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the no.1 media on Dys disorders
Dysorthographie.fr a media powered by
the no.1 media on Dys disorders
When dysorthographia is suspected, it is not always clear whom to turn to. GP, speech and language therapist, psychologist, neuropsychologist: there are many contacts, and each has a specific role. Here is whom to consult, in what order, and what each can offer you, so that you do not lose your way in the process. Following the right order will save you valuable time.
Before even consulting a healthcare professional, start with your child’s teacher. They see your child writing every day and can compare them with other pupils. Their view is valuable in judging whether the difficulties are out of the ordinary. They also know the level expected at each stage of the school year.
They can also tell you when they first noticed these difficulties, in which situations they appear, and whether your child is making progress. This information will be useful to the doctor. It gives the doctor a concrete picture of the situation.
The teacher can put initial adjustments in place in the classroom and direct you to the school doctor. They are often your child’s first ally at school. See talking to the teacher.
The GP or paediatrician is the entry point into the care pathway. They examine your child, check their vision and hearing, and look for other possible causes of the difficulties. They often know your child’s medical history.
They will ask you about development, spoken language, schooling and family history. If dysorthographia is suspected, they will prescribe a speech and language therapy assessment. This prescription is required for reimbursement. Their prescription is the gateway to the assessment.
They can also refer you to other specialists if needed, and coordinate follow-up. They remain your contact throughout the process. See the role of the GP.
The school doctor of the Éducation nationale may also be consulted. They carry out health checks at certain ages, notably around age 6, including screening for speech and language disorders. These checks make it possible to identify certain vulnerabilities early.
They play a key role in setting up school accommodations. It is they who give an opinion for a PAP, drawing on the assessments carried out. They can also prescribe a speech and language therapy assessment. Their role is central to accommodations at school.
To contact them, approach the head teacher of the school or the administrative office of the collège. A explanatory letter often makes it easier to get in touch. See the role of the school doctor.
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The speech and language therapist is the professional who makes the diagnosis of dysorthographia. On medical prescription, they carry out a complete assessment of written and spoken language, using standardised tests. They are the only one able to make the speech and language diagnosis.
If they confirm the disorder, they also provide the remediation, usually at one or two sessions per week. They support the child over time and adjust the work according to their progress. This regular follow-up is the key to progress.
Waiting times are often long. Contact several practices as soon as you have the prescription. The ProfessionnelsDys directory can help you find a speech and language therapist near you. Register on several waiting lists at the same time. See the speech and language therapy assessment.
Depending on the situation, other professionals may be involved. The neuropsychologist assesses attention, memory and executive functions, which is useful if an attention disorder is suspected. This assessment is generally not reimbursed when carried out privately.
The psychomotor therapist or occupational therapist intervenes in cases of difficulty with the handwriting movement, such as dysgraphia. The occupational therapist also helps set up digital tools, such as a computer. These assessments are prescribed according to each child’s needs.
The orthoptist checks functional vision if the child struggles to follow lines or tires quickly visually. The psychologist can support the child if their difficulties weigh on their morale. These professionals work in addition to, not in place of, the speech and language therapist.
In complex situations, when several disorders are associated or the diagnosis is difficult, the doctor may refer you to a specialist centre. There are reference centres for learning disorders, often attached to a hospital. They are accessible on medical referral.
These centres bring together several specialists and carry out multidisciplinary assessments. They are reserved for the most complex cases, and waiting times there are often long. Their comprehensive approach is valuable in complex situations.
For isolated dysorthographia, the usual pathway with the GP and the speech and language therapist is sufficient in the vast majority of cases. Your doctor will tell you whether this referral would be useful.
The most efficient pathway is as follows: speak to the teacher, consult the GP, obtain a prescription, contact a speech and language therapist for the assessment. Only then, other assessments if the speech and language therapist or the doctor considers them necessary. This pathway is the simplest and most efficient.
Avoid multiplying consultations without prescription or coordination. You risk losing time and money without having a clear picture of the situation. A coordinated pathway is always more efficient.
Once the diagnosis is made, remember to send the report to school to request accommodations. The school can then adapt its support. See after the diagnosis: the steps.
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You can make an appointment, but the assessment will only be reimbursed with a medical prescription. It is therefore better to go first through the GP, the paediatrician or the school doctor. Seeing a doctor also makes it possible to rule out other causes.
Not necessarily. The speech and language therapy assessment is often sufficient. A neuropsychological assessment is useful if an attention disorder or other difficulties are suspected. The speech and language therapist or the doctor will tell you whether it is necessary.
The GP, the paediatrician, the school doctor or any other doctor can prescribe a speech and language therapy assessment. Their prescription allows the assessment to be reimbursed.
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