Mother calls for support for dyslexia assessments

Natalie saw a huge boost in her sons' confidence following their dyslexia diagnosis

A mother from Guernsey is calling for more support to allow people to get a dyslexia diagnosis in the island.

Natalie, who is dyslexic, said she saw a huge boost in confidence for her two sons once they were formerly diagnosed.

She said: "To be told, 'actually you're not stupid' was a massive thing for them."

A spokesman for the States said it was not necessary to seek a formal diagnosis of dyslexia in order to access support.

'Confidence change'

Dyslexia primarily affects the processes involved in reading and spelling.

Natalie said her sons Finley, 15, and Sebby, 10, had benefitted from a formal diagnosis.

She said: "The diagnosis has been so important because they all of a sudden had a massive confidence change.

"In the diagnosis report it shows look how clever you are and you're intelligence is off the scale.

"It's just you have this part of your brain that can't process things as quickly."

Natalie said Sebby used to feel confused during class and told her he was "two lines behind everybody else" when the teacher wrote on the board.

Of Finley she said: "He doesn't enjoy lessons that involve a lot of writing but following his diagnosis now understands why instead he can look forward to the art subjects such as drama and music."

Finley enjoys arts subjects in school such as music and drama

A spokesperson for Education said there was wide support available for people with dyslexia.

"As well as an ALNCo (additional learning needs co-ordinator) who has oversight of all children in the school, each primary school has at least one language and literacy specialist intervention teacher who is specially trained to identify, assess for and support a range of literacy needs, including dyslexia.

"Ten of these teachers have achieved a level 5 qualification in teaching dyslexic learners from either the British Dyslexia Association or Dyslexia Action."

They said obtaining a diagnosis of dyslexia would not lead to additional support within school unless the child had been identified by school as a priority for intervention due to their difficulty accessing the curriculum.

They added: "It is therefore unnecessary to seek a formal diagnosis of dyslexia to access support."