Learning Disability

S.,

I do not have any specific information for you but I wanted to respond to tell you.... BRAVO....!!!! I applaud you for standing up to the school system for a very important reason. Also, it is wonderful that you are trying to be prepared and informed for the IEP meeting. I hope all parents with special needs children apply as much effort as you.

S.,

I am an educational advocate for children with special needs, I go to IEP meetings and help parents sort out what thier children need and how to ask for it (and get it without fighting, if that is possible.)

First, if you have been fighting with the school district over what category of IDEA to serve her under, please stop. Once she qualifies, she qualifies and ALL of her educational needs must be served under the IEP. IEP's are written on the basis of need, not category. This fight only slows down the service delivery. ADHD and dyslexia are comorbid so often that it is quite possible that they are right (the H is in there, even if they are inatentive type.)

Take a long hard look at the MFE and find her educational needs, then make sure that she gets a reading program that is Orton Gillingham based, sometimes known as alphabet phonics programs, dyslexia intervention programs, etc. You have NO CHOICE concerning the method that they choose to use, but you can see that the IEP calls for a cumulative, sequential, and synthetic-analytic (meaning that they take apart the words and put them back together). If she has what they call a "fluency" problem, and she might have this too, beware of programs that are fluency based, these produce results but are not what she needs right now. Most of these programs will consist of her reading along with a tape recording, over and over again, until she can "read" the book from memory. While this has it's place, it will not teach her to manipulate the phonems of speech and transfer those to code (letters on a page) which is what she needs now. While you cannot object to the specific program they put her in, you can object to the issue that is being addressed by the program they choose. As what the name of the programs the will use will be, then look it all up before you sign.

ADHD and dyslexia is so often comorbid that it really makes little difference which one the school selects to use, and if you let them have thier way, you still have input into the IEP. You should know that the schools have to answer to how many kids are in each category and if they exceed certain numbers, they are in danger of loosing thier funding. It is not necesarily right, but as long as you have her needs addressed on the IEP, having a good relationship with the school district is also important for good outcomes. (please don't worry that I said ADHD, what is commonly refered to as ADD is in the DSM as ADHD inatentive type-you may see this on the IEP, so don't panic about the H)

A good place to start is on the Wrightslaw web site. (www.wrightslaw.com) Look up an ariticle "Tests and Measurments for Parents and Advocates" and read this several times until you understand the testing forward and backward. You then need to come up with the areas of need, her present levels of academic perfomance in that area, and what you want them to do for that one area of need. Read about what "measurable" really means on wrightslaw, and make sure that you have measurable goals written into the IEP.

All of her services must be based on need, need has to be evaluated, and you need a specific starting point. If she needs speech therapy, you must have an evaluation, if she needs OT, you must have an evaluation, if she needs reading intervention, you must have an evaluation, and so on.

The latest revision of IDEA removed the necessity for a severe discrepancy between IQ and performance to qualify kids as LD, and also freed up schools to offer services before kids fail, this new modle is called "Response to Intervention" or RTI. You can read about RTI on wrightslaw too. Be aware that RTI is not an intervention program, it is a service delivery modle.

If you have state assessments, these can be very helpful, because they will show educational need that is right where it hurts the school district. You will need both criterion referenced (academic areas based on the information itself) and normed referenced evaluations (the ones that show her IQ, and academic performance in relation to her peer standings). You should know fore each measure if she has been compaired to her age group, her grade group, or the grade/state based educational standards and be sure that the measure you use to get a starting point for each IEP goal and the measure you use to reflect her progress on each IEP goal are the same. I mean, if they say that she is 7th percentile in decoding consonate blends, you do not want to have her progress measurement be anything other than percentile rank, and stipulate what test they will use to measure that, never depend on "teacher observation" because this is a subjective measure.

