How psychologists support dyslexia

How do psychologists support dyslexia? Let's find out...

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain processes language, leading to challenges with reading and spelling. It is characterised by difficulties in accurately and/or fluently recognising words, which subsequently impacts spelling and the ability to break down words into their component sounds. These difficulties typically arise from a difference in the brain's phonological processing system (the ability to work with the sounds of language) and are often unexpected when considering an individual's other cognitive abilities and the quality of education they have received. 

Dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence; individuals with dyslexia often possess average or above-average cognitive skills. Rather, it is a specific learning difference rooted in the brain's structure and function that persists throughout an individual's life. It's also worth noting that dyslexia can sometimes co-occur with other conditions like ADHD, which can create further academic challenges. Recognising the diverse ways dyslexia can manifest is the first step towards providing effective psychological support.

Psychological support plays an important role in helping individuals navigate the complexities of dyslexia. This support encompasses assessment to understand the specific nature of the condition and therapeutic interventions to address both the academic and emotional aspects.

• Assessment: Because the signs and symptoms of dyslexia can overlap with other learning difficulties or conditions such as anxiety and ADHD, a comprehensive assessment is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and prevent misidentification. Assessment goes beyond simply identifying the presence of dyslexia; it delves into the specific areas of difficulty and their severity. This detailed understanding allows psychologists to develop tailored recommendations and adjustments, which can include personalised strategies for improving reading, spelling and phonological skills, as well as guidance on educational and workplace accommodations.
• Therapy: For individuals diagnosed with dyslexia, managing the condition often involves a multifaceted approach that integrates educational interventions with crucial psychological support. Psychological support addresses the significant emotional and social challenges that can accompany dyslexia, such as frustration, anxiety, low self-esteem and social isolation. Therapy provides individuals with valuable tools and strategies to enhance their overall functioning and wellbeing. It empowers them to develop effective coping mechanisms for dealing with academic and social challenges, manage the often intense emotions that can arise from these struggles, and improve their relationships, which can sometimes be strained by misunderstandings related to dyslexia. Furthermore, psychological support can address any co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which individuals with dyslexia may be more susceptible to.

Scope's psychologists understand and value the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals, including those with dyslexia. We are committed to providing support through a neuroaffirming and strength-based approach. This means that our practitioners focus on identifying and nurturing an individual's strengths, interests and specific support needs, rather than solely focusing on perceived deficits. We believe in creating a safe, understanding, and accepting environment for everyone we work with. Our approach emphasises making adjustments to the environment to better suit the needs of individuals with dyslexia. Our goal is to affirm and support the neurodivergent identity of each person, empowering them to thrive in their own way.

At Scope, our psychologists utilise a structured five-step assessment process to ensure a thorough and comprehensive evaluation for dyslexia:

1. Background Information: Our practitioners begin by gathering relevant history about the individual. This includes details about their birth, family history of dyslexia or other learning disabilities, developmental milestones (particularly in speech and language), and their educational journey. We also review any existing school records and reports from previous assessments to gain a complete picture
2. Intake Consultation: The next step involves a meeting with one of our psychologists. During this consultation, there is an opportunity to discuss the specific concerns that have led to the assessment, the symptoms that have been observed and the individual's personal experiences related to reading, spelling and learning.
3. Neurodevelopmental Assessment: This stage involves the administration of standardised tests designed to evaluate various cognitive and academic functions that are relevant to dyslexia. These assessments typically include measures of phonological awareness (the ability to work with sounds in language), phonological memory (the capacity to remember sounds and words), rapid automatic naming (the speed at which one can name familiar items), receptive vocabulary (understanding spoken words), decoding abilities (reading familiar and unfamiliar words), oral reading fluency (reading speed and accuracy), spelling, and writing skills. Depending on the individual's needs, we may also assess mathematical skills.
4. Feedback: Following the assessment, our psychologist will provide a clear and detailed discussion of the results. This feedback session is a chance to address any questions or concerns, and to collaboratively outline the next steps and personalised recommendations based on the findings.
5. Comprehensive Report: The final step is the preparation of a comprehensive written report. This report summarises all the findings from the assessment process, provides a diagnostic impression if appropriate, and details specific recommendations for interventions, accommodations and support strategies that can be implemented at home, in school, or in the workplace.

• We know neurodevelopment
• We are neuro-affirming
• We have comprehensive understanding and experience with autism traits in females, including masking and camouflaging
• Our services are strength-based and built around self-identified needs
• Our team includes ND and NT individuals.