Welcome! First of all thank you for taking the time and interest to visit this page. At Holy Family we want the best for your child and if your child is struggling please be assured that we are here to support you every step of the way.
If you are concerned that your child may have dyslexia or their class teacher has brought it up with you it is essential that you act upon it. Naturally there will be a feeling of worry but it is best to confront the issue rather than shy away from it. At the end of the day if your child is really struggling you will want to do everything you can for them. As do we.
As a whole school when we talk with parents/ guardians about the possibility of dyslexia a common response is “Ah sure I was always bad at spelling myself.” or “They have always been poor at spelling.” The problem tends be avoided after the meeting. In some other cases the advice is acted upon and that is the best way forward.
First of all it is important to know that dyslexia is a lot more than just struggling with spelling. There could be other underlying issues. Also it is important to know that dyslexia is hereditary. You may or may not be dyslexic yourself but your partner or other family members could be including grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.
Often there is a fear/ anxiety to act upon advice given but if you have been recommended that your child be assessed it is actually a win win situation. Meaning…

  • If the outcomes say no they are not dyslexic there is an element of relief. The next step will be to look at other ways to identify exactly what they are finding difficult and suggest ways to help them.
  • If the report confirms dyslexia, a tailored learning plan can be put in place to help support both you and your child. This plan will be designed to suit their personal learning style and help them experience success at all levels.

Either way, by having the conversation and acting upon advice given you are paving the way forward for your child to be the best that they can be. If it is let go too long your child will continue to suffer. Many children will do so in silence, embarrassed to admit that they are falling behind their peers.
There is a wealth of resources and information out nowadays to help people with dyslexia. Many famous and successful people are dyslexic. Dyslexia never goes away but it is extremely manageable. The future is very positive!
Key point to remember: You are your child’s voice! School is an extremely tough place for them if they are struggling. Early Intervention is essential!

Facts
Here is an insight into some of the facts about dyslexia. There are many more. Make sure and look up and find out what dyslexia is and isn’t.

  • 10% of the population are dyslexic. i.e. 1 in 10. In a class of 30, 3 children could be dyslexic.
  • Dyslexia ranges from mild to moderate to severe
  • Dyslexia is a learning difference. It does not mean that a person is lazy or stupid!
  • Dyslexia is hereditary
  • Did you know Albert Einstein, Richard Branson, Roald Dahl, Whoopi Goldberg, Keira Knightley and Brendan O’Carroll are just some of the many successful people who are dyslexic?
  • Some firms look to employ or only employ people with dyslexia given their gift to see things differently to others!

What steps should I take if I am concerned my child could be dyslexic?
There are a few steps you should follow to help address your concerns. Please see below.

  • Remember you are your child’s voice. Speak up for them.
  • Read up on what dyslexia is and isn’t. Visit the Dyslexia Association of Ireland
  • Familarise yourself with possible indicators of dyslexia. You can do so here
  • Have a chat with your child’s class teacher about it. Don’t put it on the long finger. Any conversation is productive.
  • If the class teacher brings it to your attention first. Please please act on it. Reluctancy to take action will have a negative impact on your child’s confidence and can severely limit the success they will experience at school. This has a life lasting affect on their self-esteem as they grow up.
  • Do not rush ahead with an assessment. Make sure and inform yourself first and check out everything with us here at school.

If an assessment has been agreed as the best way forward please be aware of the following.

  • The unfortunate reality of the situation is that if you would like an assessment to happen quickly you will have to go privately. An assessment could cost over €400 but remember it is money well spent! Always ask if reductions in price are available. The school has some contacts.
  • If you try to put your child’s name within the school system you will be added at the bottom of a very long list and could be waiting for up to two years! That will be two years wasted when interventions could have been put into place. In saying that, once agreed that an assessment is needed, it is best to double check within the school if that waiting time is still the case.
  • If an assessment has taken place and the outcome confirms dyslexia come back to us here in school and we will advise you of what supports are available.
  • Visit the Reading Classes section of the website where there is a lot of other useful information. There is also another section available in the Parents section.
  • Remember we are with you every step of the way!

The Reading Classes are set up for children who have severe dyslexia.