Help for Learning Disabled Son

If you are near the Plano area, try www.mypossibilities.org. I have heard great things about their program. Maybe they can help. Good luck.

Hi J.. You could call the local MHMR. They help people find jobs or training, help with any meds or therapy that are needed and have social activities, etc. They work on a sliding scale for their fees. HTH
K.

Hi J.,

My son is developmentally delayed and doctor's do not really know why. We had him in traditional PT, OT, and speech therapies for a couple years and came to the conclusion that if he was ever going to catch up with his peers, something more than 1x/week was necessary. The problem is financially we couldn't, and still can't, afford him to be in intense therapy every day, and the school district is limited in what they can offer, too. We heard about a program recommended by a friend called the National Academy for Child Development. They work with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. We started this program nine months ago and are seeing amazing leaps and bounds. Friends, family, and teachers at school cannot believe how much progress he has made. It really is amazing. I'd love to talk more about this with you if you are interested. Check out their website if you can and please don't hesitate to ask me any questions! www.nacd.org I know your son is quite a bit older than mine but with NACD it is never too late!

Take care,
M.

Hi J.,

I would love to talk to you more about the specifics of your son's symptoms.

The DORE program is extremely effective and remediating lots of different learning difficulties. It allows people to learn things more easily - especailly things they may have missed for one reason or another.

It is not a quick fix, and it is not for everyone, but I would love to talk with you to find if the program would be a good fit for your son.

Best wishes!
S. M.
The Cerebellum Center
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Hello,

A coworker's wife and a few other moms have started a group in Plano just for young people like your son. It is call "My Possibilities". The website is http://www.mypossibilities.org/. Check it out.

S.

There is an organization in Abilene called Disability Resources begun in the late 1980s that provides vocational and residential programs. If you're interested in more information, their website is driabilene.org.

The ARC of NE Tarrant County is awesome at helping find answers to all of your questions. Would you mind emailing me your email address and I can send you a brochure of a training they are having that might be of interest to you? I would call them and you can talk to anyone who answers the phone. Also, we are part of an organization called Texas Parent to Parent. This is for parents of children who have special needs. We connect parents with other parents to help answer questions and just to be there for the other parent. The people at Parent to Parent can also help with other resources. Toll-free: 866-896-6001; Austin Local: ###-###-#### It is a great way to find answers to your questions. We have a local DFW group as well. You should sign up with Texas Parent to Parent, as it is a free organization that is there to help parents. We host workshops on various topics. Hope this helps!

J., I have a 20 yr old son with Down Syndrome. He is currently in the post-high school program in McKinney, high functioning but also can't use money, tell time, write, etc. I have lots of resources/ideas to share with you. Feel free to call me at ###-###-#### if you'd like to talk. L.

You may want to check with Collin County Community College. I know that they have a variety of programs depending upon your sons ability. They are very affordable for classes and would help with financial aid. They will also help with life skills and getting a job.You may go back and ask the high school that he went to for resources he should have been covered by an IEP while in school and one of the thing that they need to do is help with placement after High School.

Have you or the mom tried searching online for support groups for both him and other family members for support? Sometimes the internet can be helpful in that department. They might also have activities or host events where he could interact with other adults with learning disabilities. It's something to look into. The only jobs I can think of are unfortunately very low paying ones...I know I've seen developmentally delayed kids and adults bagging groceries and helping out in grocery stores but that's honestly all I can think of. Good luck and God bless!

One poster mentioned www.nacd.org. We use Little Giant Steps for my 7 yr ols autistic son. Little Giant Steps uses the same neurodevelopmental techniques as NACD. Worth looking into this approach with either organization www.littlegiantsteps.com

J.,

Cool name by the way! :o) Most people tend to spell it "Janna" these days. You might consider neuro-reorganization (NR). There are only 4 practitioners here in the US that do this type of therapy. Three of them travel around the country and one happens to come to Dallas every 3 months. They do a functional neurological exam and figure out which part or parts of the brain is affected. They then teach the child and/or parent how to do the therapy at home. And then the child is re-evaluated every three months and the program is adjusted as the brain begins to heal. There are other therapies similar to NR but this is the ONLY one I have found that replicates the ENTIRE developmental sequence...from in-utero through the first year of life. This therapy heals the developmental gaps to make the brain whole and healthy. And if your son has LDs, he most certainly has developmental gaps. The exciting news is that brain researchers have discovered how "plastic" our brains are...our brains can reorganize and form new neural pathways even when we are older. Our daughter spent her first 14 months in a Chinese orphanage and has significant "brain" issues. She doesn't have cortex issues (learning issues) but she does have mid-brain and pons issues...inability to regulate her emotions, tons of anxiety and irrational fears, difficulty reading social cues, and the list goes on and on. Another exciting thing about NR is that it addresses all parts of the brain...in simplified terms the pons (primitive brain), mid-brain and cortex along with the corpus callosum (helps both sides of the brain communicate properly). We have only been doing this therapy for three months (just had our first re-evaluation) and our daughter has made huge strides! If you want more info, visit:

http://www.neuroreorg.com/

Click on the FAQ tab and this will give you a quick and easy to read overview of NR. The therapy is done with very young children but also with older kids and adults. Our practitioner's youngest client was 6 months old and her oldest client was a 90 year old man who'd had a stroke and fully recovered after completing a program of neurological reorganization (NR). Another thing that's wonderful about this therapy...it heals from the foundation up and once you're done (once your brain is healed)...you are done for good! If you want any more info from my personal experience, please contact me offline.

