Subheading: New CPS Position Statement
What if a parent comes to see you in clinic tomorrow and says "My child is having difficulty reading." Did you know that your next steps are crucial?
Over 95% of reading difficulties can be prevented or resolved with appropriate classroom instruction if primary & pediatric care providers:
Identify early
Promptly implement appropriate intervention & support
The Canadian Pediatric Society has released a Position Statement that recommends the following:
Screen children aged 4-7
- Ask, "Is your child having trouble recognizing letters of the alphabet?"
- Use the 2-3 minute DIBELS tools: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills
Diagnose learning disorders
- Referral to pediatrics can be useful, and also psychoeducational assessment can be helpful especially in children beyond grade 1 who are not improving in class (kindergarten and grade 1 might be too early).
- This can be expensive but some extended benefit plans cover it. Also, consider a free submission to the Canadian Government Jordan's Principle for an Indigenous child - they don't need First Nations status to qualify.
Assess for other causes
- Look for other diagnoses including medical and psychiatric, such as ADHD and developmental coordination disorder.
Provide resources
- Encourage parents and caregivers to speak, read, and sing with infants and young children
*See more screening questions, tools, and resources in the CPS Practice Point.
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