You should also spell out modifications and accomodations very specifically in the IEP. Beware of word smithing! If a total stranger could not pick up the IEP and know what to do, then it is not a good IEP. "access to a comupter with spell checker" is not good enough. If it is not plugged in, she still has access! You want to say: Student will have an electronic spell checker on her desk for all writing assingments. Word banks for tests, hard copy of notes provided prior to class, home set of books and work books, extra time on tests, small group administration of tests, scribes! (spell out who and when!) Instructions read to her, books on tape...there are many accomodations that will help her to continue at grade level while she learns to read. A cation here, be sure that you know the difference between a modifcation and an accomodation. Modifications are provided to alter the class instruction or content. Accomodations are provided to make the class or instruction accessable to someone with a disablity. You should know the difference, and be sure that you never modify ciriculum beyond a point that would produce an acceptable outcome for her.

Somthing called "Prior Written Notice" PWN is one of the best tools you have. The school is required to notify you in writing of any action they propose or refuse. This is NOT your invitation to the IEP meeting. If you request a program for instance, and they refuse, request prior written notice for that refusal. They must provide it within 30 days and explain why they refused and what evaluations they used to make that refusal. You should not have to request it, but if you always need to have thier refusals in writing.

If you need any assistance, let me know.

M.

Hi, it's going to be OK. I have 2 children w/ pretty severe dyslexia. A son who is now 15(found his dyslexia when he was 7) and a daughter that is 12(found her dyslexia when she was 6). In the beginning I was panicked! We got IEP's as soon as it was discovered. Honestly, I have had to fight for continued services a few times at IEP meetings. Speak up and make sure you are heard. You are your daughter's advocate to get what she's needs!

They said my son was ADD and his Learning Disability teacher said "no way is he ADD", he was frustrated. Make sure you get your daughter in to a class of an intervention specialist at the school. Just tutoring will NOT work and will waste your daughter's time! A good Learning Disabilities teacher will work wonders!!

She will learn her own way to read Around her disability. Encourage reading at home too, even if it is lower than grade level. When they told me to keep my kids reading at first I thought it sounded crazy--but it's like playing a piano, the more practice the better she will do. She will teach her brain how to read for her!

Homework will take a lot of time for the first couple of years and she will need your help. If she gets frustrated and upset, take a break and have her relax. She will read and write better when she is relaxed!

You should get some books by Dr. Mel Levine. They will be very helpful to you. Find websites for parents of children w/ dyslexia, there are great ones.

It will all work out. Children with dyslexia are usually very intelligent and very artistic! Both my son and daughter have been Honors students for the past years, both with straight A's on their last report card! Both play instruments and have taught themselves to read music. Both are artists. Both LOVE to read at home, books of their choice, even Harry Potter! My son took Spanish and passed it. Both love school.

It is so important to make her feel special(because she is) and not feel different. Make sure the school always does this too. You will encounter some teachers that You will have to educate on dyslexia. Stand tall and stick up for her and then everyone else will too. It will all work, I am totally sure of it!!

I read the other responses, and Martha offered a lot of great information. I'm also a teacher in special education (I teach deaf children). My biggest advice is to seek out a parent mentor who will go with you to the IEP meeting. This person will have experience with IEPs and also an objective perspective to help you get what your daughter needs. A mentor will likely also have knowledge of the law to help sway the district to provide services if they are resistant. Check out the Council for Exceptional Children, www.cec.sped.org. On that site you can also look for your local chapter for personal contacts who might be able to help you. Another site to check out is www.ldonline.org. There is great information on learning disabilities there.
And, if you're in the Columbus, Ohio, area and you have time this morning (Sat. April 19), Patricia Polacco will be at Cover to Cover books from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you have time, bring your daughter to meet her, and get her book "Thank You, Mr. Falker." Patricia is a very successful author and illustrator of children's books, but she has some intense learning disabilities that went undiagnosed for years. She is very inspiring (in my opinion), and the book I mentioned is based on Patricia's experience finding out she has dyslexia, among other LD's.
Above all, BRAVO to you for seeking help to address your daughter's needs. You are her best advocate. Good luck on your journey!

Dyslexia Institutes of America http://www.diaohio.org/

My children, ages: 14, 7, 5, each have language issues: Writing/reading, dyslexia, stuttering, and are highly intelligent. Two of whom are also ADD. I've also babysat many children over 10 years. I am purely guessing here, but I think that language issues are enough of a constant frustration that the ADD may come along as a side effect. Especially with kids smart enough to feel that learning most things is not as difficult as language. If not a side effect, to me, it still seems related. My 14 yr old was medicated with little success until Straterra (non-stimulant). I hope an expert in this area will respond also, I'd love to hear more too.

