Dyslexia and transitioning from school to work

A post about leaving school may seem irrelevant to you if your child is much younger, but believe me, they will be there before you know it.

For my son Harry, leaving school was a relief. Coming after pandemic lockdowns, his final academic year was gruelling. Harry was also battling the effects of glandular fever, which had left him debilitated and lacking energy. As the months went on, more and more of his friends dropped out of school. I used the analogy of rugby, the major sport here in New Zealand, to explain he was in the equivalent of extra time at a game. Giving up school so close to the final whistle made no sense.

The day Harry achieved his credits, he left and rested for a fortnight. His father and I are so proud he persevered, despite his challenges, and acheived his qualification. He started full-time work in horticulture two weeks later and loves being outdoors. Here is a post about suitable jobs for someone who has dyslexia.

So, what was my biggest lesson for 2022?

Never give up!

Frequently during the year, I wanted to say to Harry, “Fine, leave school, see if I care,” but I knew the end was in sight. I had numerous meetings with his Head of Year. I begged him to waive the detention penalty for lateness, as Harry rarely arrived in time for the first bell. His school was large, and flexibility is not their strength, but the Head of Year agreed to a later start time (he also has a child with dyslexia and could understand where I was coming from).

Other things I learned this year

I must always trust my gut instincts.

Earlier in the year, Harry seemed listless. He is a low-energy person at the best of times, but this lack of energy was unusual. I looked at his sleeping patterns and diet, which seemed normal, and then took him to the osteopath because he complained of back pain and sore joints. She suggested I take him to see a doctor. Even though he is 17, I went to the appointment with him, knowing he would struggle to communicate his symptoms. The doctor ran some blood tests and called me at home the next day. “He’s got glandular fever,” she said. I’m so glad I didn’t ignore or dismiss Harry’s fatigue as teenage laziness.

Giving literacy support continues even though he is now working

Finding a job for Harry wasn’t difficult because New Zealand currently has very low unemployment. However, the paperwork involved in applying for and accepting the position was daunting. He needed support in completing all the forms, not because he couldn’t read but because he’s never been through getting referees, giving bank details, and filling in complex paperwork. One question on his application asked him to outline his goals for the next five years! That answer took some teasing out.

Harry got a call from his employer the day after he submitted the online form. He told me he’d been offered the job, and I was delighted. However, on further questioning, I discovered he’d been offered an interview. So I explained how the selection process worked; how the employer would meet with him, take up references and then make him an offer. Fortunately, Harry sailed through the interview and started work the following week.

I’m learning to let go

Harry is now a working young adult. I need to pull back and let him make his way in the world. All the hard work helping him to learn to read and write has finally paid off. He is holding down his job and enjoying it, not least because he sees his bank balance grow. He wants a car and has plans to go camping with friends. I know parenting never ends, but I’m aware I have moved into a new phase of life. I’m not as hands-off as I was with my daughter, who doesn’t have dyslexia, but I am letting go at a pace suitable for him.

Transitioning from school to a job can go smoothly

Parenting a child with dyslexia is a marathon, not a sprint, and is often exhausting. I hope you take heart from Harry’s smooth transition into work story.

Rest and refill your tanks before the new school term begins. All your hard work helping your child will eventually pay off.

Speechify is an app that can help dyslexic children as it reads online text. Here is my affiliate link.

If you have some time and want to read up on ways to help your child with their reading and spelling, here is a link to a free download of 20 tips.

Remember: never give up!