More Graduating with Learning Disabilities
The Advocacy Institute has authored a new report for the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Diplomas at Risk: A Critical Look at the Graduation Rate of Students with Learning Disabilities. Children with learning disabilities are now more likely to graduate from high school which is great news. I expected to see that Massaschusetts where I […]
Reading is more than just decoding the words.
Samantha is 11 she is reading a Rick Riordan book and when asked what the book is about she begins to tell the story starting at the page she has just finished reading. When asked to summarize the book she does not know where to begin. Unless the book is an exciting adventure book, Samantha […]
Learning differences
Last month I went to hear Dr Victoria Greer, the new Assistant Superintendent for Student Services of Cambridge Public Schools speak. She mentioned a book written by Kathie Snow and her website “Disability is Natural.” I wanted to go a bit further when talking about learning disabilities and say not only are they “natural,” but […]
I Am Not My Disability
When I see children or adults in my practice what I enjoy the most is building the therapeutic relationship with them. After testing gives me a general idea of their needs, I spend weeks and even months getting to know who they are as a person. It’s part of the therapeutic process, but the best […]
Schools in…..
For most of us school has resumed. Tears over homework are beginning to surface often around written work, reading or math. If your child is in 4th grade or above teachers are now asking that your child do their homework independently. But after a few nights of struggling to get the work finish, homework time […]
Why is my child with ASD still having difficulty with writing?
Recently I received an email about someone on the autism spectrum who had writing difficulties, even after receiving tutoring from Sylvan Learning Center and their schools learning disability center. Part of the reason Sylvan might not work for clients on the autism spectrum is because traditional writing interventions do not address the communication issues inherent […]
We all pay…
We all pay when adults with autism who are capable of working are not provided with the speech and language services they need in order to succeed. I just posted an article from the ASHA Leader that is titled “Who Pays for Communication Skills and Autism Services for Young Adults?” If young adults with autism, […]
Weak working memory or ADHD?
Working memory is defined as the function that allows us to hold information in our head while dealing with additional information. Who knew that a deficit in working memory can look much like ADHD. There is a debate over whether weak working memory can be improved, and whether or not some diagnosed with ADHD perhaps […]
A parent’s job
While walking with my friend today I listened to her concern regarding her child. I was struck by the fact that as a parent we are often burden by the idea that our job is to help our children avoid problems. However, I don’t think that is our job. As parents, we work to give […]
Uh, what did you say?
“Uh, what did you say?” and blank stares from locals in Puerto Rico was the reaction I recieved when I tried to speak all but the most basic phrases in Spanish.