Our coping techniques: The 7 yr old's teacher allows him to draw answers on certain assignments; alternate between thier normal reading level and something much more basic, such as Bob Books and alphabet flash cards; lots of drawing, coloring and art supplies; book orders from school as incentives; and patience--practice your poker face and try hard to use it when they are having that problem (hope Dad is good at that too).

There is a program called A.S.K It stands for About Special Kids and they are advocacy specialist with a ton of information to offer for free many times. Just Google them. I think you will also find that the most successful IEP's involve taking some type of advocate with you. I have heard of folks even taking in a stack of papers and never referring to them but just so that the school knows you have done your homework and won't try to railroad you. Hope this helps.

Hi:

I am the parent of a 9-year old dyslexic and earlier this year opened the Dyslexia Institutes of America. We have a remediation therapy program that is multisensory and really does work on remediation as opposed to tutoring.

She will learn skills in our therapy program that will produce lifelong results. I would be happy to discuss it further with you.

Also check out the resource www.diaohio.org for more info.

J.

PS: Don't be surprised if the IEP yields little if any support tools.

S.,
I would get on-line and stay there until you have all the answers to your questions. Make a list for yourself, questions you want to ask, responses from teachers/school, the outcomes you expect for her, ask her doctor who put her on Adderall if she really needs it since it's not ADD.Who diagnosed her w/ ADD anyway?the school? Just get prepared. Knowledge is power!!
Good Luck! God bless.
R.

S.,, I have a daughter that was born with short term memory,, which was l8 yrs ago, we did not find out she had it until she entered school.. I became a parent adovocate taking classes for 9 months and becoming certified by the state to help parents with their school districts.. We live in Ohio and I did not agree with the schools testing I took her to Rainbow Babies and Childrens for testing,, the school told me she was Mentally Retarted, Her testing came back with short term memory,, she graduated last year and holds a full time job,, she out grew it.. I do not trust the schools testing,, your insurance many cover outside testing like mine did.. it can be expensive.. Call the state and ask them if they have any parent advocates to be assigned to you so you understand .. If I can be of any help please let me know.. My email is ____@____.com Take care L.

If you haven't already, check out www.ocecd.org
They should be able to direct you to a parent mentor in your area for assistance, as well.

My son has an IEP and a 504 plan for different medical reason's than your daughter. Go to www.wrightslaw.com I found very helpful information there!! If you belong to any online support groups for dyslexia ask other parents what they do for their children. They should have idea's for you! Your daughters doctor should be able to help you with what the school needs to do to help your daughter!!

I have dyslexia. I wasn't diagnosed until college. I also have what would seem like ADD type symptoms. When you are dyslexic your mind jumps ahead which makes you appear scattered and unfocused. As a child they tested me and said I had a high IQ so I just wasn't "ready" to learn. When I was diagnosed I felt like the heavens opened up and angels began to sing, because I knew it was much harder for me to learn.

Here are my tips. 1 Chunk it down. Dyslexic people need to move from one activity to another. Don't make your child sit for long periods of time working on the same problem.

2 Know when your child is the feshest. I can focus and over ride my dyslexia when I'm rested. When I'm tired my dysliexia is prevelent.

3. Move and learn. Because my mind moves so fast, I find that moving my body while I think helps achor me. I visited a school for dyslexic children and they had the kids stand, sit, toss a ball, run their fingers over boards. I knew that if I had been physically engaged like that when I was in school, I would have done better.

For me the worst was knowing something was wrong and no one acknowleding it. I am 46 so there wasn't a whole lot known about dyslexia. The problem with schools is they want child to all learn one way. They count on it to make their job easier. But, when you are dyslexic your mind simply does not work like other people's. But, I'm here to say, in some ways our mind works better. I am a highly creative person. I am able to see the big picture and think in many directions.
Think outside the box and you will find the key to your child's potential. I found mine.
L.

