Showing posts with label dysgraphia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dysgraphia. Show all posts

Mar 5, 2009

Free Webcast Seminar Focuses on Homework

Is school painful for your child and your family?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions below, Dr. Linda Silbert can help you at her FREE weekly "Let's Talk About School" Tele-Webcast on Tuesday evenings at 9pm EST.

  • Does your child struggle in school with reading, writing, or arithmetic?
  • Does he need help with homework, study skills, or organizational skills?
  • Does she have dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD/ADHD, or another LD?
  • Does he have low self-esteem due to school related issues?
  • Do you and your child have problems communicating with each other?

Join her FREE 1-hr. "Let's Talk About Homework,
Topic: Math Made Easy"
Teleseminar-Webcast and Get Answers

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 (5pm PST / 8pm EST)

I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for those ADHD/LD parents whose children are having difficulty in school and with homework. To register for her weekly webcasts, visit her website.

Jul 14, 2008

Behind the Scenes at LD Online

The following is a first for this blog... a guest post. I invited Dale Brown, Senior Manager of LD Online to write a post detailing the behind the scenes action that takes place at LD Online. I am an avid supporter of this website and use it's resources frequently. If you haven't visited the site before, I highly encourage you to do so. It is the place to go for all things relating to learning disabilities. Now, here's her post....



I'm the senior manager of LD OnLine. When Shane asked me to be a guest blogger, I was happy to do so. Managing a website is challenging, interesting work. But sometimes I feel invisible behind the computer screen. I know you are out there using our information, but you are invisible to me, just as I am invisible to you. So, it is important to me to connect and this blog post is my way to reach out to you.

Shane talked about LD OnLine in a recent post, so I won't say any more. I’ll take you right into my office where I'm working in front of a computer with two monitors. Most of my day is spent reading, watching videos, and clicking around the website obsessing over how to get you to the information you need in the easiest possible way. Just a minute ago, I was trying to figure out how many people were clicking on which link. I also write for LD OnLine and e-mail, e-mail, and e-mail. It seems like 2 letters come in for every one I answer!

LD OnLine has an incredible team of people who work with me to get the job done and they all go the extra mile to help. We read your questions and listen to your stories. I read every thing that comes into our mailbox even if I can't answer it.

My background is as an advocate and policy developer. I was a child with a learning disability and you can read a letter I wrote to my grandmother when I was young here. My experience as a child makes me determined to help other children with learning disabilities. And that means helping parents and teachers by creating and organizing our materials.

Anyway, when Shane wrote us and offered to volunteer, we were thrilled to have her as part of the team. She reviewed our recommended links section and made it better. It is worth it to familiarize yourself with it so that you can use it when you need to find a website. Many people like the organized way we set up the links. You can search by focus, by type of organization and by audience. We've selected the websites, so you are more likely to get a good result than if you just click all over the web.

Please join us on LD OnLine, sign up for our newsletters and visit our homepage. We change it the first business day of each month. At the beginning of next month, I'll imagine you reading it at your computer screen. Maybe you can think of me clicking away on my keyboard, creating what you see when you look at the screen. And know that we are connected even if we never see each other's faces.

Jun 16, 2008

Life Success Guides for Parents & Teachers of LD Children

The Frostig Center, located in Pasadena, California, was founded in 1951. It is a non-profit organization that specializes in working with children who have learning disabilities. Researchers at the Frostig Center have followed the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities for over twenty years. Through this research they have "identified key factors that contribute to success." Per the Life Success website,
"Understanding and nurturing these key factors - called "success attributes" - can aid in a child's development and ability to overcome LD. Each of the six success attributes - self-awareness, proactivity, perseverance, goal-setting, support systems, and emotional coping strategies - has been shown to lead to successful life outcomes for children with LD.
Building from their 20+ years of research, the Frostig Center has made available two Life Success guides. One is for parents and the other is for teachers. You can view the parent guide online or download the pdf here. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the pdf)

Mar 4, 2008

What Exactly is IDEA?



If you have been in the ADHD/LD arena for any length of time at all, you've inevitably heard about IDEA. But, do you really know what it is? How it affects your child? Did you know there is more than one part?

According to the IDEA website...


The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.


IDEA governs the entire special education process. IDEA also promotes the use of assistive technology in teaching children with disabilities.

The nine basic steps of IDEA are:

  1. The child is identified as potentially requiring special education support.
  2. The child is then evaluated. The evaluation will include the school team and the parent.

  3. After evaluation, the eligibility is determined. Qualified professionals and the parent will determine the eligibility.

  4. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is scheduled.

