Dyslexia diagnosis

[suppermommy]

Now that CA is testing and recognizing dyslexia can I request my child be assessed by the school for Dyslexia? My child already has an IEP for APD, ADD but I know she has Dyslexia as well, it's clear as day, I just never got the formal diagnosis, she is almost a senior and I thought it would be good to have that formal diagnosis.

[healthy11]

I'm wondering when your daughter's last formal evaluation took place? It seems like a learning disability in reading, even if they didn't formally call it dyslexia, should have been noted at that time, because it's not a condition that "appears overnight." (My state doesn't recognize the term dyslexia, but my child's difficulties when reading were still apparent.)

If for some reason your daughter wasn't tested by the school, but just got her IEP based on a private Dr's diagnosis of ADD and APD, then I suppose you could request an evaluation now, however I'm wondering what you really hope to have happen because of it? In all likelihood, even if you request testing now, it won't be done for several months, and by then your daughter will be in her senior year. I'm guessing her existing IEP already has accommodations like extended time for class assignments, but what else do they provide? I doubt very much that the school would add reading remediation at this point in time. Is your daughter even willing to be tested again, much less go to a resource room for services if they determine that she does have dyslexia?

Please understand, I'm not trying to be "difficult," but it helps to weigh the pros and cons about what you're hoping to gain. If your daughter is looking ahead towards attending college, know that they won't provide any remediation. They will provide accommodations, however, so if having a dyslexia diagnosis now can give her new opportunities to have books on tape, or tests read aloud to her, then perhaps it would be worth going through the evaluation process again.

[eoffg]

It would be well worth getting a free school evaluation diagnosis. You wrote that she is almost a senior. Where the main thing, is to plan for when she finishes high school.
If she applies to college and wants any accommodations? She will need to provide the college with an evaluation that is no more than 3 years old. Which you will have to pay for, once she finishes high school.

But equally, if she applies for a job and wants any accommodations? She will need a more recent diagnosis.
Where a diagnosis will legally entitle her to accommodations.

While her difficulties that you would define as Dyslexia, are quite a result of the APD ?
Their is little recognition of APD, so that it would be better to have it defined as Dyslexia.

[healthy11]

Eoffg,
You must have better job protection guidelines in Australia...I'm sorry to say that most people looking for work in the U.S., if they ask for accommodations, would not get a job offer in the first place. While it's supposed to be against the laws, companies often find "legitimate ways" to get around hiring most applicants who reveal disabilities; they don't come out and say that a need for accommodations is the reason why they won't hire the person. For example, they may just claim, "Sorry, we had other job candidates who had prior experience" or "Our needs have changed, and we have decided not to hire anyone at this time."

If you look at different forums, the overwhelming interview recommendation is "DON'T say you have ADHD/LDs." www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18854

If you end up getting a job, and are struggling, and think accommodations would help, some people still suggest trying to request the accommodations without revealing your diagnosis: www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/816.html

[bros]

Apr 9, 2016 8:26:05 GMT -5 healthy11 said:

Eoffg,
You must have better job protection guidelines in Australia...I'm sorry to say that most people looking for work in the U.S., if they ask for accommodations, would not get a job offer in the first place. While it's supposed to be against the laws, companies often find "legitimate ways" to get around hiring most applicants who reveal disabilities; they don't come out and say that a need for accommodations is the reason why they won't hire the person. For example, they may just claim, "Sorry, we had other job candidates who had prior experience" or "Our needs have changed, and we have decided not to hire anyone at this time."

If you look at different forums, the overwhelming interview recommendation is "DON'T say you have ADHD/LDs." www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18854

If you end up getting a job, and are struggling, and think accommodations would help, some people still suggest trying to request the accommodations without revealing your diagnosis: www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/816.html

I've always been told to ask for accommodations after signing the contract, but before starting, if you know you will have trouble with specific things

[healthy11]

Bros, I believe it really depends on whether a person has a "visible" disability or not, and the type of job a person is applying for. Although I've never met you in person, you've mentioned that you have a thin build, along with hand and muscle weakness. I'm not sure if your gait is affected. I'm guessing that an interviewer may already suspect that you're dealing with some physical challenges, but wouldn't know the specifics unless you chose to tell them. Not only that, but when applying for a job that involves interacting with other people who have LDs, like your situation of being a special ed teacher, then sharing details of your circumstances could be an asset, since you can better relate to the students in your classroom. Unfortunately, for many jobs outside of education/social services, individuals with disabilities are viewed unfavorably. It's a shame, because there are many bright, capable people who aren't being given the opportunities to show what they really can accomplish, if only some simple accommodations are provided.

