The Studying With Dyslexia Blog

View Original

Free dyslexia assessments for children in the UK?

At time of writing it is the 1st December 2020 aka “Giving Tuesday”. So I am pleased to be able to support the latest fundraising campaign for the British Dyslexia Association raising funds for free dyslexia assessments for children aiming to “leave no child behind”.

Did you know that 80% of young people with dyslexia leave school without a dyslexia diagnosis. Many get through school and do not unlock their academic potential because the right support was not in place to help them play to their strengths and shine. Not only does this affect future opportunities it also affects the mental wellbeing of our young people who potentially live life managing poor self-esteem.

I saw first hand how a dyslexia assessment changed the life of my daughter who was in year 8 at the time. Left unsupported I am convinced, in hindsight, that life in school would have crushed her spirit and she would not have imagined that she could get to university to study a topic that she was passionate about. This year she graduated with a first class honours in Musical Theatre from London Studio Centre. Undeterred by the global pandemic and it’s impact on the entertainment industry, her resilience and out of the box thinking (dyslexic strengths), has still resulted in her finding work within the industry.

Understanding our own version of neurodiversity empowers us to do great things, but we need the right ‘tools’ to unlock our potential.

With that assessment, parents and teachers can work together to support children through their educational years with what they need to be at their best.

So I am thrilled to be able to share the news that the British Dyslexia Association have launched their Giving Tuesday campaign, “No Child Left Behind”.

The aim is simple, to raise money to offer free diagnostic assessments to low-income families and to help build a brighter future for children across the UK.

In the video below, Kitty talks about how having a dyslexia assessment has made a difference to her.

Many of you will know that my own ‘Why’ behind my work is that I want dyslexic learners to believe that their unique way of thinking could change the world. If you feel this as well then please click the button and make your donation to the British Dyslexia Association so that no child gets left behind. Every penny donated will be used to provide free dyslexia assessments for children who can’t afford them.

See this content in the original post