Dyslexia is a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols. Between 5 and 10% of the population has dyslexia. At Kids First, we believe dyslexia is a gift and not something to ashamed of. Children and adults with dyslexia think differently, they process information differently and they come up with creative and amazing ideas.
Speech & Language Therapist
/ Dyslexia Specialist
SENCo & Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist
conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether your child is dyslexic or not
identify strengths and areas of needs so that we can set appropriate targets
improve your child’s awareness of his/her profile and encourage them to explore other amazing people who are dyslexic
build confidence to try new approaches to understanding and using written and spoken language
provide a safe place to practise and learn taught strategies
liaise with school staff to ensure strategies are transferred into the classroom
raise awareness of dyslexia in your child’s school
If your child requires a dyslexia assessment, you can expect a 3-4 hour assessment process so please account for this in your child’s timetable. Ideally assessments are done in the morning (at school, at Kids First or at your home) when your child is as alert as possible. There will be frequent breaks so please pack some snacks. Although the assessment can be tough for most children, Mary and Linda will always aim to boost your child’s self esteem, provide gentle encouragement and a warm acceptance of their needs. We hope that, despite the challenge, children leave their dyslexia assessment feeling excited about the findings knowing that, finally, someone is going to ‘get them’.
Once Mary / Linda has written the report, you will have a clearer picture of the needs of your child. Together you can discuss the best course of action and this may include staff training in your child’s school and / or a period of intervention.
Linda provides the ongoing dyslexia intervention and will follow the most appropriate research-based methods in order to support your child on his/her literacy journey. Intervention is usually once or twice per week for 45 minutes to one hour. A significant aim in all our interventions is to boost self esteem and encourage dyslexic children to view their challenges in a positive light. We will spend some time researching famous people with dyslexia / challenges in the hope that your child will begin to see themsleves as having the same potential as everyone else (if not more!).
Should you require a dyslexia assessment, ongoing intervention for dyslexia or teacher training, you will be allocated Mary or Linda who will see your child at Kids First or at school.
Mary joined Word First in 2015 working as a Speech and Language therapist in primary mainstream schools. She has always found the link between language and literacy development fascinating and intertwined. In 2017, Mary qualified with a Level 7 Post Graduate Certificate in dyslexia, which qualified her to undertake dyslexia assessments, tuition and training.
BA (Hons); MA Literacy Learning & Literacy Difficulties; PGCE; PGCSEND; Dip SpLD (Level 7); Assessor for Access Arrangements (CCET + AAC)