Obviously, I don't know how suppermommy's daughter presents herself. If she doesn't have any outward physical indicators of having ADHD/APD, then chances are a person who interviews her won't suspect it, unless she tells them. My son, with his ADHD/dyslexia/dysgraphia and occasional panic/anxiety attacks, doesn't outwardly "look" like he has any issues, unless you notice him tapping his foot or fidgeting when he sits for awhile. Fortunately, my son said all new employees at his engineering company are given a choice of a "convertible" or standard desk when they first start: he took the adjustable one where he can stand or sit, since he likes to move around. He's had at least one panic/anxiety attack while at work, but he just told his boss that he "wasn't feeling well" and went home early. My son uses a computer for most of his work assignments, and he's been able to perform as well as his peers on the job. A few weeks ago, he got a promotion, so at this point, anyway, I don't think he's going to change what he's been saying; he's letting his work accomplishments speak for him.

[bros]

Apr 9, 2016 14:35:48 GMT -5 healthy11 said:

Bros, I believe it really depends on whether a person has a "visible" disability or not, and the type of job a person is applying for. Although I've never met you in person, you've mentioned that you have a thin build, along with hand and muscle weakness. I'm not sure if your gait is affected. I'm guessing that an interviewer may already suspect that you're dealing with some physical challenges, but wouldn't know the specifics unless you chose to tell them. Not only that, but when applying for a job that involves interacting with other people who have LDs, like your situation of being a special ed teacher, then sharing details of your circumstances could be an asset, since you can better relate to the students in your classroom. Unfortunately, for many jobs outside of education/social services, individuals with disabilities are viewed unfavorably. It's a shame, because there are many bright, capable people who aren't being given the opportunities to show what they really can accomplish, if only some simple accommodations are provided.

Obviously, I don't know how suppermommy's daughter presents herself. If she doesn't have any outward physical indicators of having ADHD/APD, then chances are a person who interviews her won't suspect it, unless she tells them. My son, with his ADHD/dyslexia/dysgraphia and occasional panic/anxiety attacks, doesn't outwardly "look" like he has any issues, unless you notice him tapping his foot or fidgeting when he sits for awhile. Fortunately, my son said all new employees at his engineering company are given a choice of a "convertible" or standard desk when they first start: he took the adjustable one where he can stand or sit, since he likes to move around. He's had at least one panic/anxiety attack while at work, but he just told his boss that he "wasn't feeling well" and went home early. My son uses a computer for most of his work assignments, and he's been able to perform as well as his peers on the job. A few weeks ago, he got a promotion, so at this point, anyway, I don't think he's going to change what he's been saying; he's letting his work accomplishments speak for him.

Yeah, my gait is slightly affected.

[healthy11]

Instead of looking at what an applicant isn't able to do well, it would be great if hiring managers would concentrate on a person's capabilities and strengths (and I'm not talking physical strength, unless a job really requires it, like being a firefighter and having to lug heavy equipment.) Hopefully, by the time a student is ready to graduate from H.S., they have a sense of what they do well, and they select a college and/or career path that emphasizes those areas. (For example, my son is a poor writer/speller, and he'd need many more accommodations if he tried to be a journalist. Instead, he focused on his stronger areas of math and science, where he doesn't require many accommodations. Engineering was a good choice for him.)

