Empowering Education for All

CBH Dyslexia Services is a small business that provides special education services and resources to families and schools.

CBH Dyslexia Services works with individuals of all ages, from early childhood through early to adulthood (18).

CBH Dyslexia Services offers a range of services, including individualised instruction, behaviour support, and parent training.

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. It is characterised by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. Individuals with dyslexia often experience challenges in phonological processing, which is essential for mapping sounds to letters. It's important to note that dyslexia is not indicative of intelligence; individuals with dyslexia often have average to above-average intelligence.

Diagnosing dyslexia involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by qualified specialists. The process typically includes evaluating reading and writing skills, phonological awareness, and other cognitive abilities. A full diagnostic dyslexia assessment involves a series of standardised tests and measures, often conducted by an educational psychologist or a specialist in dyslexia. The assessment aims to identify specific strengths and challenges in an individual's learning profile, guiding the development of personalised intervention strategies.

Recognising the signs of dyslexia is crucial for early intervention and support. Common signs of dyslexia may include:

Difficulty with Phonological Awareness: Challenges in recognising and manipulating sounds in words.

Reading Difficulties: Struggles with accurate and fluent reading, leading to slow or inaccurate decoding.

Spelling Challenges: Difficulty with spelling and phonetic spelling errors.

Word Retrieval Issues: Difficulty recalling and using words in spoken and written language.

Difficulty with Sequencing: Challenges in remembering and accurately reproducing sequences, such as the alphabet or days of the week.

It's important to note that dyslexia manifests differently in each individual, and the signs may vary. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve academic outcomes and boost an individual's confidence in their learning abilities. If you suspect dyslexia or have concerns about a loved one, seeking a professional assessment is a crucial step in providing the necessary support.

The duration of a dyslexia assessment can vary depending on several factors, including the thoroughness of the assessment, the specific tests administered, and the individual being assessed. On average, a dyslexia assessment may take anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours. Here are some factors that can influence the duration:

1. Comprehensive vs. Basic Assessment: A comprehensive dyslexia assessment involves a more in-depth examination of various skills, including reading, spelling, phonological processing, and cognitive abilities. A basic assessment may focus on specific areas and be completed more quickly.
2. Age of the Individual: Assessments for younger children may involve age-appropriate activities and observations, potentially taking more time. Assessments for adults or older students may vary based on the complexity of the evaluation.
3. Number of Tests and Tasks: The variety and number of tests administered can impact the overall time needed. Some assessments may include a combination of standardised tests, interviews, and observations.
4. Breaks and Rest Periods: Depending on the individual being assessed, breaks or rest periods may be necessary. This consideration can affect the overall duration of the assessment.
5. Professional Expertise: The experience and expertise of the assessor play a role. A trained and experienced professional may conduct the assessment more efficiently while ensuring accuracy.
6. Pre-assessment Procedures: Some assessments may involve pre-assessment interviews or information gathering, which can add to the total time spent on the evaluation.

It's essential to note that the goal of a dyslexia assessment is to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's strengths and challenges related to reading and language skills. The assessment results can inform educational strategies, interventions, and support tailored to the individual's needs.

Visual reading refers to the process of extracting meaning from written or printed material by interpreting the visual symbols, such as letters and words, on a page. It involves the ability to recognise and comprehend written language through visual perception. Visual reading skills encompass various aspects, including word recognition, fluency, comprehension, and interpretation of textual content. Proficient visual readers can quickly and accurately process written information, allowing for efficient understanding of the text. Visual reading is a fundamental skill in literacy and plays a crucial role in academic contexts. 

Visual reading support can be beneficial for your child for several reasons: 

1. Enhanced Reading Skills: Visual reading support, such as the use of visual aids, can enhance your child's reading skills. Visual cues, such as pictures or highlighted text, can provide additional context and support comprehension.
2. Increased Engagement: Visual elements make reading more engaging for children. The inclusion of images, charts, or diagrams can capture their attention and make the reading experience more enjoyable, fostering a positive attitude towards reading.
3. Improved Comprehension: Visual aids can aid in comprehension by providing a visual representation of concepts or information presented in the text. This is particularly helpful for children who may struggle with understanding purely through written words.
4. Assistance for Different Learning Styles: Children have varied learning styles, and some may be more visual learners. Visual reading support accommodates different learning preferences, making it more accessible for those who benefit from visual stimuli.
5. Addressing Reading Challenges: If your child faces challenges such as dyslexia or other reading difficulties, visual support can offer alternative ways for them to access and understand the content. It provides an additional layer of support for those who may struggle with traditional reading methods.
6. Building Vocabulary: Visual aids can assist in building your child's vocabulary by associating words with images. This reinforcement helps in expanding their understanding of language and the meaning of words.
7. Encouraging Independence: Visual reading support, especially in the form of tools or technologies, can empower your child to read more independently. This can boost their confidence and motivation to engage with written material.
8. Making Learning Fun: Incorporating visual elements into reading materials can make learning more enjoyable. Fun and interactive visual support can turn reading into a positive and stimulating activity for your child.

Visual reading support can be particularly beneficial for children with dyslexia, as it addresses some of the challenges they may face in traditional text-based learning. Here are ways in which visual reading support can assist children with dyslexia:

1. Phonetic Awareness: Visual aids can help reinforce phonetic awareness by associating sounds with visual representations. For example, using pictures alongside words can strengthen the connection between the sound of a word and its written form.
2. Multi-Sensory Learning: Combining visual elements with other senses, such as auditory cues or touch, creates a multi-sensory learning experience. This approach can enhance memory retention and understanding.
3. Text-to-Speech Technology: Utilising text-to-speech technology can provide auditory support for dyslexic children. Hearing the text read aloud while following along visually can improve comprehension and fluency.
4. Color-Coding: Highlighting or color-coding different elements in the text, such as syllables, parts of speech, or key concepts, can make information more visually accessible and organised.
5. Use of Visual Organisers: Graphic organisers, charts, and diagrams help in visually organising information. They provide a clear structure for concepts, making it easier for dyslexic learners to grasp relationships and sequences.
6. Accessible Fonts and Formatting: Choosing dyslexia-friendly fonts and formatting styles can enhance readability. Certain fonts, such as OpenDyslexic, are designed to minimise confusion between similar-looking letters and improve text clarity.
7. Interactive Learning Apps: Educational apps designed for dyslexic learners often incorporate visual elements, games, and interactive features. These apps make learning engaging and provide immediate feedback, reinforcing concepts.
8. Mind Mapping: Encouraging the use of mind maps for note-taking or brainstorming can help dyslexic children visually organise their thoughts. Mind maps use visual connections, making it easier to recall information.
9. Digital Learning Platforms: Online platforms may offer dyslexia-friendly features, such as customisable backgrounds, font options, and audio support. These accommodations can create a more inclusive reading experience.
10. Visual Storytelling: Incorporating visual storytelling methods, like comic strips or illustrated narratives, can make reading more enjoyable and accessible. This approach combines storytelling with visual elements to enhance understanding.

 I operate from Pudsey in Leeds. My sessions are adaptable and can take place either online, from the convenience of your home (within a maximum 1-hour drive), or in Pudsey. My priority is to create a safe and secure environment for children, and I am highly flexible to accommodate your specific requirements.