Wish I'd come to Nicky sooner
"It is never easy or nice to realise your child has learning difficulties, but there is a sense of relief when your concerns are verified and you, the parent, have a concrete diagnosis to work with and pointers on how best to support your child. For years I have known my daughter has dyslexia and had just assumed her issues with writing were an aspect of her dyslexia. Added to this is the fact I home-school my children, so whenever I sought help from the Local Authority, GP or NHS, I felt discounted and blamed for her handwriting. After years of asking and waiting, her appointment with the NHS Occupational Therapist ended with a brief letter stating my daughter has no underlying issues and just needs daily practice.
It felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall, despite her having an incredibly effective and supportive tutor for her dyslexia.
When I found Nicky it felt like things took a drastic turn for the better and I finally felt I'd found a professional who could help us understand why my bright, creative daughter just cannot write legibly. After her appointment, my daughter was happy and smiling, saying she'd enjoyed the session, liked Nicky, and found the exercises challenging yet fun. Within a few weeks Nicky gave us a detailed report about her special needs. Somehow within one short session she had identified issues I was unaware of (such as my daughter having lax and over-flexible joints in her hands) and had measured and quantified issues I was aware of. Additionally, Nicky gave advice on exercises she could do, equipment she should use and ideas for the future to help her. I am also confident that her report could be used as evidence for her needing allowance in exams.
With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I'd come to Nicky sooner for my daughter to be assessed. All other routes I'd attempted were a futile waste of time."