My 8-year-old daughter is dyslexic as well as inattentive ADHD. She attends a private school and is on an ISP. After reviewing her recent report card, she broke out into tears at the low marks she received. She was especially heartbroken over getting the lowest possible marks in two categories: “listens/follows directions” and “shows effort.”
My 6-year-old daughter hates school and always has. She is by far my “quirkiest” kid. For all of preschool, her teacher and I felt she was messing with us by not showing us what she knew. She couldn’t always recall her letters. It took her forever to count. She was terrible at letter sounds. We figured out at the beginning of kindergarten that she has a significant eyesight issue. We were all hopeful school stuff would click after correction of her eyes, and we’ve seen major improvements. But, a year later and something is still off.
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.
The most precious gifts you can offer your dyslexic students won’t cost you a penny but can yield invaluable benefits in boosting their confidence and self-esteem while building a positive, productive classroom. Here are six no-cost “gift” ideas to help promote their success this year.
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.
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.
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.
Summer is an ideal time to work on improving skills, but it is also equally important that our students have a much-needed break from the challenges associated with school. Here are 10 tips to consider as you plan your child's summer activities.
I was inspired to write this piece after reading A Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (2015). The book (without giving it away for those of you who haven’t read it yet) tells the story of a sixth-grade girl who struggles because of dyslexia that goes undiagnosed until a wise teacher sees, and more importantly, fosters and celebrates her gifts, while teaching her to read.
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 electronic game, we should not forget the wealth of people-powered games that are out there that can promote language and literacy learning while having fun.
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.
Learning to read proves frustrating for far too many children. These evidence-based tips will help teachers promote effective reading instruction for all students.
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.
It can be daunting to know what to do when you suspect or a teacher tells you that your child is struggling with literacy learning. For many parents, getting their child the right help is a new, dare I say, “adventure.” What should be your first step?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