Hello S....I won't bore you with all the details, but we have been down this road with my son and it hasn't been a fun experience. I can give you a couple suggestions to try, but every child's situation is different so I don't know if they will be right for you or not. First, if you don't believe your child needs medicine don't put them on it to make the school happy. We were told we had to have our son on medicine for ADD before they could help us and this is illegal for them to say, plus it turned out our son was not ADD, but had vision related learning disabilities - to include reversals. You might want to check into a behavorial Optometrist (Nova Vision Care is a good one in the Dayton/Beavercreek area)...my son had 20/20 and we didn't know there could be other vision problems so it went undiagnosed for a while...some of this problems will cause ADD type symptoms. OK second, when it comes to the IEP you have more rights then you probably realize...they should be a parent advocate for you school district; try and find out who this is and have them come to the meeting with you. Their job is to be a liaison between school and family with the child's best interest and they know the ins and outs pretty well. If your special education person for the district is not alreayd involved try and get them involved in the process as well. There is so much more information I can give you on these subjects, but this is a place for you to start. Good luck and I hope it helps.
J.

Go to the Ohio dept of education website (silly that it is not listed on the document I have from them) or call them and ask for a publication titled "Whose IDEA is This? A Resource Guide for Parents", dated 3/1/07. It spells out all the steps that the school, district, parents and others should do and in what order. This is a good starting point for what turns out to be a long drawn out process.
It helps to be knowledgeable about what your child needs and who knows them best but their parents! You would think that the school would have a pre-determined list for a dyslexic student, but they do not offer any more than is necessary in most cases. My child has ADD and some other type of learning disability and I have had to fight every step of the way for her 504 accomodations and do not know if she will ultimiately have an IEP to level the playing field.
If you have roadblocks from your teacher, involve the school, and if necessary, go to your district. If the district in not helpful, then go to the Oh Dept. of Ed.with your complaints - no district wants that so it does not usually come down to that.
It seems like you got plenty of advice regarding how to help your child with the dyslexia - but I have one question: Is there an undiagnosed hearing issue? I say that because my child had that and once she could hear better, she began reading so much better. Good luck.

Hello S.,

I am the mother of a 14 year old Learning Disabled daughter and a 10 year old Dyslexic son. Both of my children have also been diagnosed as ADHD.

Our daughter had been originally in a private Catholic school which proved to be quite unsuccessful for her and very degrading that she did not fit into the "mold" of the school. In her 4th grade year of school, she basically was quitting and had lost self worth and I was actually scared for her mental health. She is a child that feels everything from her heart and to the fullest extent possible. We were losing our beautiful loving daughter to the tragedies of "Catholic Social Status". I ended up moving her mid year (Jan) to our Public school system.

The following year, we moved her to a very private LD school in Hyde Park, Ohio and it was the very best move we have ever done for her. She is now in her third year there this year and can not wait to go to school each day. They have a whole school of kids with different learning ways and they seem to accomodate them accordingly and above standards. They have children from simple learning problems to multiple problems. Every child there is tested and the child needs to have an average to above average IQ to be accepted. These are the kids that have gotten teased and beaten down at other schools but are truely successful here and learn skills to help them learn to deal with their own disabilities.

Our son has an IEP in our public school system and seems to be doing well. He was diagnosed with dyslexia a couple of years ago. He was involved in a program with intensive intervention for one year. The school was only able to offer it for a year - it was a grant program only. He is in his grade level for his age but, does have reading intervention with a specialist every day while in school. He also attends the 32 Degree Masonic Learning Center in downtown Cinti. twice a week for an hour one on one session each visit. They do the Orton-Gillingham teaching there. He has been with this program for two years now and I am really hoping that he will be accepted for a third year. (Most children there attend the program for two years.) He is definately not up to par with his classmates as far as reading ability but, he has done some improvement - especially with his spelling. This past year it seems like it has hit him that he learns differently and needs special assitance and that has become quite frustrating to him. I would totally love for him to go the the school where our daughter attends but, with the expense, we can not do it. (There has already been much family financial stress with just one attending the school.)
I do have a pamphlet on several dyslexia organizations if you'd want me to forward you a list. I can also send you information in regards to the Masonic Center if you'd want or the private school our daughter attends. They are excellent with dyslexia and they do have summer programs as well. I have a list of things from a magazine that is written on laymans level of things that should be included on kids IEP's too.
I am currently looking for places or companies or whatever that offer grants or "gifts" or schlorships for my daughters school. The school will not give out any names or places to notify ... they only tell you to look for "foundations" to help. I've looked on the internet and at the library - most all places that I have found only provide for high school or college age - not younger age children. So, if anyone knows anything along this line, please contact me!!!! I would be in your debt forever!!!! Good luck S. and contact me whenever if you want. I feel for you, ... it is definately not easy. You are a single parent and on this subject, ... so am I.

