inmypjs
02-06-2012, 01:20 AM
I thought I would take a few minutes to provide an update. We took my first grade DS to a private psychologist for testing in December, and he has been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia and ADD. I thought he might have Aspergers or PDD-NOS, but he does not meet criteria, though he has some traits. He can be socially awkward and has sporadic eye contact. He is actually pretty good at "reading" people when he looks at them, but he looks around so much. His attention testing scores were very poor. The psychologist said most dyslexics look ADD/ADHD, and that sometimes it gets better when the dyslexia is remediated, and sometimes it doesn't. DS also had huge gaps in his IQ subtest scores.
DS is currently halfway through an innovative program called the Davis Dyslexia program. He works one on one with a facilitator every morning. We chose to do this because traditional phonics methods were just not working to help him read, and this program plays to the strengths of the visual/spatial learner. They use clay to make images for all of the sight words that have no visual images associated with them - words like the, because, when, etc. They also do some balance/coordination exercises (he is a little dyspraxic), and some things to work on his visual disorientation. It is for 2 weeks and we will continue doing the methods with him at home.
I am feeling a little overwhelmed but am trying to stay focused on the present as well as what we need to do next. Soon I'll met with his teachers (primary teacher, OT and reading specialist) to officially do his IEP and 504 plan. I have good relationships with all of them and they really want the best for him. They're already doing some accomodating, but we need to put it in writing so it won't get lost. I've started a list of ideas, but sometimes I'm not sure exactly what to ask for. His reading teacher and writing OT have actually told me that the way they are teaching just isn't working for him, and they want to learn what else they can do. I'm very touched by that.
His dyslexia program has a training for parents and teachers, and his teachers are particpating, which is great. They are open to incorporating their methods at school where they can. I'm kind of wondering how much they can really do though. They really want to help, but I'm just not sure how much freedom there is to change things for him.
I've been thinking more about homeschooling. Let me say that it has never been my dream to homeschool my children, but so much of what I have read works well for kids like my son is different than what they do in most schools. I'm thinking he might really benefit from one-on-one attention. What I have learned is that more reading lab time and more handwriting practice aren't going to improve his reading and writing. We have to different things to work on the underlying issue - which is the brain pathways. Neuronet and Interactive Metronome have been suggested. I think we'll finish out the school year for sure and take some time to decide. It really overwhelms me though - I'd most likely have to give up my part time job and that would stink. I also think he really benefits from the social aspects of school.
Sorry this is so long! I guess one thing I am proud of is that in the past couple of months, at the suggestion of my DH, I've done some things to get myself on a better path emotionally. As hard as this all is, at least now I feel calm and well and just in a good place to help my son.
DS is currently halfway through an innovative program called the Davis Dyslexia program. He works one on one with a facilitator every morning. We chose to do this because traditional phonics methods were just not working to help him read, and this program plays to the strengths of the visual/spatial learner. They use clay to make images for all of the sight words that have no visual images associated with them - words like the, because, when, etc. They also do some balance/coordination exercises (he is a little dyspraxic), and some things to work on his visual disorientation. It is for 2 weeks and we will continue doing the methods with him at home.
I am feeling a little overwhelmed but am trying to stay focused on the present as well as what we need to do next. Soon I'll met with his teachers (primary teacher, OT and reading specialist) to officially do his IEP and 504 plan. I have good relationships with all of them and they really want the best for him. They're already doing some accomodating, but we need to put it in writing so it won't get lost. I've started a list of ideas, but sometimes I'm not sure exactly what to ask for. His reading teacher and writing OT have actually told me that the way they are teaching just isn't working for him, and they want to learn what else they can do. I'm very touched by that.
His dyslexia program has a training for parents and teachers, and his teachers are particpating, which is great. They are open to incorporating their methods at school where they can. I'm kind of wondering how much they can really do though. They really want to help, but I'm just not sure how much freedom there is to change things for him.
I've been thinking more about homeschooling. Let me say that it has never been my dream to homeschool my children, but so much of what I have read works well for kids like my son is different than what they do in most schools. I'm thinking he might really benefit from one-on-one attention. What I have learned is that more reading lab time and more handwriting practice aren't going to improve his reading and writing. We have to different things to work on the underlying issue - which is the brain pathways. Neuronet and Interactive Metronome have been suggested. I think we'll finish out the school year for sure and take some time to decide. It really overwhelms me though - I'd most likely have to give up my part time job and that would stink. I also think he really benefits from the social aspects of school.
Sorry this is so long! I guess one thing I am proud of is that in the past couple of months, at the suggestion of my DH, I've done some things to get myself on a better path emotionally. As hard as this all is, at least now I feel calm and well and just in a good place to help my son.