The past few months have been really busy with work conferences, assessments and a few big running events. Looking back at photographs made me think about what helps me when feeling anxious before an event. Meeting friends and seeing familiar faces at a big event, putting on a cosy jumper or listening to a favourite song or podcast can all make a big difference. This is no different for children.

 

Coming to a dyslexia assessment can be daunting. Some children turn up, wave goodbye to their parent or carer and settle immediately. Others need a bit of reassurance. This is totally normal. I'm lucky, I can provide space for parents to stay to sit away from the assessment. Nine times out of ten, the parent only needs to stay a short while before being able to leave and get on with their own busy morning.

 

Being made to feel at ease is critical to this. Explaining the process ahead of assessment using child-friendly language is key. Children are immediately reassured when they know I'm working as a detective to find out what they're really good at and what is making things hard. The best part (ssshhhh this is top secret) knowing that together we can work out what school needs to do to make life easier.  

 

Visual timetables are also great, in fact in an unknown situation, we all want to know what we've got to do and how long it's going to take. And most importantly with the timetable, knowing when there will be fidget and snack breaks. Again this applies to everyone!

 

So if friendly faces and comforting feelings are key to feeling at ease, it's no surprise that many children like to bring a favourite toy with them. Looking back at recent photos, I remember two particularly fun visitors. Mr Chicken and Toast the Chef (who happens to be a dinosaur). These brought great joy to the assessment room and did wonders at putting both the child and myself at ease.