I Had Testing for Learning Disabilities

She may be dyslexic in math. It is a rare form of the condition, I have it. I remember when I was in 5th grade I took a test to determine proficiency in Social Studies and I tested in the 10th or 11th grade level. But I couldn't get basic algebra. IQ tests showed me in the genius range with huge valleys in math and moutains in all other subjects. Yet I was told I was too stupid to go to college because I couldn't get math.

Talk to her teacher and school counselor and explain your concerns ask that she be tested for a learning disabilities. But don't expect a lot. My daughter is dyslexic in the typical way ---- my son like me. I told his teachers from Kindergarten on that he was dyslexic and was always told no - no - no. And then at his IEP in 5th grade his teacher said with a serious tone he was dyslexic --- aahhhh ya I've been telling you people this for 5 yrs now.

One hint I wish I had kown then. Kids who study music do better in math --- I don't know why but it's a proven fact. So see if you can get her to take music classes.

Good luck and keep pointing out what she does do well in.

Your daughter will have to receive an evaluation from a school psychologist. You and the teacher will have to request one; this is free of charge through the district. Some teachers will not suggest this, so make sure you push for one. This is where you become a mean mom, and stand up for your daughters rights. Here is the link to the state of Michigan’s department of education’s children with special needs website: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-###-###-####_6598---...

Parents rights section is where I started...I had the same issues with my sons teachers, and I had to push to receive an IEP. This was not until the fourth grade that he received an LD diagnosis. He was mainstreamed into a traditional classroom, with a liaison (special education teacher) as support. He did struggle with a lot of subjects, and thrived in others. He is now in college, an IT supervisor at Staples, and loving life.

I would find out what your district's version of Child Find is and go from there. The district's website or the school guidance office can tell you where to start.

You need to make an appointment with an educational psychologist, maybe called a psychometrist. They do specific testing for learning disabilities and have the credentials to diagnosis this issue and make it a legally binding disability....the school would have to make adjustments for her disability.

When I took my SAT's I had 19's and 20's in every area except math, which was a 7. Does that tell you something? I don't have a defined learning disability, like a glitch in how my brain works, but I do have my math skills buried in the trenches of my brain where it does not link to other things very easily.

For instance, when I took the entry level classes for a local Jr. College I set some records. I finished the Nelson-Denny reading comprehension test. No one had finished it during the testing before. I also made 100% on it. I also set new high scores on some other test that I can't remember the name of.

I failed the math part so they made me take remedial math. That was fine with me because I knew I needed it.

I tested out of every test they gave me that did not have higher level math on it. I can add, subtract, multiply, divide, do fractions and almost all percentages in my mind without paper. They were very confused as to why I was in this class.

But when I took beginning algebra it was very obvious that I had no knowledge of this type math or any connections from it to the math buried in my brain. There was no way of it connecting either. I took it 3 times and failed each one.

I got to go to Enid to a psychometrist and she did the testing on me. She had me do some odd things like cross my arms, fold my fingers together in my lap, chew a piece of gum, she did all kinds of things that day.

Anyway. Once I got her diagnosis I was able to take it to the college and they had to honor her suggestions, untimed tests, educational tutors (they are NOTHING like an ordinary tutor), tape recorder in class so I didn't have to take notes, an aide to take my notes if I needed or wanted that, I got a whole list of things the school could offer me to help me pass these math classes that were required for my degrees.

I used the educational tutor. I found Lisa to be so wonderful. She figured out that if she put the actions in colors it made more sense to me. If she did each step it this way it just stood out as an individual and I could "see" how the math worked. It was all "fruit" but the apples and oranges and peaches and grapes are all different colors and go together differently.

For instance:

When the math problem of 6-7=? comes up you can automatically say Negative 1. In Lisa's method the 6 would be blue since it's positive, the minus sign and the 7 would be red because it's basically a negative 7. Then the equal sign would be black to show the final action and the answer would be green for the final answer.

So it was colorful to say the least.

She worked with me for months and I was actually able to make a B- in beginning algebra after failing it 3 times. She asked permission to do a research article on how this system worked for me and that it might turn out to be her "thesis" for her doctorate. YEAH ME! My math skills did something for someone!

Because she was an educational psychologist in the makings she was able to use resources not available to regular people. I did try to do tutoring with someone else but they just kept telling me to do the work and stop asking so many questions, that I'd get it if I just tried. Not so. My brain did not work like that in any way.

If you little one does have a diagnosible learning disability in math she may also have some others and the testing will help determine that. I strongly encourage you to find a place that has reputable certified people who can do these evaluations.

Here's a link that describes what a psychometrist does, they may also be able to tell you about resources in your state or nearby.

http://www.napnet.org/54564.html

here's a link to the nearest psychologist teaching institution that I could find throgh google. They are sure to have a pediatric division or to have some excellent resources.

http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/Livonia-MI/University...

Here's a link to the Children's Hospitals in your area that may have mental health sections that could do the testing too.

http://www.ushospital.info/Childrens/Michigan.htm

I would email the teacher, copying the principal and guidance counselor stating you believe your daughter has a learning disability and that you would like her tested as soon as possible.
The school psychologist will test her. In PA once the request is put in writing the district must complete testing and send the parents a written report within 45 days I believe.

As the mother of a dyslexic child, I completely know where you are coming from. With dyslexia there is hardly any procedural memory, so they just forget. I can't tell you how many times I taught my son how to tell time ... And it will click that night too and then in a couple days... Poof, all gone. There is a math version of dyslexia. I wouldn't be surprised if your daughter has it. Anyway, your first step is to talk to your pediatrician to see who they would recommend in your area. My doc, who also has a special needs child told me he would only trust two out of the many children psychologists! After you get that name, call for evaluation testing which will be a couple hours and unfortunately costly. Her teachers will also have to fill out eval forms (provided by the psychologist) along with you. The doc then will go over your options which will probably included a type of private tutoring through a licensed vendor like RLAC (they also do math). The doc may also prescribe a med to help. In our experience the tutoring helps a great deal because they are trained on how to specifically teach your daughters mind. Which if it is a type of dyslexia it will probably be more in blocks,clay and sand versus flash cards ... They require the physical touch versus visual cues. Progress may be heartbreakingly slow, but most importantly it will be there! It is an uphill battle without any doubt, but it will teach you how to not judge her abilities by the standard norm and most importantly teach her that she has a unique mind tht will most likely go on to do fantastic things once she is past the hurdle of school. My son is now in third grade and is having a great time (the first time he has enjoyed school!!) Oh and after you get the diagnosis you can request an IEP from her school, so she can get help there too!! Best of luck!!

Bless her heart. Start with your school district. Let them know she is falling behind every year and needs to be tested, do you all can to figure out what is needed to help her.

There are so many possibilities.

When was the last eye exam. In 4th grade is when we discovered I needed glasses. Changed my life, but I always wondered how long had it been since my eyesight had changed.

Then they need a tutor for her.

Or you could hire a tutor. We hired a tutor once our daughter started higher math, because there was no way my husband and I could help her..

I would email the teacher, and CC the principal on this issue. Indicating your concern, and express the desire for her to be evaluated.

I, myself struggled in math early on( I still do), and my mother demanded I be tested. Sometimes you have to advocate even more if their is not follow through on their end. It could be something very simple, or their might be an actual disability involved. Either way, you have a right to find out.