S.,
Keep fighting for what you KNOW your daughter needs. I agree with another poster that she needs an Orton based program. It is likely that she will need “pull out” reading instruction to help get her on track. If you aren’t COMPLETELY satisfied with the IEP being written you DO NOT have to sign and agree. In Indiana you can sign saying you don’t agree and that you want to meet again. It is your right as her parent to request another conference. You could also ask that the school system’s district special education supervisor come to your conference. They are usually the ones who are able to make the decisions that involve money!

You might also consider having an advocate come with you. Hang in there. YOU are the professional when it comes to knowing your daughter. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

My niece also has severe dyslexia. The masons have a program that is suppose to be great for that. You might want to check with your dr. I believe that is where she received info on the masons program. They call it the Learning Center, it is located in Montrose, Oh.

S.:
In Ohio the Masons have at least 10 schools designed for children with Dyslexia...they are
located in Canton, Steubenville, and other locations in Ohio - sorry I do not have all the locations memorized. This schooling is free or low cost to you. Please contact your local Masonic Complex and ask about this being offered in your location. The Masonic organization is part of the Shriners that have all the burn centers throughout the United States where you can take your child free of charge. May Gold bless you and your family.
M.

Hello S., I am also a single mother to three children 15, 9 and 3. My 15 yr old son was diagnosed with ADD when he was in the first grade. For years we have tweaked and tweaked different medications and dosages to assist him. I later learned that the school system he was in had difficulty accomodating the needs of my son. I have since moved to a different school district when my son was in the 6th grade and for the first time I learned what an IEP was and how it could help him. The school district I'm in now is dedicated to helping children like my son...so much so that they went back and re-tested him on some things and found that he was gifted with a very high IQ score. Up until this time my son was miserable and quite frankly we were all miserable as we watched him struggle with his learning disability. Since this latest discovery my son is no longer on medication and they have adjusted his IEP such that he doesn't have to take the meds. My son has done a 180...just amazing the difference in his attitude in general and his attitude towards school and his teachers. He said "Finally someone gets it" He's a much happier young man, we all are. My point to this is keep fighting...ask lots of questions and don't accept all answers until to you feel peace. Keep communicating with your daughter, doctors, teachers. It will take all of you to help your daughter. Study, study, study your daughters learning disability. Learn as much as you can. Finally if your daughter has been professionaly diagnosed with a learning disability...legally the school MUST accomodate your child and her needs. Good luck and stay prayerful.

Go online to PL94-142. This is federal law! All states must abide. My granddaughter had all the symptoms of dyslexia. I kept asking the school to test. I finally demanded it. The insurance she has covered it (testing). She is not dyslexic, her eyes do not converge correctly. If you try to bring something in to your eyes they should come to the center(cross), her's do not. We are working on exercises and she wears bifocals now. If she needs testing for learning disabilities the school system should pay for it. Even your child is diagnosed and they recommend meds you have the last say.

there's a homeschooling group I'm in here in Indy, I've heard talking of autism & dyslexia so I think a few of the families have dyslexic children. Just a minute, I'll get you the link so you can talk to some of them if you want.

I would look into Orton-Gillingham, which is a multi-sensory method of teaching reading. They use it at Marburn Academy in Columbus, which is a private school that caters to children with dyslexia and ADHD.

I am a special education teacher. What kinds of questions or specific concerns do you have right now? First, ask for a draft of the IEP to see what they think she needs. Get a copy before the meeting so you have time to think about what they want, rather than having to decide right there. See if they will go for a speech therapist....would be really helpful, and more time for reading, and see if having pullout reading time is available. Find out what programs they use for reading and ask for the research that supports that it is effective. Their program should be supported with research and based on data. Let me know if you need anything else.

