Wilson or Barton for 13 year old son...

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

I was hoping I could get some desperately needed advice. My son just turned 13 and is in 6th grade. Always had problems with language - couldn’t recognize the alphabet until he was 6 1/2, speech problems etc. He has always squeaked by, but now is he completely overwhelmed in middle school.

I got him tested through the school and they basically said he needs help with fluency and comprehension (duh, already knew that). On the Wisc IV, he scored 110. His processing and working memory scores were low. His oral reading comprehension is better than his silent one. He can decode words in isolation much better than in context. Depending upon the test (I have scores from many), he scored between a 3.5 and 5th grade reading level. They also mentioned that this can be all caused by a minor case of inattentive ADD (no symptoms seen at home though).

Oh - his spelling is terrible. And he cannot write in cursive.

Please help me figure out a plan for him. His self-esteem is fading; he cries and tells me he is stupid. He says he wants to go to a school where there are kids like him. Unfortunately, we cannot afford a school like that.

I’ll take any thoughts and advice.

LisaB
[Modified by: lisab on May 20, 2009 11:43 PM]

Submitted by lisab on Fri, 05/29/2009 - 10:13 PM

Permalink

Thank you. I think I have decided on Barton. There is a tutor in our area who is very flexible and hopefully good.

Now, I’m trying to figure out how to supplement for the processing, working memory, writing, fluency and comprehension issues. LOL!

Submitted by dhfl143 on Sun, 05/24/2009 - 1:37 AM

Permalink

Both are excellent OG based programs. As equally important as the program is the experience and quality of the instructor and that he/she implements each specific program with fidelity. In addition, it is recommended that a student be tutored a minimum of twice a week, for a period of at least 45 minutes per session. I believe Barton concentrates more on spelling rules than Wilson.

I would not recommend using a combination of programs or methodology. For example, if a student is being instructed with one of these program during school and you wish to provide additional outside tutoring, I would utilize the same method.

Back to Top