Importance of early assessment in children

Early assessment in children is essential to identify possible difficulties in the development of reading and writing skills, especially in the context of dyslexia.

This session will explore the importance of early assessment, warning signs, assessment methods and how early intervention can make a difference in the academic and emotional future of children with dyslexia.

Warning Signs in Childhood

Dyslexia often manifests itself with delays in language development, such as difficulties in pronouncing words, remembering the alphabet and learning new words.

Phonological awareness, the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words, can be deficient in children with dyslexia. Difficulties with rhyming, segmenting and blending sounds are warning signs.

Decoding words is fundamental to reading. Children with dyslexia may have difficulty recognizing words by their shape and sound, which affects their ability to read fluently.

As children progress through school, persistent spelling errors may indicate dyslexia. Difficulties applying spelling rules and remembering letter sequences are common.

Early Assessment Methods

Language ability tests, such as the Test de Desarrollo del Lenguaje (TDL), assess a child's grammar, vocabulary and comprehension, identifying possible developmental delays.

Specific instruments, such as the Test of Phonological Awareness (CTOPP), assess the child's ability to work with the sounds of speech, revealing possible difficulties in phonological awareness.

Decoding and reading tests, adapted to the child's age, provide information on their ability to recognize words and understand texts, highlighting possible signs of dyslexia.

Direct observation in the school environment can provide valuable information about the child's performance in everyday situations, identifying specific behavior patterns and challenges.

Impact of Early Assessment on Academic Performance

Early assessment allows for the design of personalized interventions that address the specific needs of the child. Tailored strategies facilitate learning and reduce the impact of difficulties associated with dyslexia. Early identification of difficulties provides an opportunity to foster compensatory skills. Children can learn strategies to overcome barriers and improve their academic performance. Early intervention helps prevent long-term difficulties in the acquisition of reading and writing skills. Addressing challenges in the early stages can have a positive impact throughout a child's education. Importance of Early Assessment in Social-Emotional Development Dyslexia can affect a child's self-esteem. Early assessment and tailored interventions contribute to a supportive environment that prevents problems with self-esteem and performance-related anxiety. Early intervention improves the child's school experience by providing tools to address academic difficulties. This fosters positive relationships with school and learning.

Involvement of Parents and Teachers in the Evaluation Process

Early evaluation involves open and collaborative communication between parents, teachers and health professionals. Sharing information contributes to a comprehensive approach to supporting the child.

Involving parents and teachers in the educational process is essential. Training on support strategies at home and in the classroom improves the effective implementation of interventions.