About a quarter of children with learning difficulties are not diagnosed until the age of 11, according to a new survey carried out by the Dyslexia Association of Ireland.

The survey which was carried out in 1999 also found that more than two-thirds of parents surveyed believe that teachers are not aware of dyslexic students' needs.

Fewer than one-third of parents surveyed felt that remedial teachers were properly trained to teach students with dyslexia, and more than 60 per cent of parents whose children received special arrangements when taking State exams were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with such arrangements.

Anne Hughes, director of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, says the results of the survey clearly indicate that its 2,000 members perceive serious shortcomings in the provision of services for children with learning difficulties.

Lack of awareness of the problem, lack of acceptance and lack of specific and one-to-one help were found to be the principal reasons for this dissatisfaction.

"Waiting time for assessment in too many cases is over six months," Anne Hughes said. "And the high percentage of children being assessed by the Dyslexia Association and private psychologists is a cause of concern because it suggests that many parents are forced to obtain assessments privately. This option is only open to those who can afford assessment fees, so those in financial need are being overlooked."

The association is urging the Department of Education and Science to provide for better teacher training, early assessment procedures, comprehensive remedial provision and dyslexia-friendly exam structures.

A spokesperson for the Department said a task force on dyslexia was set up in September and was examining all aspects of the provision of services for children with learning difficulties.