chandi Posted March 8, 2016 Report Share Posted March 8, 2016 Hi, My daughter was diagnosed with dyspraxia a number of years ago and we are in the process of potentially moving back to Perth and wondered if anyone knew of schools that either specialise in support for this or would be good for her? Would appreciate any help Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scot01 Posted March 9, 2016 Report Share Posted March 9, 2016 There are no schools that would specialize in dyspraxia. You don't specify which kind of dyspraxia - if it mainly motor coordination then it would come under management by an OT (verbal dyspraxia - speech and language therapist). The way these work through the health department is that you would receive a six week block and then go to the bottom of the waiting list for the next block which can take over a year - if your daughter is older than age 6 then the chances of her getting free therapy are practically zero. Your best bet is therefore to get a really good health insurance policy that will cover extras like OT/ST. Government school don't always have learning support teachers/sencos. The school are given funding for one but they usually spend it on e.g teaching assistants in the early years. If she needs any kind of learning support (e.g she has dyslexia as well) then be prepared for private tuition. The private schools are much better at employing special needs coordinators so you might be better off going private, all Catholic schools will have one so perhaps check out private schools in areas you want to live. You don't say how old your daughter is - if it is high school age then she will be entitled to extra time in all her exams and probably the use of a lap top. Govt high schools are not so good at applying for special exam conditions so you might have to remind them. Bring all reports you have to show to the school. No such thing as Statementing/Record of Needs in Oz though schools will receive a little bit of funding for some disabilities - very unlikely for dyspraxia. I have a dyslexic son who has now graduated and had to fight many battles and paid a fortune for OT, ST and private tuition over the years. I chose his high school on the basis of their excellent learning support department (and music and drama!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted March 9, 2016 Report Share Posted March 9, 2016 thank you @Scot01 - I had no idea of any of this and I am sure that your reply has been very helpful to @chandi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scot01 Posted March 9, 2016 Report Share Posted March 9, 2016 Thanks -I've been a visiting school psychologist for Ed department and private school psych services all over the Perth area, as well as a lecturer in Education - Dip Ed- and have a son with severe dyslexia and ADHD so know what goes on! Non Catholic but sent him to a Catholic school as most have very good learning support teachers/departments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chandi Posted March 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2016 Thank you Scot01, that's been really helpful. Our daughter is nearly 7, and it's both types of dyspraxia she's affected by. She had a severe speech and language delay and disorder, but with ST and time she has come a long way. We think she still struggles with processing thoughts and ideas and this is affecting her schoolwork. She also has difficulties particularly with gross motor skills and co-ordination. While we lived in Perth she had weekly OT for this. She doesn't seem to have dyslexia and is a fantastic reader. One of the main issues for her though is that she's extremely shy, I would almost say it's a social phobia, which is not only hard for her but frustrating for the teachers because they don't know if she can't say or won't say! The problem with private schools in Perth, from what I've seen, are the enormous waiting lists/competition for limited places? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 @chandi have a look at this website.... http://www.waespaa.com.au/ It is the website for the WA Education Support Principals Association. Under the link about "Programs" there is a search facility where you can look at various schools. Hope it gives you some help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perthdad Posted October 21, 2018 Report Share Posted October 21, 2018 Hi there. @Scot01 can you recommend the catholic school your kid went to? Just looking for a school hat is supportive of a kid with Dyslexia. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weedolly Posted October 22, 2018 Report Share Posted October 22, 2018 Try one of these. I think the programmes go up to Year 3 then am not sure after that. https://www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/school_list.do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weedolly Posted October 22, 2018 Report Share Posted October 22, 2018 Quote Fremantle Language Development Centre North East Metropolitan Language Development Centre Peel Language Development School South East Metropolitan Language Development Centre West Coast Language Development Centre https://www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/school_list.do I know a little boy who has apraxia attended West Coast Language Development Centre, was non verbal, now he is in main stream Kindy so they did good work with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.