Posts

Prevent Being Held Back

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Be proactive.  If you suspect your child may have learning or behavior issues at school, contact me.  I find that most moms are very intuitive about their children so trust your instincts.  My advise to you is don’t take a wait and see approach.  Time is too valuable as there are only five months of school remaining and FCAT testing is close.  Historically, school districts move slow when supporting kids that struggle. 

The results of my evaluation will identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.  I make sure to tailor the evaluation to answer your specific questions!  It is accepted by public and private schools.  This documentation can speed up the help your child receives in school.  Without written documentation, your child’s school won’t usually make any adjustments.  These are called reasonable accommodations and they are required by law if your child has a learning disorder.  There is still time to give your child an academic boost to get through the school year.

A proactive investment in your child’s future can save you from wasting your money on hit and miss search for answers.  Your child’s school can give extra help and support if you have the proper documentation.  Answers await you.  Don’t wait for your child to fail before getting help.  Your child will thank you and you’ll have peace of mind.

When Kids Struggle

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Up to 20 percent of kids struggle to learn.  Reading is the academic area where most kids struggle followed by writing.  If you have a child that struggles in school then you know first hand how frustrating it is for your child.  Because of your child’s struggles you might call him or her names like lazy, unmotivated, or difficult.  Most schools are not equipped to effectively deal with kids that struggle.  Kids make some progress but not enough to overcome their difficulties.  So, what are parents to do? 

There are some good books parents can read to help their child.  Here are a few suggestions.  Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, The Motivation Breakthrough by Rick Lavoie, Winning With People by John C. Maxwell, and The New Dare to Discipline by James Dobson. 

I also recommend an evaluation for your child because this process determines if there is a learning disability, information processing disorder, or other subtle issue that is the underlying problem.  Most kids and teens do not want to go to school and struggle.  When they struggle, battle with homework, argue, stress, and stomach aches and headaches increase you know there are real issues.  If you see these warning signs then consider having me evaluate your child.  You can find out what is going with your on for about the cost of a new set of tires and you’ll get a lot more mileage from helping your child.  Having answers can give you an action plan for your child and peace of mind for you.

What is the evaluation process like?

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A psychoeducational evaluation is an investment in your child.  It is an evaluation process used to determine your child’s abilities and how he or she learns best.  Standard psychoeducational evaluations typically include a test of intelligence, information process testing, and achievement testing.  My evaluations go beyond basic and also include a measure of self-esteem, testing for dyslexia and, if the child is in middle or high school, often times learning strategies. 

Since I am a school neuropsychologist, I often use neuropsychological measures such as the NEPSY II or Delis- Kaplan Test of Executive Functioning.  The use of these tests depends on what questions parents want me to answer.

My evaluations are based on identifying strengths as well as areas of need.  I make sure the child knows his/her strengths.  This is important because by the time parents bring their child to me, the child may not feel good about school or themselves.  I want to change this perception.

Throughout my evaluations I gather information from parents, teachers, the child, and through my observations while working with him or her.  Once the evaluation process is complete, I meet with parents to discuss the results and recommendations as well as create an action plan of key steps to take.  My recommendations are based on quality, not quantity of recommendations provided.

I also follow up with parents long after the evaluation process to make sure the child is on the right track.

After the evaluation is complete, you’ll know your child’s abilities, academic levels, and how he/she processes information.  You’ll also know how they feel about themselves and school.  You’ll leave with answers to your questions!

Warning Signs of Dyslexia and Reading Problems

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If you are concerned that your child’s reading is not developing appropriately, see if they have any of these warning signs of a learning disability like dyslexia.  This is important because children as young as age 5 can be identified as either at risk for, or having, a reading disability.  If your child has three or more of these warning signs, learn more about identifying and overcoming reading problems.

These are some of the preschool age warning signs of possible reading problems: delayed speech, mixing up the sounds and syllables in long words (psgetti, aminal), numerous ear infections, trouble memorizing letters or the alphabet, and can’t create words that rhyme.  Many preschoolers with speech problems also have reading difficulty.

Elementary age warning signs of reading problems include: letter reversals, slow choppy reading, guesses based on shape, ignores suffixes, skips or misreads prepositions (at, to, of), or difficulty sounding out unknown words. Other warning signs include difficulty telling time with a clock with hands as well as trouble memorizing math facts or a sequence of steps. 

Middle and high school warning signs can include the above plus a limited vocabulary, poor written expression compared to speaking skills, difficulty learning a foreign language, and poor grades.

Depending on your child’s age there are many effective reading programs.  Having your child evaluated can help determine the most effective program.  This way you don’t spend your valuable time and money on a hit and miss approach of things that don’t work well.  With a proper evaluation there are many school supports available.  The important point is not to let things drag on hoping they will improve.   Check it out so you can have a focused plan and don’t waste time doing a hit and miss approach.

Can Books Help Children?

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The motto of my practice is “Helping Parents Help Children.”  One way I believe parents can help their children is to increase our own knowledge about how kids think, feel, and act.  I want to share two books that my wife and I have found helpful in raising our son and daughter.  I think they can help you too.  One book is for fathers and the other is for moms.  Both are easily available online or in most bookstores because books help children.

One of my favorite books for dads is called “The Difference A Father Makes” by Ed McGlasson.  Ed is a former NFL star and played football for the Raiders.  His small book is a quick, but meaningful, read that helps fathers understand the importance of their power in preparing our children for life.  He shares personal examples of how he influenced his sons and daughters to become leaders in life.  This includes an awesome chapter called Rites of Passage that has information to give fathers the power to change his relationship with his son or daughter forever.

The book I recommend for moms is called “That’s My Son: How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character” by Rick Johnson.  My wife found this book helpful because she grew up with two sisters and no brothers.  She did not have family experiences as a child learning what makes boys tick.  By reading Rick’s book she found a new understanding about our son.  The book is appropriate for single moms as well as married moms.  There are some interesting secrets in this book that Rick tells about the inner workings of boys.  He gives moms straightforward honest advice to help moms discuss communication, respect, and learning self discipline.

I believe books can be valuable tools in helping parents build stronger relationships with their children and these two books are a great starting point.  If your child struggles in school, dislikes school, is easily frustrated with homework, or has other school issues, consider getting him or her evaluated.  My evaluation process can help reveal the true issue so that you can begin the appropriate intervention instead of trying a hit and miss approach.  It’s an investment that can get your child on the right track.

Dr. Forgan is a Diplomate of the American Board of School Neuropsychology and certified dyslexia testing specialist who can evaluate your child for ADD/ADHD, giftedness, dyslexia, and other associated disorders.  Call 625-4125 to discuss your child.