Expert: Jeni Hooper - 5/16/2009

Question
Hi my name is Carolyn and for years I been wondering if I have dyslexia. I have never been tested because I am not sure if I am a caudate. I am consider “special ed" for reading and writing disability. My reading level is about 6th grade I am in 10th. I majority of the time I which up letters in words. i consider my spelling at a 2nd grade leave because of this. I also replace small words all the time. Would you think I am a caudate? Or do you think it is something else? Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hi Caroline,

On Monday go to find a teacher you are happy to talk to. Tell that teacher what you told me. The school can help you find your best ways to learn. This is important, because if you do it now you will get help. Then you can be confident of doing your best in school.

Dyslexia is a difficulty with reading and writing. You have that, so it follows you are dyslexic.

In the past some people were IQ tested first and those with low scores were said not to be dyslexic but to have general special Ed needs. That is unhelpful because everyone needs to learn to read and write.

Don't be shy. Find that teacher on Monday. Ask for help.

Let me know how you get on.

Jeni Hooper

Chartered Psychologist.