Best to you,
J. L.

I would suggest doing some research on the internet to find out what is out there and do not limit yourself locally. You may find a workable program in another state. My son has learning differences and we did this to find an appropriate college that would peek his interest. He is thriving there.

Make a list of what is important and then start your search.
Best of Luck,
P.
p.s. You sound like a wonderful step-mom!

I work with Easter Seals as a Job Coach. Easter Seals can help him find a job and maintain the job. There is also a person that can help him with money management-learning about a checking account,etc... I believe they also help you with living on your own-getting a house/apartment. He may have to be refered by his DARS Counselor. DARS will pay for Easter Seals to help him.

I'll look in my info on Easter Seals and see if there is any other info. You may want to call 411- information directory, they could refer you to a place also.

All of these suggestions sound good. Also, DARS could be contacted again about post closure services or opening a new case. If he had a supported employment case, depending on how long ago it was closed, he would still be eligible for extended services. DARS could tell you/him more about it. I think his DARS counselor should be aware of everything you've mentioned because they know about a lot of resources in their respective communities. You can also call 2-1-1 for information on resources in your community (free call). Good luck!

Not sure where you live but the Plano Parks and Recreation Department has a section for kids and adults with disabilities. It's called the Therapeutic Recreation Department and Joan Shopoff is their coordinator. Her number is ###-###-####. They have day programs and evening programs that focus on reading/math skills and also social skills and recreation development.

J.,

I am not sure where he lives, but you might check this group. Our friend helped establish the center and it is pretty amazing!

http://www.mypossibilities.org/

J. I happen to work at a home for mentally challenged adults. I am not sure if you all are looking for a place for him to live but I thought I would tell you about us. We are located outside of Bowie and we are a non-profit Christian facility. Our residents are very high level but they can't quite live on their own. Our website is www.jbtkranch.com and while the site is nothing fancy it gives you a basic idea about us and our contact information. Feel free to let me know if you want anymore info.

Thanks - E.

J.,
Please check with mypossibilities.org
My Possibilities is a non-profit, charity - 501(c)(3), for adults with disabilities (Autism, Down Syndrome, Aspergers, Prader-Willi, Head Injuries, etc.). My Possibilities is the FIRST full day, full year program in Collin County for adults, who have "aged out" of secondary education, where they can build independence and pre-vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
This is an awesome organization.
Please call them and let them help you.
They come to my swimming facility twice a week.
M. C.
Aqua~Fit Swim, Fitness & Wellness Center
aquafitplano.com
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If his IQ tests show below 80, he can qualify for some services through the state. Each county has an office and you would need to start there. In COllin County you would need to call LifePath Systems. If he doesn't live in Collin County, his mom will need to find the office there. LifePath can give you that info. I don't know the number offhand, but they have a website, so just google it. The Arc would also be a great place to start. Just look up Arc of Dallas. They serve all of north texas, but there are others if he doesn't live nearby. Good Luck.

inquire with goodwill industries.

I first read all the responses and am impressed with the quality of information that you have received. The only thing I can add is that it sounds as if this boy hasn't received quality help to date and needs to be brought up to speed. Good for you for getting involved! It would be a shame if the worst happened and he wasn't independent enough to make it in the world by the time he lost his parents. I would start with some professional testing to see what is strengths and weaknesses are. I feel this is crutial -- whether through a north dallas learning development evaluator specialist or through a program that focuses on this. (Public school testing is NOT good enough and misses the mark frequently.) I have had great success with my daughter. I'm sure she has problems than your stepson but the school predicted she might not even make it through a community college and she has a bachelor's degree and part of a masters. She focuses on jobs that play to her strengths and they don't even know she has some challenges. Miracles are much more possible through intervention, time, care, and professionals. Good luck!

We have a son with similar disability. He is now 38 y/o and works for WalMart. He recently was approved to draw SSI, which supplements his income with WalMart. They are a good company that hires those with disabilities who are mentally challenged. Our son works as an ICS (Inventory Control Specialist), which is "stocker". It is a great opportunity to afford him the chance to live an independent life. Actually, your son should have been exposed to rehabilitative services throughout school preparing him for an independent life. I assume you have already had him working with DARS? Might also check with the Dept. of State Health Services and local community agencies. Good luck!