Dyslexia and the school counsellor: A Maltese case study

Abstract

Aim: This paper seeks to understand whether Maltese school counsellors are equipped to deal with dyslexic clients, considers whether specific strategies need to be used, and what positive effects, if any, counselling has on these clients. Previous studies: A literature review on self-concept and techniques on how to improve the self-concept of children with Learning Disabilities (LD)/Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) will place the current study in context. Method: Questionnaires (available from the authors on request) were distributed to all school counsellors on the island and analysed using content analysis. Findings: Findings from respondents indicate a need for more training, evidence-based knowledge of specific techniques when dealing effectively and successfully with dyslexic clients, specific specialised training to understand dyslexic clients and that counselling has a positive effect on dyslexic clients.

Keywords:

• Dyslexia
• specific learning difficulties
• low self-esteem
• professional training
• school counsellors

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Malta Association of the Counselling Profession for distributing our questionnaire, the Maltese School Counsellors for their participation and our sons for inspiring us to pursue this enquiry. We dedicate this paper to our dyslexic sons Luke and Aaron.