OK, homeschool mamas, or anyone who has a child with reading difficulties. My otherwise bright 8 1/2 year old son is seriously struggling with reading. I realize that not everyone is going to be an early reader or a great reader for that matter. His older brother didn't start reading until he was 7 and his youger sister has been reading since she was 4. Having made some allowances for the differences in learning styles, I'm beginning to suspect that he might have a reading diasability. What I don't know is what to do now. Where do I go for testing? What kind of testing should I be looking for? I would love to hear your experiences and advice.
thanks
School districts should test for learning disabilities, no matter where the child is in school. Also Sylvan Learning Centers can do testing too.
Try your school district.
Just an idea...I would take him to an eye dr. My niece was very behind in reading. Last summer it was discovered that her eyes are actually looking in opposite directions. It was very mild and not even noticable to our eyes. She was spending so much time and energy trying to get both eyes to focus on the same words that she couldn't actually read them. After intensive therapy for a month last summer, her eye muscles are now retrained to focus together and she has caught up to her classmates.
St Judes's has a great learning division. I would contract your local St Judes hospital for learning disablity testing. Good luck
You should have access through your school district for learning services and testing even though you are homeschooling. Also, many opthalmologists are also testing kids for eye training problems that can cause reading delays.
If your son is due for an eye check, ask your doctor about special testing for tracking, focusing problems, etc. He may need what's called Vision Therapy.
best of luck!
Your local school district will provide testing at no cost. They are required to do so by Federal Law. You can find their office in the phone book in either the county or the school district listings. For us it was listed under Multnomah County Special Education Service District.
They will discuss your concerns with you and explain the tests as well as make recommendations for what services your child needs.
My grandson is continuing to be helped after testing. The school district has provided information and training for him and his mother. He has difficulty with speech and has had speech therapy and went to a therapeutic preschool to deal with the behavioral issues associated with being unable to communicate.
Your son's evaluation would be based on your concern for his reading ability. He is eligible even tho he is home schooled. The district will provide services that he needs working with you as the person doing the home schooling.
Hi B.,
I don't know about how it works in Texas. I am in California and here you can go to your local elementary school for evaluation. When my son was in preschool he had speech issues. I made an appointment at the school and he was evaluated. They placed him in a two day a week speech preschool. My son's speech therapy continued through second grade when he "worked" it all out.
I am not sure how the home school situation would fit in. I really don't think that it should matter - except probably for the services the school would be able to offer. For diagnosis though, check with the school your kids would go to, they should help you find the answers you seek.
C.
