Read tips for raising a child with dyslexia, written by a mother of a dyslexic son. This article describes how to get your child evaluated,how to hire and work with a tutor, and ways to work reading and academic skills into your daily life with your child, and how to handle the ups and downs of parenting a child who has troubles in school.
Andrea DeBruin-Parecki, Kathryn Perkinson, Lance Ferderer
Identifying a reading problem is a challenge without a sense for what typical literacy development looks like. Find out what language accomplishments are typical for most children at age six.
To help prepare for school meetings and share your knowledge of your child, use the observation profile below to record the information. Your observations are important in helping the school determine if learning problems do exist and what special services your child may need.
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
Tests are stressful for children of all ages, but necessary because they serve two important purposes: to find out how well an individual student is learning in the classroom, and to find out how well the school is meeting local and national benchmarks for student achievement. Here are some ways parents can help relieve test anxiety, stress, and pressure, as well as a guide to interpreting your child’s test results.
How do parents know if their child’s reading delay is a real problem or simply a “developmental lag?” How long should parents wait before seeking help if their child is struggling with reading? Susan Hall answers these questions.
Learning to read is a challenge for many kids, but most can become good readers if they get the right help. Parents have an important job in recognizing when a child is struggling and knowing how to find help. Here are some signs to look for and things to do if you suspect your child is having trouble reading.
Mary Ruth Coleman, Virginia Buysse, Jennifer Neitzel
Some young children show signs that they may not be learning in an expected manner, even before they begin kindergarten. These children may exhibit problems in areas such as language development, phonological awareness, perceptual-motor abilities, and attention, which have been considered precursors of learning disabilities in older children. However, under current state and federal guidelines, these children are unlikely to meet eligibility criteria for having a learning disability. This is because formal identification of a child’s learning disability generally does not occur until there is a measurable discrepancy between the child’s aptitude and academic achievement, often not until the second or third grade.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
Your child may be eligible for special services that will help him or her succeed as a reader. Find out basic information about special education and which children are eligible for receiving special education services.
