Posted on

Testing for Learning Disabilities.. Dyslexia & ADHD

Remind me not to go through with formal testing… We went to see a Neuropathic Doctor recently.  I know my son learns differently- I know he thinks in pictures- visual images.

He sat through 4+ hours of academic testing to receive a report of ADHD.  He is not far enough behind in reading & math ability to ‘qualify’ for dyslexia I guess.

I was thinking that a large medical office would have accurate, reliable testing methods to identify & assist ‘visual thinkers.’  I am disappointed to not find it so.

It was difficult to find even this professional; I had to drive 40 miles to a nearby city to have this testing done.

 

Posted on

Fonts to try… And a bit of research behind these theories…

As I have been learning for months and years about Dyslexia… I have run across an article that suggests there are preferred fonts for dyslexic readers.  Courier/ Verdana/ Arial/ Dyslexie  Here is a link to the most recent article I read.

The statistics were really hard to figure out- to draw conclusions.  I would suggest try any of the suggestions in the image below to see if they help your reader.

The Dyslexie Font can be purchased, downloaded and used from this site.   They offer neat books, and other curriculum aids, feel free to explore their products!

Here is a link to some CBS News information on the Dyslexie font!

Posted on

What Dyslexia-Dysgraphia looks like Grade 2

The English/ reading assignment was on farmers & ladybugs.  A common worksheet with  a paragraph on the top and room for the student to write main idea/ details below in a table format.  The paper was graded with a big red star on the top as you can see in the picture.

I have always had a hard time wondering why several words can be spelled wrong when they are posted right there at the top of the page… ?

Ladebugs/ farmrs/ importent/ inseks/ planats/ strog/ betr

Look familiar??

If you are unfamiliar with dysgraphia, learn about it here.

Posted on

Early Signs… Reading & Writing As a Young Child

My young child never appreciated a snuggle and a good story.  He was much more comfortable ‘exploring’ his environment.  He chose toys that moved, made noise or were active.  My first child was much more welcoming to storytime… I just never had a concern.

Coloring was also something that was just not chosen for play time at home.  When I offered coloring as an activity, he would avoid it.   My child was raised in part by a nice daycare center.  I had trusted that they were helping to teach some of the preschool skills that would be necessary for entering kindergarten.

 

Posted on

Help! I”m a Teacher – Why is it my child HATES to read?

It took me years to formulate the answer to this question.  It was simple once I figured it out.  No, it wasn’t lack of attention.  No, it wasn’t a brain full of lead, mercury, etc.. No, it wasn’t a poor diet & need for probiotics & gut repair.

He has a dyslexic brain!  Once I figured it out I was astounded that it took me so long to figure out!

As I look at words (even those you see here), I see lines and circles that make up 2-dimensional letters.  I associate those letters with sounds and I can blend the sounds into words.  I then ‘think’ with those words to associate meaning to what my eyes take in.

Nothing like this entire process I just mentioned explains how my child makes meaning of the printed word.  My visual-spatial (dyslexic) child thinks in 3D where I do not.  As much as I would have like to have his brain all figured out- I still do not.  I am sure that he does take in information in 3D… I am not sure if he can visualize all of the separate letters in 3D/ or if he takes in a word through reading and processes that in 3D.