Dyslexia is a widespread condition amongst children, teenagers and adults, with one dyslexic child estimated to be in each mainstream school classroom. Although there is no known cure, there are several different ways that children with dyslexia can be helped to reach their potential. However, such children are often not correctly identified and therefore do not receive the help they need. Schools in particular often do not have funds available for assessment, or are unable to afford the

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... ist teachers the children need. In addition, some teachers do not recognise the existence of dyslexia and see it as the reason middle-class parents give for their child not under achieving. So, instead of helping, they ignore or humiliate the child, with disastrous consequences. It falls to parents to get the help needed from schools, or to look elsewhere for assistance. A questionnaire to support parents in doing so has been developed in this study. The questionnaire has undergone nine stages of development, and three stages of evaluation. The questionnaire contains just 12 items. However, it enables parents to assess and discuss whether their child with known or suspected dyslexia is under stress, and how much 'Trying' or 'Blaming' their child is using to cope with it. When a child shows considerable use of the Blaming response, significant depression and loss of self-esteem can be inferred, so parents can ask as a matter of urgency that their child be given appropriate emotional and practical support.