A "fear of the unknown" sometimes prevents companies from taking a chance on someone "different" than they're used to hiring, even when disabilities aren't part of the equation... My son has a good friend, who graduated with an architecture degree from a local university. The guy happens to have ADHD and dyslexia, but like my son, he had no intention of mentioning them when he was job hunting. The hardest part was getting companies to extend an interview in the first place...with the slow economy, and not much new construction taking place, there aren't many entry-level architect openings. It took almost a year, but the guy persevered in sending out resumes, and finally got an offer from a firm that was opening a new office in the Chicago area. They basically said, "we aren't familiar with graduates from your university, so we'll start you out as an intern, and see how it goes." To make a long story short, he got two promotions within the first year, and his managers have been so pleased that they've asked him if he knows other students from the same school who want to work for the company...Three others have been hired that I know of; there may be even more. It's a good thing my son's friend made a positive first impression, and his ADHD/dyslexia didn't adversely impact his performance, otherwise the company may have assumed (incorrectly) that all students from the local university were poor job candidates.

My point is essentially to demonstrate that companies seldom hire people with "different" backgrounds than they're used to; they're fearful of what they don't know. A job applicant who starts off by talking about their limitations and requesting accommodations is likely to be seen as less capable than an applicant who doesn't mention any issues, even if the limitations barely impact job performance, because companies don't know any better.

Sadly, on a related note, here's an article that says even revealing past treatment for cancer can have negative job impact: www.ozy.com/acumen/you-survived-cancer-good-luck-getting-a-job/66662

[eoffg]

Healthy, the subject of 'accommodations', highlights the outdated model of education?
Where doing all written work using a keyboard, is seen as an accommodation.
Even use of 'Spell-Check', can be seen as an accommodation. As well as use of 'grammar correction' software.
As well as recording notes, instead of writing them.
Along with the use of 'speech to text', and 'text to speech' software.

Where after explaining to an employer that one has Dyslexia and needs to use these accommodations?
The employer might reply with ?
But that is how we do things here, what real accommodations do you need?

Equally, if someone with Dyscalculia? States that they can only do math using a calculator?
The employer might be puzzled, replying that all employees use a calculator.

Healthy, technology is rapidly redefining Learning Disorders, into Learning Differences.

[healthy11]

Apr 11, 2016 7:52:55 GMT -5 eoffg said:

...technology is rapidly redefining Learning Disorders, into Learning Differences.

Without a doubt, many new tools now exist that allow people to communicate and go about their daily lives in an easier way than before! Hopefully, progress will continue, to enable everyone, both with LDs and without, to have a more "level playing field."

Eoffg, I'm curious...do you know whether young students in Australian schools are using tablets or laptops or other computers on a regular basis? I'm hearing about more and more schools in the U.S., even for 1st and 2nd grades, giving students access to technology. By the time students reach high school (9th grade) many are given a tablet upon enrollment, and they're doing most of their assignments without pencils, paper, or even textbooks.

[eoffg]

Healthy, our federal govt wants all school students, to do most of their work on laptops or ipads.
At first, the govt was providing each student with a free laptop, tablet.
But now parents have to buy them, which has slowed down the introduction.

Though in 2 years, computer coding will be introduced as part of the curriculum. Which will start in 1st grade. So that it might become compulsory, that every student has a laptop/ tablet?
Our govt views computer literacy as crucial to our economy, so that it strongly supports a transition from pen and paper, to computers.
So that pen and paper might disappear from the classroom?

But the pen might make a return as the 'Smart-Pen', and replace the laptops/tablets?
Where a student's desk becomes a networked computer terminal. Which they simply plug their Smart-Pen into.

[healthy11]

It seems like Australia is at the forefront of education, at least in terms of teaching computer coding.
I wonder, if parents must purchase their own laptops or tablets, are they all buying the same type? It seems like here in the U.S., Apple Company must have some special discount arrangement to provide schools with their "i-products," however once people are beyond elementary school, Windows and Android items seem to be more prevalent.

[eoffg]

Healthy, I'll add a link to a page to help parents work out what to buy, in one of our states.
But is much the same in all states.

Though I recently helped a friend to buy a laptop to use in high school.
Where the school only required something that could run Photoshop software.
From a practical view in schools, it's the Software that is most important.
Where the situation might become, with schools buying a range of student software licences.
Then parents will need just need to provide the hardware, which needs to be able to run the school software.

