Author:
Tara Collinson
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Date Posted: 11:17:02 01/11/10 Mon
Hi there,
Thanks for this message. There's so many on this website, it's both a relief and overwhelming in equal measures!
In my personal opinion, I think it's highly likely that there is a dyslexic factor going on here. One of the key features for me is the fact that many of this person's spellings are constructed with a semi-phonetic strategy. In other words, they have combined some of the rules of irregular spellings in the English language with a sort of 'sound-out-loud' procedure. This has also occurred with high-frequency, or every day words - 'book' for example.
I'm not a dyslexia tutor myself but have dyslexia, which was diagnosed at the relatively late age of 22 (I am now 30).
I suppose the only sure-fire way of knowing is to organise an assessment through many organisations/charities - e.g. the British Dyslexia Association. There are many others also, so it may be worth your while investigating these. If this person is in college/university, I think there are funds to help with this cost as it can be pricey.
In the meantime, there are various checklists that 'screen' for particular characteristics, both in academic literacy and numeracy skills as well as common emotional feelings that accompany dyslexia such as low confidence, self-esteem, anger, frustration and fear - see Dyslexia Action Website. These may point you in a direction if you are struggling where to start and lead you into the benefits of obtaining a full assessment and, further support and management.
I have seen on this website books regarding counselling for those with negative views of dyslexia and themselves as dyslexic which may be comforting for this person to read: Dyslexia and Counselling - by Rosemary Scott, published Whurr
In sum, I certainly would not discount the possibility of this person as having dyslexia. How dyslexics write/type and read is often very individual and is related to their particular profile of strengths and weaknesses. For example, I myself am a good speller although I have severe difficulties structuring and organising my life, my writing and speaking succinctly. I have a weak auditory memory, but not a difficulty with phonology as discovered by my assessment.
Dyslexia can be incredibly frustrating, in all its forms, and the experiences can be as individual as the symptoms themselves. I, too, have thrown books and plates at walls in my most desperate moments so it is comforting for me in a way to see that I am not alone in this feeling.
I would certainly recommend following this up - for peace of mind, both yours and theirs and in light of the obvious toll this potential problem is having on his/her mental well-being. You may prevent further psychological harm, and start putting into place mechanisms for change and improvement.
I wish you well.
P.S. Sorry this is long!
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