular basis. Whilst many parents may have tried to deal with the situation when it arose, it would appear dealing with the problem at the time, is not the end of it at all.

There have been many studies on bullying, but the following research is the first to look at how bullying affected students in mid-life. This study by King’s College London analysed over 7,000 cases of children born in 1958. The results showed that many men and women who had been bullied at school, were at higher risk of developing:
Weight-related issues, i.e.,

• Overweight
• Obesity

Mental health problems, i.e.,

• Such as Depression
• Alcoholism
• Higher blood inflammation leading to
  Type-2 Diabetes
• A higher risk of Strokes and
• Cardiovascular (heart) disease.

Stories in the Media

In many cases in the media over the last few years, we have often heard schools have thought it best to move the student being bullied out of the situation. This has outraged many parents because their child who has done nothing wrong is moved and the bully is not punished. Doesn’t seem fair, does it? It would appear that schools find this easiest. All schools have programmes to help prevent bullying behaviours, but this would often be at the cost of neglecting the children’s misery.

This is the first time; it appears that we now have proof that early intervention can help to stop these problems later on in life.
Who would have thought that by being bullied when you were at school could mean you were at higher risk of such serious health issues.

We must ‘Stamp out Bullying Now!

Help & Support – Bullying

Are you being Bullied? Do you know someone who is?

There are several excellent websites that can offer – free, confidential help for young people under 25. Get non-judgemental advice and support.

Kidscape
Help & support at: Kidscape
Our mission is to provide children, families, carers and professionals with advice, training and practical tools to prevent bullying and protect young lives.

http://www.kidscape.org.uk

NSPCC
Worried about a child? Contact our trained helpline counsellors for 24/7 help, advice and support.
NSPCC

• Is your child being bullied?
• How do you deal with bullying?
• How do you talk to children about bullying?

Thomson’s informative guide is an excellent book and will give you a lot of help and advice.

17-year old takes his own life
We must ‘Stamp out Bullying Now!’

Another youngster takes his own life after cyberbullying.

Why do these cowards find it easier to bully someone online and probably someone they don’t even know?

Cowards – I hope they are happy now!

A 17-year-old GAA player, from County Tyrone, was taken “advantage of and exploited” before taking his life over cyberbullying a priest told his mourners.
We must ‘Stamp out Bullying Now!’

Full Research Paper & Contact details:
Notes
Takizawa, R et al. (2015) ‘Bullying victimization in childhood predicts inflammation and obesity at mid-life: a five-decade birth cohort study’ Psychological Medicine doi:10.1017/S0033291715000653
For further media information, please contact Jack Stonebridge, Press Officer, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London jack.stonebridge@kcl.ac.uk/
For further information about King’s visit our ‘King’s in Brief’ page.

Dyslexia Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.’s)

We get quite a few questions from people asking about Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD’s), so I have tried to answer some of the more common questions.

1.          What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

2.          What causes Dyslexia?
Most specialists consider dyslexia to be a hereditary, genetic condition. Dyslexia often runs in families. The causes have not been fully established at the moment.
However, dyslexia can be caused by other ways, i.e., stroke, severe head injury etc.

3.          Is Dyslexia a ‘Gift’?
Many people think dyslexia is a ‘gift’ because they are very creative and are usually very good at their chosen career. Also, most self-made millionaires have dyslexia, and it is thought this is because they have the tenacity to succeed. Another reason may be that most dyslexics, ‘think outside of the box’, find it easier to ‘lead’ rather than work in a particular manner.

4.          Do People from other Countries have Dyslexia?
Dyslexia occurs from all races, backgrounds and abilities.

5.          What are the Symptoms of Dyslexia?
People with dyslexia usually have phonological difficulties (i.e., find it difficult to sort out sounds within words). This means they have problems with reading, writing, spelling, number work, short-term memory, hand control and visual processing. Timekeeping, sense of direction and interpersonal skills can also be affected. For a fuller description, go to the ‘Dyslexia Checklist’.

6.          Is Dyslexia an Illness?
Dyslexia is definitely not an illness; it is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

7.          Is Dyslexia a Disease?
Dyslexia is definitely not a disease; it is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

8.          Is Dyslexia considered a Disability?
Dyslexia is a Registered Disability under the Equality Act (2010).

9.          Is Dyslexia a Learning Disability?
Dyslexia is recognised as a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD)?

10.       Is Dyslexia Hereditary?

Most specialists consider dyslexia to be a hereditary, genetic condition. Dyslexia often runs in families.

