Posts

Bahamas Learning Disabilities

/in /by

Learning disabilities occur in children living in the Bahamas just like they do in kids in the USA. Some kids in Nassau and Grand Bahama require specialized instruction for such learning disabilities as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and math disorders.

One of the most effective treatment programs for reading learning disabilities such as phonological dyslexia is the Barton reading and spelling system. This is an Orton Gillingham influenced multisensory reading curriculum that Bahamian home school parents can use with their child. This program is ideal for parents since there are limited Bahamian dyslexia resources. Bahamian parents interested in using the Barton reading program should take the free tutor screening test. If you pass the Barton reading dyslexia screening test then you can teach your own dyslexic child.

Dyslexia treatment takes between 18-36 months so it’s ideal for Bahamian parents to teach their child or a small group of children during this time period. Teach your dyslexic child using one level at a time by purchasing the Barton Reading and Spelling System. Each level builds upon the previous so most children start with level one and move forward. Teaching your own child with dyslexia is the most affordable way to help your child overcome dyslexia. I can test your child for dyslexia if you want to make sure your child has dyslexia before you begin tutoring. This is the best way to make sure you don’t just do a hit and miss approach but that your child really is dyslexia.

During the summer I can come to the Bahamas for dyslexia testing you or you can bring your child to me during the school year for dyslexia testing. If there is a long weekend I may be able to come test for dyslexia in the Bahamas but there is a charge for travel and time. In addition to testing for dyslexia, I can test children from the Bahamas or ADHD, anxiety, depression, information processing problems, and other issues. Email me for additional information.

Warning Signs of Dyslexia and Reading Problems

/in /by

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?

/in /by

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.

Public vs. Private Schools

/in /by

As a school psychologist, many parents consult with me for advice about placing their child in a public or private school.  I work with most of the schools in our area and know them well.  We are fortunate that most schools in the Jupiter/Palm Beach Gardens area have a high reputation for delivering quality education to children.  The decision to go public or private really comes down to the characteristics of the child, the school environment, and the individual teacher.

Every child is different so when parents consult with me, my advice is specific to each child and their qualities.  In general, children with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD can be successful in public or private schools as long as they receive accommodations.  These are things like extra time to complete homework or tests, preferential seating, not taking away recess, and reduced spelling lists.  Each child needs different supports and the school must provide the support your child needs.

While most schools have a solid educational reputation, parents must tour the school, talk with the administration, and get a feel of the school atmosphere.  Does the school have a caring environment where staff members are concerned about the emotional as well as academic needs of the child?  If it is an elementary school, are parents allowed to volunteer in the classroom?  Can parents eat lunch with their child?  How does the school discipline children?  These are important questions to ask because they provide information about the context of the school beyond their reputation.  Select a school that welcomes parent involvement in the classroom.  These schools have nothing to hide.

The third factor to consider in a public versus private school decision is the individual teacher.  Regardless of reputation, all schools have some teachers that are stronger than others.  You want to make sure your child has a strong teacher with qualities that mesh with your child.  While most schools do not allow parents to request a specific teacher, you want to be at a school where you can meet with the school administrator and discuss the type of teacher that would best fit their child’s characteristics.  Once the administrator knows your child’s unique needs, he or she can decide on the best teacher.  If the administrator will not meet with you to discuss your child’s characteristics as they relate to next year’s teacher, look elsewhere.

Holding Kids Back

/in , /by

It is the time of year when parents and/or school personnel consider retaining a small percentage of children to complete another year in the same grade.  The argument that parents often hear is something like, “Mark is immature and lagging academically behind his peers so another year would allow him to catch-up and boost his confidence because he’ll do much better with the curriculum a second time.”  In most cases, I disagree.  If your child is average or only has a learning disability, ask yourself the question, “What will be drastically different in the academic curriculum that makes you think Mark will need another year?”  The answer is “probably not very much.”  A second time will not solve most problems.  Major research studies indicate that retention (regardless of grade) is associated with later high school drop out, lower levels of academic achievement in the 11th grade, and decreased self-esteem.  It’s cited that children perceive retention as one of the most stressful events they could experience (see my www.wrightslaw.com for references). 

If your child is doing so poorly that the school is considering retention, have a thorough psychoeducational evaluation completed as soon as possible.  The evaluation provides answers so you don’t use a hit and miss approach for helping your child.  An evaluation should be thorough and information should be gathered from parents, teachers, the child, and others.  At minimum, a licensed school psychologist’s evaluation should include intelligence, academic, self-esteem, and information processing tests.  Parents should receive a through, in person, follow-up explanation of results with specific recommendations in a written report.  A psychoeducational evaluation is the main way to identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses to form an appropriate action plan.  The plan is used so parents and school personnel can work together to improve your child’s performance without retention.