ABSTRACT
The word ‘dyslexia’ has entered into mainstream conversation and is commonly used, but it still generates controversy. A crossword puzzle in The Times gave the letters ‘dy’, ‘x’ and ‘a’ as a clue for ‘dyslexia’ and the answer was ‘a reading disorder’. This pinpoints the inaccuracies, misinformation and folklore that still surround a condition that:
implies vastly more than a delay in learning to read, which is but the tip of the iceberg. [It also should be applied to] the use of words, how they are identified, what
• What is dyslexia? • What are the early warning signs of SEN? Guidelines for concerned
parents and carers • Who’s who of educational and healthcare professionals • What is the significance of early intervention for those with SpLD? • Extrinsic factors that may affect language acquisition • Checklist to help identify children at risk of dyslexia/dyspraxia • What speaking and listening skills do children need to function effectively? • Speech and language disorders indicative of SEN with suggestions to help
compensate and overcome them. • Activities to help with sequencing and with fine and gross motor difficulties • What is dyspraxia (DCD)? • Indications of dyspraxia with suggestions to help • Difficulties associated with laterality, directionality and time; suggestions
to help compensate and overcome them • Terms and conditions to include in a happy family’s ‘homework treaty’ • Websites for pre-school activities, homework and revision • Checklist for resources and a shopping list for dyslexic and dyspraxic pupils • Hints on why and how to use ICT resources • Summary and conclusions
they signify, how they are handled in combination, how they are pronounced and how they are spelt.