  5. The IEP is written.

  6. The plan is carried out - Services are provided.

  7. Ongoing measurement of progress and reporting to parents.

  8. The IEP is reviewed.

  9. Reevaluation.

To read more information about each step, visit About.com. Wrightslaw.com also has a comprehensive list of articles about IDEA that you can access for free.

Jan 30, 2008

IEP Alternatives



Has your child been tested and didn't quite qualify for an IEP? Are you wondering now what? Don't give up! There is another option that may be just right for your child. The school should tell you about the next steap, a 504 Plan. What is a 504 Plan?


A 504 plan is a legal document that outlines a plan of instructional services for students in the general education setting. Students with ADHD often have a 504 plan. While not an IEP, the document usually describes the types of accommodations that will be made for a student in school. --LD Online


To learn more about the 504 Plan and decide if this may be the route your child needs to go, read on:

Jan 24, 2008

A Guide to Learning Disabilities

I have known that my ADHD/LD son was "different" since he was a toddler. He just wasn't like the other children I came in contact with that were his age. He sat up later then his peers. He also walked later, talked later, etc. My friends and family tried to encourage me and would say things like..."he'll catch up, don't worry." But, I knew that it was something more serious. It wasn't until he was in the first grade that my concerns were validated. He was seven years old when his school diagnosed him with three learning disabilities: dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyslexia. I wish I had followed my gut instinct and insisted that he be tested for learning disabilities sooner. If you have the slightest feeling that your child may have a learning disability, I encourage you to follow through and have him/her tested. Besides the learning disabilites my child has been diagnosed with, there are others.

To read more about these and others, visit NCLD's specific LD's fact sheet. Also, for an age-by-age guide to learning disabilities, visit Family Education's "LD and Your Child: An Age-by-Age Guide."

Jan 13, 2008

Raven's Guide to Special Education

Today I came across a wonderful resource for anyone that is remotely associated with special education. If you are a teacher, parent, grandparent or know anyone that is involved with special education, this website will be of use to you. The name of the site is Raven's Guide to Special Education.





The intent of Raven's Guide to Special Education is to make this complex educational system more understandable and workable for the people who help children with disabilities. Within this online guide are concise summaries of special education laws, regulations, procedures, and disability categories; teaching, discipline, and inclusion strategies; a glossary of special education terms; links to related Internet sites; and more.



The author, Richard Flagle, is a School Psychologist. He provides information on regulations, disabilities, evaluations, IEP's, programs, teaching, discipline, mainstream, ESY, transition, glossary and Internet links. You can also utilize the Google search feature on the site to search for a specific topic.

Also, to help you navigate and better understand the special education maze, you may find this list useful:
A Parent Primer on Special Education Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions. It provides a comprehensive list of virtually every abbreviation that is used in the special education system. You can also print it out and keep it handy for future reference. I have also added a link in the sidebar under "Resources" so it will be easy for you to find as the need arises.

Oct 23, 2007

The five main types of learning disabilities



I recently came across a website entitled HealthLine.com. This site offers a wealth of information in a wide variety of health related issues. My interests, of course, centered on ADHD and LD. Their article entitled Learning Disorders provides a wonderfully simple explanation for each type of learning disability:
  • Reading disorders (dyslexia)
  • Mathematics disorders (dyscalculia)
  • Disorders of written expression (dysgraphia)
  • Disorders of fine motor skills (dyspraxia)
  • Information processing disorders

The article goes on to say:

Learning disorders affect approximately two million children between the ages of six and 17 (5% of public school children)


If you are new to learning disabilities or suspect your child may have one (or more), I highly recommend you read this article.

Oct 12, 2007

Internship and Art Opportunities for ADHD/LD students


LD Online has a list of internships that are being offered for college students who have disabilities. They are:

1. Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation-AAPD Congressional Internship Program
2. Microsoft-AAPD Federal Information Technology Internship Program
3. LD OnLine Internship

To read more about each go to LD Online. You need to hurry though.... the deadline to apply for the Mitsubishi and Microsoft internships is December 14, 2007. Good luck!


They also offer an art opportunity for 5-18 year olds who have ADHD or learning disabilities. Your child can send in as many pieces of original artwork as they would like. Selected pictures will be posted in their online Art Gallery and on their homepage. For more information and to learn how to submit your child's art work, go here.

Sep 3, 2007

Assistive Technology Tools


I know I refer to Schwab Learning a lot on this blog, but it's for a good reason. They have such a comprehensive data base of information on every topic you could think of relating to ADHD and LD. They have a ton of useful, relevant information that I just have to pass on.

