Written Output Disorder: A parent's perspective

NPR Book Story: 'Paying Attention' With An ADHD Mother And Son

2010-10-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Investigative reporter Katherine Ellison's son, Buzz, was charming and bright. But he was also driving her crazy. Both mother and son were constantly at odds, and Buzz was anxious, angry and lonely.When Buzz was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Ellison was already familiar with its symptoms — she soon learned that she had ADHD as well.Struggling with her own diagnosis

Summer reflections

2010-07-06T21:02:00.001-07:00

Summer is here and it's a great time for parents to have some space to think about the school year that just passed and the one that's ahead. Unfortunately it's also the time when all the school work comes home and she find yourself incidentally leaving through reams of it and taken out of context it can sometimes create alarm.Summer is a good time to try to tackle things at a gentle pace

Major discovery: Twist n write pencil

2010-07-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is the twist n write pencil that an OT gave my child to help avoid what she termed the "death grip" when he's writing. It's a real boon and will help your child. They are widely available in the US at stationary shops it appears, in Canada I am less clear how they are obtained, but will post any links I find. Ditto UK.Please post your experiences using it in the comments section and other

Former Google Executive On Getting Organized

2010-03-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

In this era of information overload, the experience of being stressed, forgetful and overwhelmed means your mind is perfectly normal. Douglas Merrill, author of the new book Getting Organized in the Google Era, writes about his own struggle with dyslexia, and how that forced him to develop techniques for remembering information.Listen to NPR interview here

Former Olympian used ADHD to his advantage

2010-02-22T22:46:00.000-08:00

With the spotlight on Canadian Olympians on the podium, one former gold medallist is using the attention to highlight the upside of a stigmatized disorder — ADHD.“I found that the disorder isn’t negative infliction but it gives positive energy as well,” said Adam Kreek, who reached his pinnacle in men's eight rowing at the Beijing Games in 2008.Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Breaking things down

2009-10-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

As the demands of the school curriculum increase with age, so does the homework. For children with written output problems this is enormously stressful. It is enormously stressful for parents also. Trying to keep the child focused and in the chair is the first challenge.I am continually working on finding strategies to make homework less onerous. One thing is to break everything down into clear

Another school year

2009-10-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

As the stress of the school year is now is full swing it's time to share some reflections on the latest modifications.We are now using a computer inclass for as much writing as possible. This relieves some stress and aides output. It is not a panacea because it doesn't overcome the issue of things like worksheets and sometimes my child can become frustrated with the computer.It has allievated

Computers -- your feedback?

2009-08-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Please share your experiences with computers that you've purchased for children with writing problems. I'd like to compile some reviews of the kind of laptops that are particularly practical and useful for children.There are increasing choices and possibilities with netbooks and lightweight laptops however parents need to chose sensibly because the small keyboards can produce drawbacks etc.I will

Maths games...? Help

2009-08-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have any good suggestions for online maths games that are either free or incredibly affordable?If so please comment or email links to writtenoutputdisorder@gmail.comAm particularly interested in ipod games.Naval Battle was a game we found was good for strategy.Cheers....

Posing a question: working memory/rote learning

2008-10-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'd like to pose a question or point of discussion about rote learning.Kids with working memory problems find rote learning onerous ... I noticed this with the times tables and sometimes with spelling.I've noticed if rote learning takes place almost as an after thought, or in tandem with some other activity it is more tolerable and beneficial. So walking along the road spelling aloud is much less

Working Memory Workout

2008-10-11T10:22:00.001-07:00

This was sent to me by someone: we tried the demo ...the game is quite fun. JungleMemory is a fun and interactive computer program based oncutting-edge science. Your child plays games that train working memoryin key learning activities, like reading and math.Benefits of JungleMemory(c):* The games are scientifically proven to increase working memory andintelligence* Acts like a personal tutor to

Frugalism...

2008-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Apologies for epic lull in posting; will be gathering up lots of interesting stuff to add to the blog in the coming months.Here's an article that caught my eye: I'm sure many parents will relate to these cutbacks and this also may impact the kinds of therapies and extra support parents will be able to seek to help children struggling with dysgraphia or output issues. In the next while I'll also

Best Kept Secret in the World: Miracle of Soroban (Japanese abacus)

2008-05-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

Soroban is something I am very excited about. It's Japanese abacus and an amazing system of becoming proficient at maths for all children.My experience with it is very positive and the results I've seen with my own child have been very inspiring. I believe it helps working memory and the method of mental calculation -- anzan -- that it teaches can be very useful for children with different

Over examined: another news report link

2008-05-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

The second investigative journalism link I came across that may be of interest examines the testing situation in UK schools. The title says it all: Tested to destruction I can only say how bonkers all this testing is when I recall the abject stress of having to take exams at age 16! Never mind sets of exams at 7, 11, 14. Pure madness. It's bizarre that the resources that go into all this testing

roundup of recent TV/ documentary reports: PBS The Medicated Child

2008-05-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some interesting and thought provoking links to television and investigative journalism reportage on various topics.The first a PBS FRONTLINE follow up The Medicated Child provokes interesting quandaries around the diagnosis of Bi-Polar disorder in children and subsequent medicating of it. It's alarming viewing.I'm not trying to make light of what's an intensely challenging situation for

PBS Misunderstood Minds page

2008-04-30T14:09:00.001-07:00

Here's a good writing difficulties page from PBS Misunderstood Minds site:Mel Levine describes what can inhibit writing development and offers some exercises where you can experience assignments from the pov of child with a grapho motor problem etc.Well worth a read. He's a great authority on different learning styles.

Working Memory Study/Research

2008-04-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

From today's Globe and Mail:New research suggests our capacity to remember things is lower than previously thought.Our working memories may max out at three or four items, according to a study published this month in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Earlier research had pegged that number at about seven. But the study by University of Missouri researchers suggests the

Useful and unusual tool

2008-04-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a useful and unusual tool.Ghotit offers unique writing and reading online services for people who suffer from dyslexia, dysgraphia or people who are not native-English speakers. Ghotit’s first service is an online context sensitive spell checker. