Step 1: The link (just below) has a simple visual flow chart to get you started.
If you suspect your child has a learning difficulty, please don’t wait to ‘see how they go’. Trust your gut instincts and if you think something is not right I encourage you to explore the possibility your child has dyslexia. The good thing is, the earlier it’s picked up, the better it is for your child, yourself and your family unit. Learning at school will be challenging for a dyslexic, BUT it can be made soooooooooooooooooo much better and your child will be happier with the right supports in place.
https://dsf.net.au/families/when-should-a-child-be-assessed
Step 2: Complete an online screening tool
Doing these online screeners help to refine your instincts and gives you information from which you can share with professionals who may assess your child.
Could it be Dyslexia? Checklist (Freebie) – Butterfly Publishing
https://dyslexiatest.me/
https://auspeld.org.au/screening-tool/
Step 3: Accessing resources and local support
If the previous screeners have shown there is a high chance your child has dyslexia, then read through these reliable websites for further information. Some states (in Australia) have different requirements for assessment so it’s worth checking the process with a local dyslexia support network.
https://codereadnetwork.org/help-is-here/where-to-go/
https://dsf.net.au/resources/free-resources
https://www.nessy.com/en-gb/dyslexia-explained/free-learning-resources
Step 4: Have a dyslexia assessment
This process looks different depending on where you live, some states a psychologist can assess and diagnose dyslexia, whereas other states a speech therapist and/or a learning specialist can. Regardless, the assessment will show areas that need support which is exactly what you need to move forward with individualized tutoring. A diagnosis is the best thing you can do for your child as it takes the pressure off them, classroom teachers can be directed to better teaching methods, a diagnosis explains why they are already feeling the way they are and gives direction to move forward.
Step 5: Receive regular individualized support
Once you have a diagnosis, it will be clear what support is required. Usually a structured synthetic program will be needed. There are many to choose from. The ones listed here are used by many learning centres, individual tutors and schools.
Approved List (by Australian dyslexia experts) of Structured Synthetic Phonics Programs.
This advice has been compiled by me, a mother of a dyslexic daughter. It combines my experience and some other friends experiences. I thought a general guide would help to show the process. Working through dyslexia is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t expect changes overnight, it’s not how the brain’s neural pathways operate. There is nothing wrong with their brain. Dyslexic brains have ‘language roads’ (neural pathways) that take the scenic route, compared to a neurotypical brain that takes the highway. They will be able to read, it just takes them longer, but once it’s stuck in their long term memory it’s there. Send me any questions, happy to help. Marnie ;o)