Next Steps

So your child is struggling to read or has received a positive screening for dyslexia, you may be wondering, "What should I do next?" Welcome to the world of modifications, accommodations, and interventions!

• First, you should work with the school to determine next steps.

• Get a 504 plan from the school. A 504 plan will help establish student specific classroom accommodations. Common accommodations include short assignments, more time allowed for assignments and tests, verbal comprehension testing instead of written, small group testing.

• Ask the school about getting an "Assistive Technology" test and accommodation. This accommodation can get a student a computer for typing instead of writing, or speech to text, or computer reading technology, etc.

• Ask the school about getting an IEP (individualized education program), particularly if your child has multiple issues (dysgraphia, ADHD, etc). For children who qualify, this program will help by providing establishing learning goals for your child and direct intervention to allow your child to achieve these goals, typically provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (e.g. the classroom). This program is run by the US Department of Education, which means there are legal requirements for care and intervention.

• Get your child's vision checked by an eye doctor. Some children need glasses while some children have underlying vision impairments unrelated to how well they see.

• Get your child's hearing checked and/or a comprehensive auditory exam by a qualified audiologist.

• Neuropsychological Assessment. This testing is sometimes covered under insurance, and if it isn't, the cost is roughly estimated between $1,200 and $4,000. For a list of referrals recommended by parents click here.