When Rosie's family turned to us for help, we were able to give Rosie age 7 exactly what she needed - a dyslexia diagnosis and ongoing educational support.
Rosie had been struggling to enjoy learning at school - reading off the board was hard, concentrating and focusing was painful, and despite working really hard sometimes things just didn't make sense.
I sometimes find my brain hurts and it gets all jostled around
Rosie’s parents found it difficult to watch their daughter struggle and needed to find a way to help her. Rosie had developed noticeable tics caused by anxiety linked to her undiagnosed dyslexia, as well as confidence and self esteem issues.
I was feeling desperately lost in how to help Rosie who was struggling with school and beginning to show anxieties related in part to this struggle. Anna, Rosie’s mum says.
Rosie's parents picked up the phone to Helen Arkell Somerset where they spoke to Sandra who was there to help and support. By the end of that one desperate phone call everything changed for Rosie and her family.
Sandra arranged an assessment for Rosie from which a dyslexia diagnosis was made. With Sandra’s help, Rosie’s family was then able to arrange 1:1 tuition.
With this help in place, and additional support from Specialist Teachers, and the encouragement of her school Specialist Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), everything changed:
‘Rosie was being taught lifelong self-help strategies to take back control and shine with all her other unique Rosie qualities!’ Anna, Rosie’s mum says.
With the school and Sandra’s calm professional approach, Rosie began to rebuild her confidence in learning. Tics brought on by anxiety which had also manifested subsequently settled.
‘When I realised that some things were more tricky for me and that I was dyslexic, Sandra’s way of teaching really helped me. I can use what she helps me with for my learning at school and at home.’ Rosie
Rosie is taking things in her stride, and when asked about how she feels about being dyslexic her positivity shines through:
I know having dyslexia sometimes might make me struggle with things, but I won’t let it stop me! Rosie
Donating each month to the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity will help us provide life changing services to those who need us, including:
• dyslexia consultations
• assessments
• tuition
Here’s how your gift could help:
£10 could help a parent or carer gain the knowledge and confidence they need to support their dyslexic child through school, via our popular parents’ HELP course.
£15 could help provide specialist training to teachers and teaching assistants to support a range of learners in state schools and colleges.
£20 could help fund a life-changing assessment for a child at Helen Arkell and like Rosie equip them with the knowledge they need to look forward
Thank you for your donation. Whatever you can give, we will be grateful.
* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.