The latest article I have found that I want to share is entitled Technology to Help Kids:Assistive Technology Tools. It's really more of a data base than an article. You choose your child's learning difficulty from a drop down menu and up pops assistive technology tools/products relating to that particular learning problem. It just couldn't be easier. Click on the tool/product you're interested in a you are automatically taken to a website that has, sells or offers that tool.

There is also a drop down menu if you prefer to search by tool/product. For example, if you are interested in talking calculators, just click on that tool and a list of resources pops up. You can then follow those links to learn more about the calculators and find out where to purchase one.


If your child is struggling with listening, math, reading, writing, organization and/or memory, this site can lead you to the very tool that could help your child succeed.

Aug 30, 2007

LD Advocates Guide update

Now more than ever, it is critical that parents work with their elected officials to make sure the voices of children with learning disabilities (LD) are heard in Washington, D.C., and at the state and local level. Yet, many parents are understandably overwhelmed by the legal details and don’t know exactly what they can do to make a difference.

For that reason, we are pleased to announce the August 2007, update of the LD Advocates Guide, developed by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) and made possible by a grant from Schwab Learning.


NCLD’s mission is to increase public awareness of LD as well as provide national leadership in shaping public policy. The LD Advocates Guide:


  • Clearly explains how best to engage policymakers and the media on issues affecting the LD community

  • Provides a primer on key issues affecting the fields of LD and special education


Even if you can spare just a few minutes a week, this FREE downloadable guide tells you how to make the needs of kids with learning disabilities visible and compelling to lawmakers and others in your community. Sample this valuable advocacy tool by downloading one of the chapters below:


Or, to download your free copy of the entire LD Advocates Guide, please visit the National Center for Learning Disabilities website.

The above article is from SchwabLearning.com. It is important information that I thought was worth sharing.

Jul 25, 2007

Ten Tips for Parents of Who Have an LD Child


Family Education has a wonderful section all about learning disabilities. While browsing through the site I came across an article entitled "Top Ten Tips for Parents Who Have a Child with LD." I wanted to pass this information on to you as I think it is quite valuable. I have listed the ten tips below.


  1. Learn all you can about the disability.
  2. Keep in contact with your child's teacher(s).
  3. Keep a profile of what your child does well.
  4. Help your child understand the effect the learning disability will have on him/her in school as well as socially.
  5. Help your child get organized.
  6. Involve your child in extra-curricular activities.
  7. Involve your child in helping someone else.
  8. Keep your expectations for your child high but realistic.
  9. Help your child learn to ask for what they need
  10. Join or form a group of parents with similar situations.

Looking at the above list, I am happy to report that I have managed to accomplish all but one of the tips. The last one, #10, is one that I have not done. I actually looked into forming an ADHD/LD support group at my son's school last fall. I made it as far as the PTA president, who wasn't very receptive. However, I do plan to give it another shot. To read the details associated with each tip, visit Family Education. And, while you're there, browse around their site a bit. They have a number of articles related to learning disabilites. They also have three pages full of free printables (covering numerous topics) available free of charge.

May 24, 2007

ADHD and Learning Disability Nationwide Events

ADDitude.com has compiled a list of nationwide events related to ADHD and LD. Currently, the listings go through November 2007. However, the list is continually added to and updated. There is a search function that allows you to search for events only in your state if you like. I was disappointed that there are no events listed in my state, but I plan to check back often. You can also sign up to receive their free newsletter via email if you're interested. I receive them twice a month and am very satisfied with the information they contain. I also subscribe to their monthly print magazine...which I love! I would highly recommend it as well.

May 22, 2007

Learning Disabilities Checklists

Have you ever wondered how to describe your LD child's strengths and weaknesses? I have personally struggled when it comes time to discuss this at IEP meetings. I'm never quite sure how to word things to get my point across adequately. Well, About.com has compiled checklists for this very purpose.



These observational checklists will help you determine where your child's strengths and weaknesses are. Check the appropriate items and bring forward to your IEP meeting or for a parent/teacher meeting.


These checklists cover a wide range of topics....written skills, reading skills, math skills, fine and gross motor skills, listening comprehension, oral language development, social skills, and behavior. In addition, they provide an extensive list of possible accommodations that may be beneficial to your LD child.

May 11, 2007

Spark Your ADHD/LD Child's Interest


Schwab Learning has created a fun website especially for kids ages 8 - 12 who have learning difficulties.

SparkTop.org is the first website created expressly for kids with learning difficulties, including learning disabilities (LD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). By educating kids about their learning, helping them recognize their strengths, showcasing their creativity and offering safe ways for kids to connect with one another, SparkTop.org can help children gain confidence and insight about themselves and how they learn.

