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Bringing up a dyslexic child is a challenging task for most of us. How do you support your child? How do you help them learn to read and spell? Which is the best school to choose? Are there any organizations that can help? How do you deal with the school? How should you help your child with their homework? It
can help tremendously to be in regular contact with other parents who have a dyslexic
child. This will allow you all to exchange information, share ways in which you
can help, and share your anxieties and successes with each other.
There is a simple notice for a school or shop board that you can print out. Fill in your name and telephone number (or email address) for other parents to contact you. You may have an understanding school who might agree to put a note in their newsletter, but not every school would agree to this! You
could put a small advert
in your local newspaper, or the newspaper might agree to write a short column
about your initiative; we have put a sample here
that you could show them.)
If you simply agree to meet, say, on the first Monday of each month, it saves confusion over dates. One person could volunteer to be the Diary Secretary in case any members want to telephone and check the venue for the next meeting. Another member might volunteer to be Publicity Secretary to make sure that a small notice is displayed where parents would see it in case any new parents with a dyslexic child move into the area. It is best if no money is involved. This means that you do not need a Treasurer who might run away with the group's cash! Some groups agree that members will leave a small amount of money each meeting towards the cost of drinks and biscuits! Another member might agree to be Secretary and to keep an up-to-date list of members' addresses and phone numbers. An Events Secretary might be able to arrange for a speaker to come occasionally, e.g. a local psychologist, specialist teacher or representative from a local Dyslexia Association.
However, as time goes by, it can be more satisfying for the group to choose one topic to discuss at each meeting. This might be: • How to help your child with spelling • How to help your child with reading • How to help your child with math/s • How to help your child with homework • How to help your child with organization • Facilities offered by local schools and colleges • Worries about your child's future career, etc. Parents with older dyslexic children will be able to contribute from their own experience over the years.
Your
group may be only three or four parents, but, if there is a need, your group will
grow. If your group stays small, you may need some more publicity from a local
newspaper, and you can use the sample column
we have here if you alter it to fit your own locality.
A helpful way to break the tension is to go round the group and ask each person to tell the group about their own child. This will let people see that they all have a lot in common, and that the group will be a good place to share ideas. Next, suggest that you discuss your local school or schools. This is a topic to which everyone can contribute - with feeling! Expect some strong, often critical, opinions to be voiced. In many cases it will help people to express some of their frustration, and will also be informative for parents who may be choosing a school or thinking of moving their child to another school. Lastly, ask people if they would like the group to continue and, if so, what are you to be called - Happyville Dyslexia Parents Group? When will you meet - on the first Monday of each month? Would anyone like to volunteer to be Secretary, Diary Secretary, Publicity Secretary or Events Secretary? Ask everyone to write their name, address and telephone number on a sheet of paper that you pass round.)
• • My local dyslexia support group has been set up fairly recently in response to the number of families interested in acquiring knowledge about dyslexia. It is located in a local village and is quite well attended. I have photociopied introductory information which is in the form of a flyer and have left copies in places where parents/carers might be (e.g. medical centres, plagroups). At our last meeting we were informade that the government had issued a draft proposal on Special Needs provision in schools. As a result of this, we have each requested a copy from our local education board office and we hope to study the proposals before we next meet. At that time we hope to plan how we will respond individually in order to highlight the plight of dyslexic children. It is good to be able to have a forum to have your say on something which will impact on all of us. Let's hope that our views and suggestions are taken on board. (R.M., N. Ireland). • Parents Form Dyslexic Kids Support Group
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It's
easy! And it may surprise you to find out that other parents will be pleased to
hear that a group is starting.
A
simple plan is to meet one evening a month in the house or apartment/flat of one
of the group. Members could take turns - if practical - to have the group meet
in their house or apartment/flat and to provide soft drinks.
To
begin with, members will probably want to express their frustration at the lack
of support their child may be getting at school. People often feel angry and powerless
about this, and it is good to express one's feelings in a safe environment. This
is what the group is for.
Try
printing out the 
People
will probably be a little nervous at the first meeting, and it can help to have
a rough plan.
Feedback
about your group will be appreciated, and may be included here to help other parents
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