What’s stress got to do with it?
I just came from a talk given by Jerome Schultz, PhD, “NOWHERE TO HIDE: Why Kids with ADHD and LD Hate School and What We Can Do About It” where he talked about stress in children. Did you know that symptoms of stress can often look like more seriuos disorders? Symptoms of stress include fearfulness, […]
80% of what!!
Did you know that 80% of students with language-based learning disabilities have dyslexia? I heard this statistic at a workshop in Cambridge again recently and I was just struck dumb, not only by the implications, but by the statement itself. Of course, I do not remain mute for long, so I began to try to […]
Diagnosis
How do you get a diagnosis? A diagnosis is usually made through outside testing by a psychologist in a medical setting or private practice. Going to your pediatrician in order to get a referral for a neuropsychological evaluation is the first step. For greatest success when working with children suspected of autism spectrum disorders an […]
Diagnosis vs Classification
Discussion at this month’s multidisciplinary salon focused on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). One topic we discussed was the diagnostic process and early detection.
Multidisciplinary Salon
This year, I am launching a “Multidisciplinary Salon.” I came up with the idea when a friend, who lives in Berkeley, CA, told me about a friend who had very interesting discussions with others in his field over dinner. I thought it was a brilliant idea. I just couldn’t quite figure out how to accomplish […]
Meemee…
“Meemeemaamouseamusemafieforfie.” Yup, I’m confused, and worried. Where am I supposed to meet that bus. My daughter, looks up at me with worry in her eyes and asks, what will happen if the bus leaves NYC without us. I call the tour guide 3 more times. I do not want to be left. I see Grand […]
Is this normal at 3?
Three year toddler speaking in sentences, but his grandparents and your friends have a difficult time understanding him. Does he have a speech disorder? Does he need speech therapy. How do you decide whether to treat or not? First, what sounds does he have in words, phrases, and sentences? At three he should have the […]
That cry means…
When your baby cries she is communicating in the only way, she knows how. Listen closely. Her cries will be her first attempts to communicate. Often you will hear mothers say they can tell whether their baby is hungry, wet or tired. Next time your baby cries remember it’s not a cry, but communication, and […]
Are charter schools a good fit for students with language based learning disabilities?
Many think that charter schools are the answer to our failing public schools, but are charter schools right for students with learning disabilities? Charter schools are mandated to provide services for students with learning disabilities. They also provide small classes. They often offer a rigorous curriculum with bright young teachers eager to teach. Attractive right, […]
Painful to Watch
I watched a movie called, “In Her Shoes” with Cameron Diaz as a character that drinks and can’t keep a job. The movie implies that this may be the result of poor reading abilities. She tries to hide her reading impairment from family and friends. Due to lack of self-esteem she feels her only value […]