11.       Do People from other Countries have Dyslexia?
Dyslexia occurs from all races, backgrounds and abilities.

12.       What are the Symptoms of Dyslexia?
People with Dyslexia usually have phonological difficulties (i.e., find it difficult to sort out sounds within words, this means they have problems with reading, writing, spelling, number work, short-term memory, hand control and visual processing. Timekeeping, sense of direction and interpersonal skills can also be affected. For a fuller description, go to the ‘Dyslexia Checklist’.

13.       Is Dyslexia an Illness?
Dyslexia is definitely not an illness, it is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

14.       Is Dyslexia a Disease?
Dyslexia is definitely not a disease, it is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

15.       Is Dyslexia considered a Disability?
Dyslexia is a Registered Disability under the Equality Act (2010).

16.       Is Dyslexia a Learning Disability?
Dyslexia is recognised as a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD)?

17.       Is Dyslexia Hereditary?
Most specialists consider Dyslexia to be a hereditary, genetic condition. Dyslexia often runs in families.

18.       How many People have Dyslexia?
Dyslexia affects approximately 10% of the population.

19.       Does Dyslexia affect Men and Women equally?
Until recently, it was thought that Dyslexia affected more males than females (approximately 75-80% men), however, there has been some research in the last few years, to suggest that it is more likely to be 50/50. Further research is being undertaken to try to find out more accurate figures.

20.       Are Dyslexics of Average Intelligence?
Dyslexics are often of high or above-average intelligence, these difficulties often result in incredible frustration, bearing in mind that dyslexics are usually of high or above-average intelligence.

21.       How many People have Dyslexia? 
Dyslexia affects approximately 10% of the population.

22.       Does Dyslexia affect Men and Women equally?
Until recently, it was thought that Dyslexia affected more males than females (approximately 75-80% men), however, there has been some research in the last few years, to suggest that it is more likely to be 50/50. Further research is being undertaken to try to find out more accurate figures.

23.       Are Dyslexics of Average Intelligence?
Dyslexics are often of high or above-average intelligence, these difficulties often result in incredible frustration, bearing in mind that dyslexics are usually of high or above-average intelligence.

24.       If I think I have Dyslexia, what signs should I look for?
Look at the signs for Dyslexia on the dyslexia checklist or go on-line and try one of the free dyslexia online tests.

25.       If you have Dyslexia will you always have it?
Yes, like colour blindness, it is permanent.

26.       Are there good things about having Dyslexia?
Yes, people with Dyslexia are usually very good at creative work and excel in areas such as:

Architecture
Arts
Computer sciences
Construction
Electronics
Engineering
Entertainment
Mathematics
Physics
Sports

27.       My school headmaster has told me that Dyslexia does not exist, what can I do about it?
In the UK, Dyslexia comes under the Equality Act (EA). Therefore, I think you should immediately make an official complaint to the Local Education Authority (LEA).  If you are outside the UK, where Dyslexia is not yet recognised try to offer help to the teachers, schools etc by showing them useful websites.

28.       Can you cure Dyslexia?
You cannot cure Dyslexia because it is not an illness. However, you can be taught ways to ‘overcome dyslexia’. Teachers should use multi-sensory learning methods.

29.       Can I demand the school assess my child for Dyslexia?

If you can show that your child needs a test, you can approach the teacher or headteacher and request an assessment. However, only the head-teacher can put your child forward for an assessment with an Educational Psychologist. Sometimes, this may take a very long time, whilst your child is falling further behind. It may be best for you to have your child tested privately.

30.       Is there a booklet where I can get factual information on Dyslexia and getting help at school?
Read the Code of Practice Information Booklet produced by the DfES.
Website: www.dfes.gov.uk.

31.       My son is at school, how can I get him tested for Dyslexia?
If you think your child has Dyslexia, you can ask the school to test/assess him, in the first instance:  Ask the class teacher, if you do not get a satisfactory answer in a reasonable time say (two weeks), Ask the head-teacher to intervene, if you still do not have a satisfactory response, it may be better to   Go private, to a Specialist Teacher for a Diagnostic Assessment. Or  Go private to an Educational Psychologist or Go to a Specialist Dyslexia Testing Centre.

34.       Is there any treatment for Dyslexia?
If your child’s difficulties are identified and an individual education plan (IEP) put into place the child should be able to overcome his problems. This would usually involve a specialist teacher putting in alternative approaches to his work, i.e., (multi-sensory teaching methods), which use all the senses – especially, visual techniques and physical movement. This method of teaching has proven to be highly effective and helps students to remember spellings more easily.

