Autisim and Dyslexia

[Minx]

Hi

 

I wonder if anyone could help. My 7 year old son was diagnosed with ASD at 3 and Dyspraxia. He is in a main stream school with a full statement and teaching assistant. He still does not read and has only just been able to write his name. The school do not seem to be addressing his reading. I wondered if he is dylexic. How do we get a diagnosis for this or does he need a diagnosis and should he be having specialist teaching.

 

I do not know what to do next.

 

 

 

Minx

[Mumble]

Hi

 

Have you looked into sensory issues (particularly visual and auditory) that often go hand in hand with ASDs that may manifest as dyslexic symptoms? If these are an issue, specialist dyslexia tuition may or may not help, but addressing the sensory issues (if there are issues) could make a difference. Visual and auditory processing difficulties are very common in ASDs (I have both). Not being able to see the page properly because of the way the light in the classroom shimmers and not being able to process what the teacher says (although being able to hear) may present as 'dyslexia'.

 

It's a shame Ian no longer posts, but do a search for Ian Jordan and have a look at his website, as that explains some of the issues. Also Olga Bogdashina's book on sensory processing in autism is very useful.

[lynne]

Hi Minx,

 

Is your son able to show learning has taken place in another way e.g talking into a tape machine to make a story instead of writing it.

 

Has the Ed Psy done an IQ test on him?

 

My 10 year old son is also autistic with alot of sensory issues (sensory integration dysfunction with sensory modulation difficulty).

 

He to was struggling with recording his work (even with a full time learning support assistant),and after many years of me complaining the school did do a dyslexic assessment on him. You would think the Ed Psy would be the person to do the assessment but no. The school can invite I think its called school suppport to come in and do the assessment or the senco can do it herself.

 

Also the British Dyslexia Association will carry out a test for a small fee. But there is a waiting list.

 

Hope this helps

 

Lyn

[Karen A]

Hi Minx.Writing difficulties can also occur in Dyspraxia due to sensory integration difficulties and difficulties with the actual physical task of writing...things like pencil grip.Ben has Dyspraxia and had difficulties with writing however he is very able when using a computer.

Ben was not assessed for ASD/dyspraxia until he was 7.The assessment done by the EP included an assessment of intelligence and assessments to check for specific learning difficulties.

If your DS has not had any further assessments since Dx then it may be worth asking the SENCO to request an EP assessment.The EP would be the professional most likely to be able to help in deciding whether the difficulties your DS is having could be dyslexia or whether they are more likely to be ASD related.

Karen.