My 12-year-old daughter was just diagnosed with a learning disability yesterday in the IEP meeting at my daughter’s school. My daughter is very bright and very self confident with the things she does. I really just need some information on tutoring and self motivated programs that will assist my child in becoming better In her school curriculum and a life changing aspect for herself along with her parents’ moral support. If you can help me with any type of information regarding my Child’s learning disability, I will really appreciate the support. Thank you.
I am glad that you found DyslexiaHelp. I know it can be overwhelming when your child (and you) first receive this diagnosis. I'll point you to several pages on the website that you might find helpful.
I do want to stress that the research is clear that systematic, direct instruction will help your daughter succeed. I am glad to know that she is getting services at her school. Her teachers will be able to help her understand her learning disability and, importantly, her strengths so that she can ultimately advocate for herself. They will also help her learn how to use these strengths as she works to improve her skills in areas that are challenging for her. I'd recommend you share our website with her school staff. We have a lot of information under the Professionals portal that they might find helpful. Also, you can check out our long list of successful dyslexics.
You'll find information about fostering strengths and reading in areas of interest; very important for a child with a LD.
Another important piece will be to ensure that she has access to the school curriculum. She needs to have the text read to her if she cannot read it herself. Is there a university, college, or high school student who might volunteer some time to read to her? It will be helpful to get an extra set of her textbooks at home, so that she doesn't have to lug them back and forth.
Getting her access to audio books will also be helpful. We have a couple of suggestions on our Tools page. There's also a page on book scanning information and then she can have the text read out loud with this technology.
For you, I'd suggest reading these great suggestions from a mother who has walked in your shoes.
Additionally, Dr. Michael Ryan offers suggestions in his Letters to the Young Dyslexic that will be helpful to both of you.
Last, our apps page is loaded with apps that may be of interest to your daughter. You can search by topic and by her age.
This should get you started. DyslexiaHelp is loaded with more information when you are ready.
Know that your daughter is off to a good start because she has one of the most important factors going for her—an advocate in you! In time, she will learn to be her own advocate, but right now she needs you. Many successful dyslexics report the importance of that certain someone (parent, teacher, coach,) who believed in them. So, be sure to take care of yourself, too—do something good for mom every so often! Doctor's orders!
