Page 60 - Part-A

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

Why individuals may be reluctant to seek a diagnosis

Dealing with a diagnosis can be an emotional and daunting process. Even when
parents notice signs of delays in the development of skills in their child, many may
choose to ignore them. Parents can also misunderstand their children, labelling them
as lazy or disobedient. They might see the behaviour of their children as rebellious.

Funding

Although a GP would not usually be able to arrange funding for a diagnostic
assessment for dyslexia, there may be occasional instances when serious mental
health issues are evident and the GP feels that these issues might be partly caused
by the lack of an SpLD diagnosis. In these rare cases, it may be possible to access
NHS funding.

Assessments can, of course, be arranged privately by specialised practitioners, but
the cost can be prohibitive for many people. Costs vary and can be substantial. Some
local charities may help or people can try their local Citizens Advice Bureau for current
advice and information. If an individual is actively seeking work, an assessment
may be paid for by Jobcentre Plus. Sometimes universities will be able to partly fund
assessments for their students.

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