AMs studying methods of treating dyslexia want to hear from children and parents

A group of AMs set up to look at approaches to the treatment of dyslexia in Wales is asking children with the condition and their parents for their views.

The cross-party Dyslexia Rapporteur Group (Alun Cairns, Jeff Cuthbert, Janet Ryder and Kirsty Williams) was set up by the Assembly’s Enterprise and Learning Committee. The group has been on a series of fact-finding visits and has taken evidence from leading academics and organisations and institutions.

The AMs have studied established ways of dealing with dyslexia and also looked at more innovative approaches such as the Dore method – the subject of a TV documentary featuring rugby star Scott Quinnell – and the Raviv method, and IT packages including Fast ForWord. They have heard evidence from organisations including the British Dyslexia Association Cymru, The Welsh Dyslexia Project and Dyslexia Action Cymru and looked at other innovations such as the accreditation of dyslexia-friendly schools and the prescribing of tinted glasses and coloured lenses.

Now they want to talk to parents and children with experience of dealing with the difficulties of living with dyslexia, in particular:

- their experiences of different interventions

- the support provided in schools

- the services of educational psychologists

- Welsh-medium provision for children with dyslexia.

Alun Cairns AM said: “Being on the Dyslexia Rapporteur Group has been a fascinating experience and we have learned a great deal about the different innovative methods of tackling the condition. However, it is important that as well as hearing from practitioners and institutions, we hear from the real experts – children and their parents – about their experiences. I am urging anyone who has a dyslexic child in their family to contact the group. This will help us in developing our final recommendations about approaches to dyslexia treatment.”

Anyone wishing to send their views to the group should write to Kathryn Jenkins, Committee Services, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay CF99 1NA or via email:

Kathryn.jenkins2@wales.gsi.gov.uk