A bit of background

If you think your child could have dyslexia, our Information for Parents pdf offers a guide to the common signs.

What is Dyslexia? pdf will give you a clearer understanding of the learning difficulty.

Our Guide for Parents pdf is a much more comprehensive resource. It will give you information on:

• definitions and indicators of dyslexia
• what support your child may get at school
• how to support your child at home
• recommended reading list

Enquire, the Government’s advice service on additional learning support, has an excellent booklet on the support available through schools. Download it here.

Just Ask Campaign

The Scottish Government is currently running an awareness campaign for parents on STV. If something is affecting your child’s learning, you have the right to ask for additional support to help them. Speak to your child's school, visit www.stv.tv/justask , or get in touch with us.

As part of this campaign, Sir Jackie Stewart speaks out for better awareness of dyslexia in this video: 

http://video.stv.tv/?bcpid=37654293001&bctid=72334326001

Study on working memory

Scientific research has shown that working memory - the ability to store and manipulate information - is the most important learning skill a student can have. Working memory is the foundation of good grades and a successful life beyond the classroom. Without it, students struggle in the classroom, and with it they can dramatically improve their classroom performance. In high-functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorder students, research has found a particular difficulty in verbal memory skills that are related to their difficulties in language and communication.

The  Centre for Memory & Learning in the Lifespan at Stirling University are carrying out a project to test the impact of cognitive training on learning outcomes in individuals with dyslexia. The training programme is supported by scientific evidence to improve IQ, working memory, reading and maths skills in just 8 weeks in students with learning difficulties. It was also recently featured in over 200 international news articles, including BBC TV, Channel 4 news, and SkyNews in the UK. The programme will be offered free to the participating individuals.

This project has the ethical approval of the Department of Psychology, University of Stirling. Results should be published in July. If you are interested in the study, please contact Dr. Tracy Alloway on: t.p.alloway@stir.ac.uk
 

 If your child has dyslexia, you can also get support from your local branch.

Confidence and Self-Esteem

Many children have problems with low self-esteem and confidence.  The following link will give you hints and tips about how to help your child cope when this happens.

Centre for Confidence and Self-Esteem - Information for Parents