I requested ACT accommodations for my 18 year old son. I was quite surprised when accommodations were denied. It sounds like he was denied because he doesn't have a "paper trail" of receiving support at school over the years. He was not diagnosed with a reading learning disability until he was in high school. He managed to "get by" and was assessed only when I took him to an outside psychologist.
I was wondering about the cost of testing fees. My child's school told me it was a $2,500 test and can only be done in Lansing. I’m hoping you can help. Also, are there programs to help with the financial part of the testing?
We are desperate for answers at this point. Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to provide for us!
I am frequently asked whether my clients with dyslexia should only read text with their eyes – or should they be allowed to listen to text (sometimes called “reading with one’s ears”). To a person who is dyslexic, I recommend the use of text-to-speech software as an accommodation.
One of our goals on DyslexiaHelp is to increase understandings about the potential of those with dyslexia. This month we are featuring stories about engaging students in learning and building self-advocacy skills through topics of interest that utilize their strengths.
Before you invest your family’s time and money on what claims to be a quick, easy, and effective dyslexia intervention, be a good consumer and do your homework, starting with this article.
The holiday season is upon us and school’s out for winter break. Getting out of our routine can offer opportunity, as well as challenge. Here are some tips to deal with some of the challenges and embrace the opportunities.
In my “Ask Dr. Pierson” column, I typically write about a dyslexia-related issue that has been asked of me by one of you. This month, I am turning that around to “Dr. Pierson Asks.” I am asking you to help.
Summer is in full swing around the country and for many of us that means it is time for our "summer reading." We’ve a bit more time to sit and relax with a good book. But, as those of us who live and work with dyslexics know, this may not be their idea of a good time.
It can be a real dilemma for you to balance your child’s summer fun and respite with continued dyslexia tutoring or therapy. You feel somewhere between a seal balancing that ball and a juggler keeping those balls in the air!
Study suggests poor reading comprehension impacts oral and written narrative abilities including understanding of narrative text structure, effective use of connectives, and strategies for communicating relevant information.
It is that time of year when many of us are buying gifts for our kids. And, while they may be asking for the latest Xbox game, we should not forget the wealth of non-electronic games that are out there that can promote language and literacy learning while having fun.
I recently returned from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) annual conference, which was excellent. One of the talks I attended was using Vision Therapy (VT) as a treatment for dyslexia. That same day I had a question from a parent on VT pop into my DyslexiaHelp in-box.
As my clients are preparing to return to school—some excited, some not so much—I thought it timely to offer 10 tips for teachers to create an environment that will increase the likelihood of success for dyslexic students in the classroom.
Now that summer is here, the challenge for you as a parent is to create a summer program for your child that includes both summer therapy or tutoring, as well as some fun!
Here are Dr. Pierson's tips that can help you to help them 'catch up' and/or maintain their skills while still enjoying your summer.
As the school year winds down, I receive an influx of questions via DyslexiaHelp and in my private clinical practice from parents relative to deciding on summer program options for their child with dyslexia or other language-based learning disabilities.
Parents frequently ask me how a diagnosis of dyslexia is made. Recently, one parent questioned whether there was one test for dyslexia because she was told that an IQ test would be the sole test used to determine whether her son was dyslexic. In the past, intelligence tests were a part of the testing battery, but this is no longer the recommended practice. Here is an article from NIH that explains why we no longer use IQ for determining dyslexia. I suggested that the parent who inquired might consider sharing this article with her son’s team.
Suggestions for planning a course of action: I understand that as a parent it can be daunting and overwhelming when your child receives a diagnosis of dyslexia, language disability, or anything similar.
My child is clearly not achieving in school. Why doesn't he or she qualify for help?
I see many children and teens who evidence language or reading disorder, including dyslexia, and who are not deemed eligible for services in the public schools.