35.       Is there any research being carried out for Dyslexia?
*The NINDS and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health, including the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Mental Health, conduct research on Dyslexia. Current research avenues focus on developing techniques to diagnose and treat dyslexia and other learning disabilities, increasing the understanding of the biological basis of learning disabilities, and exploring the relationship between neurophysiological processes and cognitive functions with regard to reading ability.
*NINDS March 2005©

36.       Can you recommend some good books on Dyslexia?
There are hundreds of excellent good books around. dyslexia book list.

37.       Where can I get help for Dyslexia?
There are many useful organisations, click on dyslexia links.

38.       I want to get my child tested for Dyslexia, can I book a test?
Look at the signs for Dyslexia on the dyslexia checklist or go on-line and try one of the free dyslexia online tests.

39.       Can you test adults for Dyslexia?
Look at the signs for Dyslexia on the dyslexia checklist or go on-line and try one of the free dyslexia online tests.

40.       If I go to the Open University as a full-time student, can I get the ‘disabled student’s allowance’ (DSA)?

The Open University has a system in place similar to other Universities, to apply for the Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA), please go to their website. Open University to go direct to their website to obtain further help and advice.

It often takes quite a long time to claim this allowance so you need to apply for it as soon as you intend to go to a university.
The Government is making changes to the DSA now, so things may change with this benefit.

There are a lot of people that can give you help and support for dyslexia. You will find some below:

National Literacy Trust

The National Literacy Trust links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. We support those who work with learners through our innovative programmes, information and research. We bring together key organisations to lead literacy promotion in the UK
www.literacytrust.org

British Dyslexia Association
is the voice of dyslexic people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. One of the world’s leading dyslexia organisations.
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Helen Arkell Centre
Learning difficulties, specialist teacher training for teaching individuals with dyslexia, adults with dyslexia, speech and language.
www.arkellcentre.org.uk
Davis Dyslexia Association
International: Creative talents and learning disabilities; effective methods to teach reading and overcome academic problems.
www.dyslexia.com
The International Dyslexia Association
Formerly the Orton Dyslexia Association. Provides resources for professionals and families dealing with individuals with reading disabilities.
www.dyslexiaida.com
Dyslexic.com
Software for dyslexia, talking computers, text to speech synthesis, speech recognition and TextHelp.
www.dyslexia.com
Levinson Medical Centre for Learning Disabilities
is dedicated to resolving misconceptions of dyslexia and related attention deficit and anxiety disorders.
www.dyslexiaonline.com
Bristol Dyslexia Centre
Find out more about dyslexia and famous dyslexics. Online learning/teaching system with cartoons, games, fun resources, Nessy and Silly Bull.
www.dyslexiacentre.co.uk
Dyslexia Research Trust
A charity established to support research into the nature and causes of developmental dyslexia and to help children with visually impaired dyslexic problems.
www.dyslexic.org.uk
Bangor Dyslexia Unit
brief details on the Bangor University Dyslexia Unit.
www.dyslexia.bangor.ac.uk
Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
The experiences resulting from having a learning disability increases the likelihood of having a mental health problem. A 2007 study found that 20-40% of people with learning disabilities had a mental health problem.
Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
Indigo Dyslexia Centre
Charity, helping parents of dyslexic children and adults.
www.indigodyslexiacentre.co.uk
(Crested) – The Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils
Very useful with lots of advice.
www.crested.org.uk
The National Association for the REgistration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils (NASEN)
NASEN aims to promote the education, training advancement and development of all those with special educational needs.
www.nasen.org.uk
The Dyslexia Institute (Dyslexia Action)
Dyslexia Action is a national charity and the UK’s leading provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
www.dysexiaaction.org.uk
Education Otherwise
A self-help group of families involved in home education.
www.education-otherwise.org
European Dyslexia Association (International)
Assists to develop support for dyslexic people in their educational social and cultural integration into society.
www.eda.co.uk
Dyslexia Association of Ireland
It aims to promote awareness of Specific Learning Disability (SLD/Dyslexia) and to serve the needs of people with this difficulty.
www.dyslexia.ie.
World Dyslexia Network Foundation (WDNF)
For international contacts and project details.
www.icdri.org

Dyslexia & Legal Advice

This will be added shortly.  Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused.