11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi, slightly off topic but getting nowhere finding a forum for this that isn't american or blinding me with information overload. Ds, aged 8, has just been diagnosed with dyslexia, I am waiting on the report. A big problem is his handwriting, he is learning to read pretty well for a boy (although he adds words in!) but writing style and actually getting him to write is very hard work. He also has concentration issues in class - EP said that he has a short working memory.

Anyway what I am asking is: does anyone know of a good tutor for dyslexia and dysgraphia. I will be asking at Dyslexia Action Uk as well, where he was tested, but it is always nice to have a recommendation. I really think I need to do something as his writing and reading is clearly holding him back - his maths is fantastic. He wants to start 11 plus tuition in Sept, when dd sits her 11 plus, I keep telling him that he probably needs a different type of tutor to help with his writing - feel really bad for him, I just don't think he could cope with the English at the moment to even start to be tutored for it.

Help anyone, I want him to be able to give his best. I feel bad that I have given my dd so much of my time over the last year with the 11 plus, but not much to him. Things will change in September!

Hello

Sorry I can't help but have literally just had the same thing happen with my son who's 6 1/2 - he was diagnosed with both mild dyslexia and dysgraphia and poor working memory but is brilliant at maths (= to a 10 yr old!!) yesterday and trying to look for help was a bit overwhelming and he also wants to take 11 plus (although I appreciate a bit further away than your ds). So if you do find anything I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know - and vice versa

Crikey that could be my boy, I will keep you posted. Another thing I was told he has is auditory processing problems, I need to really sit down with the report when it comes.

Did you have him tested in Chelmsford?
Is that the area you would be looking for a tutor?
If you can get to Colchester then check out Annette Ground's clinic at CPOC - she has a great programme of activities. Its not in place of a tutor but works to develop the skills for short term and visual memory.

Yes it was Chelmsford. Thank you . Colchester might be a bit far but I will look her up.

Can I ask how much time your child spends with electronic goods (TV, computers, electronic games, ipads, etc)?

I know that they have been diagnosed by professionals but sometimes the answers might be simple.

Even a small amount of exposure to gadgets can have an effect on their concentration spans and reading, etc. I have seen this with my children and with a number of other children.

leanmeamum wrote:Can I ask how much time your child spends with electronic goods (TV, computers, electronic games, ipads, etc)?

I know that they have been diagnosed by professionals but sometimes the answers might be simple.

Even a small amount of exposure to gadgets can have an effect on their concentration spans and reading, etc. I have seen this with my children and with a number of other children.

Unfortunately much more than he should at the moment just to get work done with dd. he doesn't in the school week that much, maybe half an hour to an hour a day. i am the only one with an iPad / iPhone. He does scrounge those a bit. It will change in Sept when I can concentrate on him more again, really feel guilty about it but dd only has 5 weeks left

Araucana girl wrote:

leanmeamum wrote:Can I ask how much time your child spends with electronic goods (TV, computers, electronic games, ipads, etc)?

I know that they have been diagnosed by professionals but sometimes the answers might be simple.

Even a small amount of exposure to gadgets can have an effect on their concentration spans and reading, etc. I have seen this with my children and with a number of other children.

Unfortunately much more than he should at the moment just to get work done with dd. he doesn't in the school week that much, maybe half an hour to an hour a day. i am the only one with an iPad / iPhone. He does scrounge those a bit. It will change in Sept when I can concentrate on him more again, really feel guilty about it but dd only has 5 weeks left

Please don't feel guilty. We all have to manage within the realities of life.
Its certainly worth trying to control access. There are also specific 'games' for laptop and ipad that can be used to improve skills so maybe try them during the time you decide to allow access - the Wii has some as well.

There are various 'real' games and activities that you could try. Any ball games that include catching, throwing and hitting, playing a musical instrument, card games.....

An electronic wobble board is another idea - the retail company that has catalogues you order from in store has them (also web site)

Try to cut back on 'electronic time' as soon as you are able to and you will find a lot of improvement within few days. I had the same problem with my children and when I first cut back on these item, I was shocked. It was as though they were having withdrawals but I had to be strong and ride it out for a week after which it was much better. I noticed a massive difference in 2 weeks and by the 3rd week even the teachers commented on the change.

Dyslexia does liink with ADD so it may have nothing to do with gaming.