I have a 17 yr. old son, a Junior, who has always been able to read/spell above grade level.
He is diagnosed with Aspergers.
He can not seem to grasp math concepts. He is in a pre-algebra class right now and receiving one on one help for one period per day in addition to the algebra class.
When I homeschooled my son a couple years ago, I was able to get him to memorize his multiplication tables by using as many manipulatives as I could come up with.
The math helper he now has did not know how to teach him algebra when she started with him, but has gotten the text book and now is simply re-teaching him the things they do in class and making sure he stays caught up with all the assignments.
My son has gaps in his knowledge and I am wondering if (at out Mediation) I should request that he receive a different tutor who can use a different method….Lindamood Bell or ??? I have no idea whats even available for a child who is 17 but needs help with basics.
HELP!
Re: HAALP!!What Is Math Dyslexia?
http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/math_skills/math-skills.html has some really good articles on math LDs. There are different reasons for a student to struggle with math and it’s kind of important to know where a kid’s problem is.
Often kids with very strong verbal skills learn verbal strategies that only work for very specific math skills so they get really frustrated about algebra time because the simplified verbal logic they used to get through doesn’t work any more. If he’s got a reasonable aptitude for logic, then he can apply that to algebra — just apply it to *algebra* in general, not to how to do one little kind of problem.
Unfortunately, LMB math materials are nowhere near as developed as their reading programs (have ‘em call me, I’ll be glad to jump on board for the higher level stuff :)). So Cloud Nine helps with visualizing basic math concepts but doesn’t go into algebra.
Does he understand things like ratios?
Re: HAALP!!What Is Math Dyslexia?
Although I love the Lindamood-Bell programs, I really wouldn’t recommend Cloud Nine for your son. I think what ‘s happened is that, having Asperger’s, he’s up at the point where abstract conceptualizing is part of the work. And that’s an area of great difficulty for someone with Asperger’s. All the rote work that comes before it can be drilled and taught. So can any of the algebra or pre-algebra work that requires concrete thinking. I suspect that’s why you met with success working with your son - bringing in the manipulatives is a great way at that level.
But at this point, his math work is likely beginning to require complex language and abstract reasoning skills. Those are problematic areas for people with Asperger’s. I don’t work with kids that old so I can’t offer up a program. Hopefully someone else will. But, having worked with the Cloud Nine program with another, younger, kid with Asperger’s, I didn’t find it was esp. helpful for him.What seemed to trip him up had nothing to do with visualizing. The Cloud Nine program is really a Visualizing and Verbalizing program applied to math. If the individual doesn’t have a problem with visualizing, then I don’t see how effective the program can be. And from both my reading and my personal experience working with kids with Asperger’s, visualizing is a strength. Making sense out of what they’re visualizing, in terms of language and sequencing is what gets confusing. I didn’t think that LMB’s Cloud Nine addressed that well enough.
Have you checked into NLD (non-verbal learning disability)? NLD kids usually read/spell above grade level but have great difficulty with math (and difficulties with socialization). I mention it because a lot of NLD kids are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. If he’s NLD, a very verbal approach to math would be helpful. You can find out more about NLD, to see if he fits the profile, at http://www.nldline.com, http://www.nldontheweb.org, and at the “LD in Depth” section of this website.
If he’s not NLD, then Lindamood Bell’s Cloud Nine math might be helpful. This approach develops the ability to visualize math. The book is available from Gander publications (order catalog at http://www.lindamoodbell.com).
Mary