NSW Mum's Red Letter
I see youfive-years-old
kindergarten
big smile, lunch box, back-pack too large
counting to 20 seems impossible
all is still right with the world…
I see you
six-years-old
year one
tries to read
not clicking?
why can’t he remember page to page?
‘Never mind, he’ll catch up’
everything still seems okay…
I see you
seven-years-old
year two
who still persists
I am told
‘He
can’t
read.
It’s okay... More reading at home.’
Is there still time?
I see you
eight-years-old
year three
‘refusing’ to write
testing, reading programs, no answers, eye checks, tutoring, hearing check, IQ assessment… no answer
could it be dyslexia?
‘NO!
just not bright’
things are starting to crack…
I see you
nine-years-old
year four
disliking school
hiding, crying, under the desk
work never finished - if started
Teacher life line: ‘dyslexic signs’
but where to now?
self-esteem is plummeting
I see you
ten-years-old
year five
struggling everyday
speech therapy
An answer then?
‘No, definitely not dyslexia’
something is at least working
I see you
eleven-years-old
year six
almost whole again
amazing teacher
adjustments, understanding, encouragement
best year
I see you
twelve-years-old
year seven
excited
are you prepared, please be prepared
more testing
I see you
weary, anxious, down, done
phone call, meeting, email… nothing
I tell them
diagnosis: dyslexia, dysgraphia, anxiety
phone calls, emails… nothing
I tell them
diagnosis: dyslexia, dysgraphia, anxiety, underlying depression
phone calls, emails, meeting… nothing
I tell them
diagnosis: dyslexia, dysgraphia, anxiety, underlying depression,
self-harm…
now can they see?
now have they heard?
now will they learn?
now will they listen?
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