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Warning-sign checks

Developmental reading disorder: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if an adult or child suddenly loses the ability to read, especially with facial drooping, weakness, confusion, severe headache, or difficulty speaking.

    A sudden change may indicate a stroke, head injury, or another acute medical problem.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Get urgent mental health help if someone is at immediate risk of self-harm, talks about suicide, or cannot be kept safe.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine discussion with a teacher, school support service, primary care professional, or qualified learning specialist if reading remains unusually slow or inaccurate despite appropriate teaching.

    Assessment is also reasonable when reading or spelling difficulties affect confidence, attendance, education, training, or work.

    Seek routine help for persistent anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, or school avoidance, whether or not a reading disorder has been diagnosed.

The article also says

Developmental reading disorder itself is not an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Developmental reading disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.