But it is really an experiment at this stage, as it all gets worked out?
www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/tablets-and-personal-media-devices/tablets/buying-guides/back-to-school-tech

[healthy11]

Thank you for sharing the link. It's most interesting.

Apr 13, 2016 7:44:38 GMT -5 eoffg said:

But it is really an experiment at this stage, as it all gets worked out?
www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/tablets-and-personal-media-devices/tablets/buying-guides/back-to-school-tech

Yes, in many ways it is an experiment, but I suppose it has to start somewhere! Who was it that said, "The only constant is change itself?" It makes me realize how our older parents/grandparents must have felt, when inventions like television were first being brought into their homes.

[suppermommy]

Thank you for all the thoughtful responses....

How should I get about making this request and what would my reasoning be behind it?

[healthy11]

When was your daughter's last formal evaluation? Was it conducted by her current school?

[suppermommy]

Last eval was almost 3 years ago, she is getting an eval next school year around mid senior year.

[healthy11]

Since she's due for her triennial soon, it seems like you could already be talking to her case manager, and indicate that you want to be sure the testing will evaluate for ongoing concerns about dyslexia. (If you follow up with the person by email, you'll have a record of your request in writing.) I don't know what CA school district you're in, or specifically how it handles parental permission for triennials, however I would expect that you'd be given a list of the types of tests they intend to administer, and if they don't include specific reading evaluations for dyslexia, you could withhold your permission. (I'm guessing your daughter is also in her later teens, so also pay attention that the school administers an Adult IQ test like the WAIS, instead of the WISC.)

I'm not in California, but I know there are many, many resources available online that could help you better understand the triennial process. I did a "google search" using the word, "guidelines for iep triennial - California" and found a number of links, but they're rather lengthy and I can't copy/pasting the entire documents, but please try to look at them. You might also look for parent support/ SELPA groups in your area that can give you specific dyslexia testing information, since even now, not all states recognize dyslexia. edsource.org/2015/california-students-with-dyslexia-gain-ground-with-new-law/89368

[melvinhoward]

Yes you should make the situation clear by conducting a formal diagnosis of the condition.

[kewpie]

Supermommy,

Healthy gave you a lot of good advice. You can write a request asking them to evaluate for a reading disorder/dyslexia. Make sure it is in writing, don't just ask orally for it. A lot will depend on the ability of the evaluator. Since your dd already has an IEP, and its pretty late to ask for reading help, what do you hope to accomplish with this added diagnosis?

I would also look at her old IEP's and evaluations, the diagnosis may already be there but it is listed as a reading disorder vs dyslexia. The federal government IDEA laws added the word dyslexia, years ago. Federal law supersedes state law so there should be no issue in using the word. That said, don't get caught up in the word dyslexia.

[mykids]

Re-evaluation should occur AT LEAST every 3 yrs. You don’t have to wait the entire 3 years to ask to be re-evaluated. However, to say just so you can get a dyslexia diagnosis, I doubt they will go for that. So I would put thought into why and then ask in writing to try and get them to do it at the beginning of the school year rather than the middle.

In Ca. the Governor signed AB 1369 and it passed both houses of the state unanimously. My understanding is that it adds “phonological processing” to the state list of SLD’s and directs the department of education to develop and publish guidelines for schools to provide early assessment and interventions. With that said, that does not mean that all of a sudden every district will step up and do what they should do. AND it does not mean that all of a sudden they are going to be trained and have the expertise it takes to work with someone who is dyslexic. And sadly your child and my child have missed out on that ever so important “early assessment and interventions”.

Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to speak with many people regarding dyslexia. The consensus is dyslexia is a whole other ball of wax when it comes to remediation. If you are dyslexic, it is important to know so that you know how to remediate. If you are lucky enough to get the evaluator to use the word dyslexia (if indeed that is the diagnosis) then it will be to your advantage. So I would ask it to be included in the official report if your child is indeed dyslexic.

It’s my opinion that if it were not so important, people would not have fought to have the word dyslexia added to federal government IDEA laws. And it would not have been fought to be written into ca. state laws.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke with ABC7 news about dyslexia. Interesting interview, if you google it you will find. I recommend watching.