Dear Louis.
In my experience what you mentioned relates to ascertaining whether the
difficulties are in the phonological recognition-processing (converting
phonemes into symbols). Many  Educational psychologist screen the
phonological component of dyslexia by asking the person whether s/he can
write/spell Latin or Greek based words. As you will understand, adults who
come from Latin based speaking countries would score higher even if they are
dyslexics (the reason is that lating languages have more phonological
correlation with symbols than English).
Another difficulty is that a second language learner (whether dyslexic or
not) will have more difficulties in representing phonemes that are not used
during their period of language acquisition.Therefore some non dyslexic
people will have philological problems similar to dyslexics.
Taking these components in isolation may create difficulties in ascertaining
whether a person is dyslexic or not. However the Ed pSy test does not only
look at phonetic processing, they look at visual processing, spatial
awareness,  linear processing, short term memory, etc. What it is important
is that the Educational Psychologist needs to look for other clues to
compensate for the difficulties in ascertaining  the phonological component
of the test. (what about given the person a non Latin or different list of
words. This may mean that the practitioner should  need to have 'cultural
awareness')
In your particular case I would look at the other components of the dyslexia
test as well. How id the person short/working memory?

In slight different angle, some people do not like the Edpsy reports. They
are statistical and we know how statistics was/is connected with the eugenic
movement in Europe, and because they are based on a deficit model of
disabilities. However they are relatively less expensive,are administered by
a professional that follows clear standards of conduct and they are overseen
by a professional body. More expensive test can also be administered but may
last three to four days.
Hope this help, Andy Velarde DSUC, University of Kent


 dyslexic may come up
----- Original Message -----
From: "L.Thompson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 2:32 PM
Subject: Students with English as an Additional Language and Educational
Psychologist's assessments


Dear all

I recently screened a student with English as an additional language and
referred him to the Educational Psychologist that we usually use (after
consultation with the EP and his agreement that he felt he could offer a
fair assessment).

The report has come back and states that the student does not have dyslexia,
and is in the low average/below average range of ability (the vocabulary and
information sub-tests were not administered).  The student is unhappy and
does not agree with this outcome and feels strongly that he has dyslexia.

I was wondering if anyone else offers either EP assessment in the student's
first language or provides an interpreter or has any other procedures in
place.  I am unsure whether to offer a second assessment with one of these
options in place.

Many thanks

Louise Thompson
Asst Disability Adviser
Equality and Diversity Office
Humphrey Booth House
University of Salford

0161 295 2041
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