They have also created a page for parents to answer all of your questions about SparkTop.org.

May 5, 2007

Special Education Resource for Parents


I am so excited! I stumbled upon a true gem tonight. I found the National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education's (NAPCSE) website. What a resource. This site is absolutely packed with information. They offer parent forums, reference library, and publications just to name a few (very few) things. If you have a child that utilizes the services of special education/resource class at school, this is a site you should really take a look at. I know I've bookmarked it! I have also added a permanent link to the NAPCSE site in the margin under the "Resources" heading.

Apr 15, 2007

Inclusion vs. Self Contained Classroom

Does your child have a learning disability? Are you being faced with having to make a decision between inclusion and self contained classes for him? First of all, let me give you the definition of each. About.com defines inclusion as:




...a term which expresses commitment to educate each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, in the school and classroom he or she would otherwise attend. It involves bringing the support services to the child (rather than moving the child to the services) and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class (rather than having to keep up with the other students).


Furthermore, they describe a self contained classroom environment as:

...a self-contained classroom means that your child will be removed from the general school population for all academic subjects to work in a small controlled setting with a special-education teacher. Students in a self-contained class may be working at all different academic levels, with different textbooks and different curricula. Self-contained classes offer structure, routine, and appropriate expectations, but some students may require a higher level of specialization.

Here are a few articles relating to both. I hope they help you in making your decision:


For a related article, read Redefining an Integrated Classroom at The East Hampton Star.

Mar 21, 2007

Preparing for your first IEP meeting

It was 2003 when I attended my very first IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting. My son had just been diagnosed with three learning disabilities. And, only six months before, came the diagnosis of ADHD. Being new to the whole process of an IEP meeting, I was pretty much clueless. I thought I went to the meeting just to see what the teachers thought would be best for my son. I didn't know that I, as a parent, had an equal voice at this meeting. Since that time I have researched, learned and prepared for each meeting. I go armed with my resource notebook, questions, suggestions and concerns. I have requested certain accommodations be added to his IEP, and they have been. We (the school officials and I) work as a team. If you plan to attend your first IEP meeting in the near future, Great Schools has a wonderful resource on their site that you will want to review. It is an "e-ssential guide" entitled Preparing for Your First IEP Meeting available for download free of charge. The topics covered are:

  • An overview of the IEP process, including your role as a parent
  • Things you can do before, during, and after the meeting to make it successful
  • What makes IEP goals effective, and how to monitor those goals
  • A glossary of frequently used educational terms
  • Effective ways to talk with family and friends about your child’s learning problems
  • How to talk with your elementary-age child about his learning difficulties
  • Recommended resources, including books, articles, and websites

Also, you may find these previous posts helpful:

Early on I purchased a book entitled "Nolo's IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities." It has been an invaluable resource that I have referred to often. I first checked it out from my local library. I knew right away that it was a book I needed to have for future reference. I then purchased it through half.com at a very reasonable price.

Mar 17, 2007

Misunderstood Minds: the documentary



"When you're a kid, school is your career. And if you go out of business in school, if your business goes bankrupt, if you're not having any success, you're left with almost nothing. You are poverty-stricken. Where do you go from there?"

-- Dr. Mel LevineFounder, All Kinds of Minds


Misunderstood Minds is a documentary that originally aired on PBS in March 2002. Funding for the documentary was provided by SchwabLearning.com (one of my favorite websites). Here is what the Misunderstood Minds website has to say about the documentary.


"For one in five students, learning is an exhausting and frustrating struggle. Often mistakenly called "lazy" or "stupid" by their teachers, classmates, and even their families, these children may be suffering from debilitating learning problems. If not addressed, the problems can have a devastating impact on the students' self-esteem and future academic and social success. The PBS documentary Misunderstood Minds shines a spotlight on this painful subject, following the stories of five families as, together with experts, they try to solve the mysteries of their children's learning difficulties. Produced and directed by renowned Frontline filmmaker Michael Kirk, this 90-minute special shows the children's problems in a new light, and serves as a platform to open a nationwide dialogue on how best to manage young, vulnerable, and misunderstood minds. "

The website offers an amazing wealth of information and resources on attention, organization, reading, writing, and mathematics problems. You can also order a copy of the documentary here if you'd like.

Mar 16, 2007

Summer Camp for ADHD & LD children


It is almost that time again....time for school to let out and summer vacation to begin. If your child has ADHD and/or LD, you may interested in learning more about summer camps that cater specifically to them. Below are a few links to get you started: