WHAT a wonderful story of Jude Metcalf's achievements (Letters, October 15).

Every time I see another success story about a child with dyslexia, it makes me proud. Only when you live with a child who suffers from dyslexia, knowing their desperate need to succeed and be accepted, do you realise what it can be like.

Our daughter, Alex, strives every day of her school life to do her best despite her difficulties. We hope like Jude she will be allowed extra time to do her exams, although she doesn't appear to be given any during the tests at school.

I have told her about Jude to reassure her that she can also succeed. She has the potential and the support of her family and close friends.

As an alternative to the normal treatment of dyslexia, Alex has recently completed the DDAT programme (as seen on Tonight with Trevor Macdonald). Her reading and writing have improved.

Thanks to her hard work, and with the help of an excellent form teacher and special needs teacher at Westfield Community Primary School, she did well in her tests.

Alex is a lovely young lady who enjoys all kinds of out of school activities ranging from playing football with the Hamilton Panthers to dancing in the forthcoming pantomime Cinderella.

Please do noy write off children with dyslexia, or any special needs; they are wonderful children. With the right teaching and understanding, anything is possible.

Mrs Anthea Dykes,

Walker Drive,

Foxwood Lane,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 09:44 Wednesday, October 20, 2004