NOt to long back, there was a lady that responded on some other issues on here that was a tutor of the Orton-Gillingham Approach and that was mostly for dyslexia. The name on here was Braty H and she was from Centerburg, OH.
Unfortunately I dont' have her direct email. But this approach might also be associated with home schooling people so hopefully Braty H sees this or someone that knows her does.
She had explained to me that the Orton-Gillingham Approach deals with many different senses and aspects in teaching how to read and write and language skills.
There is the The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.

Hi S.! My name is H. H. I have three. christian soon to be 8 ava soon to be 6 and lucy is 10 months. My husband and I are going through the same thing you are with or son. He is very advance in all the other areas but, reading and writing. He does get extra help in school, but its not enough. He goes to montgomery elementary. I have know about this this last fall and I have asked the school repeatly have asked them to test him. The school psychologist is going to give him a test and then My husband and I are meeting with the psychologist and his teacher this coming friday to find out whats going on. I really do think he has a learning problem in reading and writing. I have asked several times for them to give him the iep test but, they said, we have to met first. I know what you are going through because they say they have a policy that no kids should be left behind and he his being left behind! I will let you know what they say. p.s. This does run in my family thats why I want him tested, so he will be placed in the right class for next year! Good luck with every thing! H. H.

Be happy you are in the right century....lol. I was dyslexic and it wasn't actually discovered until I was in the 8th grade. By that time I was totally over school and HATED to go. In 8th grade I had an awesome teacher that though me how to get past all that and now I read for pleasure!!! I have 3 children and all 3 of them had times where they had IEP's. Go to the meeting and see what they have come up with and they also explain what they feel is the right course of action. If you feel what they are saying is wrong then tell them so. My son is still struggling but getting better at reading and he is in the 6th grade. It just takes time. Good luck to you, it can be a long road but it will get better. Just be incouraging and when they get fustrated just hug your child and move on.

http://www.amazon.com/Nolos-IEP-Guide-Learning-Disabiliti...

This is a great book that I found at the library, helps you understand your daughters rights and the whole complicated IEP process. I would also ask the Neurologist or anyone on your side to put there findings in writing.

Good Luck

Well, my brother was found to be dyslexic when he was 4th grade I think. What my parents did was send him to a special school. I cannot for the life of me remember the name, but it was a private school that specialized in teaching children with hearing and speech problems and dyslexia. He went there for a few years and then to another private school through 8th grade. When he was in 9th grade he went back to public schools. I guess the added attention that he could receive from the smaller classes at private schools was what he needed. Small class environments and as little distraction as possible seemed to be the key. AFter high school he went to Kent State and later transferred to Bluffton University (a small Christian school) that I was attending. When he was at Kent State there was just too much going on, and he had less than a 2.0 gpa, but at Bluffton he was able to focus better, and graduated with above a 3.0.

I was your daughter, I am dyslexic and once she gets to a point were she realizes that she can learn just differently then most other people life with get better. I went to collage and have a degree is fine arts with a minor in marketing. I grew up and got jobs so she will be fine. To this day I can't or shouldn't write
or read when I'm really tired. Math was hard for me to because of all the different steps. Color coding helped me a lot it still do that to day, reviewing and re reviewing my work is a must.

I am confused. Who diagnosed your child with ADD? The school can't put your child on meds. There are doctors who specialize in ADD. If you don't believe she is ADD, have her seen by a specialist. Your doctor who diagnosed your child has he given you a list of accomodations for your child? I have a child who has had an IEP since he was 3 years old. It started with speech delay and is now probably asperger's. HE is now almost 10 and we are in the middle of an independent neuro-psychological evaluation at Rainbow in Cleveland to know what to ask the school for in his next IEP. The schools will do as little as possible. I have been fortunate in that there have been good people at the school quietly guiding me. Remember you can always adjust your IEP later if you learn some new information. I am more than willing to offer any suggestions. I've been dealing with this for 7 years now. We have been through speech language therapies, social groups and camps. Also did your neurologist tell you what to ask for? He/SHe should be able to give you advice.

Remember you have rights by law. They are suppose to provide what ever is necessary for your child. My son has a IEP. Research the recommendation and stay educated on the learning disability and be aware of your rights as well as your son's rights to education.