Many of the adults in your child’s life are unfamiliar with learning disorders in general, or your child’s unique pattern of strengths and limitations. Developing a one- to three-page dossier that provides useful information about your child can help their babysitters, coaches, teachers, bus drivers, school support staff, neighbors, and relatives understand their limitations. This article describes key elements of such a document and provides a sample.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association, includes codes for all mental health disorders currently recognized. Small changes in the DSM can have a major impact on how conditions are understood and treated. Revisions to the 5th edition, to be released in May, 2013, include changes to the name and types of learning disabilities that are identified within the document. Between now and June 15, 2012, the DSM-5 Development team welcomes comments and questions on these changes.
Learn about dyspraxia, a term that refers to a disorder in motor skill development. Dyspraxia affects both fine motor skills — such as writing — and gross motor skills — such as throwing a ball.
An “urban legend” is a story or belief that has been told, retold and told yet again. Because the tale is repeated so often and so widely, it comes to be viewed as “fact”. However, these stories are generally exaggerated, expanded or even totally untrue.
We read to children for all the same reasons we talk with children: to reassure, to entertain, to bond; to inform or explain, to arouse curiosity, to inspire. But in reading aloud, we also condition the child’s brain to associate reading with pleasure, create background knowledge, build vocabulary, and provide a reading role model.
Hear from Amelia Mount — a smart, creative, and thoughtful tenth grader about being diagnosed with dyslexia in elementary school and learning to revel in her strengths in and beyond the classroom.
If you think your child might have a learning disability, this article will help. Dr. Larry Silver tells parents the clues to look for in pre-school and elementary school children. Then the article talks about how to get a “psychoeducational evaluation” to find out for sure.
