Initially, most potentially Dyslexic children come to the attention of the Institute through concerned parents or teachers. The first step, if you are a worried parent, therefore, is to contact your Childs' school, who may be able to provide some help and advice. Should you decide to contact us, the first step is to organise a formal assessment. Initially, the Institute will ask parents and teachers to fill out a questionaire. Two types of assessment are available: Psychological, and Educational. Psychological assessments are made by one of our fully qualified psychologists, using tests specifically designed for the Institute. Beforehand, the psychologists will explain the purpose of the tests, and review the history of the child.

The procedure takes place at one our centres, generally without the parents being present. The tests include measures of general ability, also, reading, writing, spelling and number tests, as well as "diagnostic" tests of important functions such as

phonological ("sound") skills, memory and visual perception. Generally, this takes around two hours.

The aim of an assessment is to build up a profile of a students particular strengths and weaknesses. From these, recommendations will be made about (for instance) which areas a child may need extra help. Psychological assessments can also help in distinguishing between a possible diagnosis of Dyslexia and other common learning problems. The psychologist will discuss these recommendations with parents, and will issue a full report.

Psychological assessments can be useful in obtaining (or appealing against) statements of special educational need, and concessions for certificates for examinations. Unfortunately, due to the amount of work involved, a psychological assessment currently costs £250. Educational assessments were introduced in response to a need for less expensive and time-consuming assessment. A suitable qualified D.I. teacher can undertake them. The tests used are similar to those used in a full assessment, and should show up show up areas where specialist teaching may help. They cannot, however, provide a full diagnosis. The cost of an educational assessment is £190.

Teaching

Since every person varies in their particular needs, the first step is to meet and plan the particular lessons which the student requires. Without a psychologists report, the cost of this interview is £57. With a report, the cost is £36.25. In some cases, interview and tuition fees can be met by the Scottish Bursary Fund for Dyslexia. There are also other organisations that, on occasion, will meet these costs. (For instance some G.P's or Local Education Authorities) Contact us for details.

Over the years the Institute has built up a particular teaching philosophy. We have found, for instance, that the most progress is made if the student is taught at first on there own, and then in groups of two or three. The Institute uses a phonic approach. It has been found that, in general, children learn the sounds that make up words. As they develop, associations between sounds and symbols are learnt. Most children are, for instance, taught how to "sound out" a word they are having difficulty in spelling. Finally, the rules which govern language (around 85% of english language words correspond to a few simple rules). Dyslexics often find learning sound to symbol corespondances difficult, frustrating later language development.

Teaching is also structured and cumulative.Depending on need, the student will be taught individual at the level of individual letters, then move on to words, then sentences, and finally larger texts. Equally, a small range of letters will be used at first, the repertoire being gradually increased over time.

We also use multi-sensory techniques. We have found that memory retention is greatly improved if Students not only see a new letter or word, but also touch it, hear it, smell it, or (if neccesary) taste it!

We always attempt to make lessons as interesting, and as relevant to the school work/lives of the student as possible. Help will be given in transfering knowledge learned at the Institute to the school environment. An important part of teaching is to inspire confidence, and a greater feeling of self-worth within the pupil. The student will also be taught study skills, how to plan there work more effectively, and to gradually to become an "independent learner".

We often find that a pupil taught to these aims will catch up, and eventually overtake, the average reading level for their age.

The Institute develops and uses it's own study programmes and materials. Some of these are pictured on the information page and the "what is Dyslexia?" page. It is also sometimes possible for the public to buy some of these materials, such as "Units of Sound" cd-rom. See our parent organisation site for details.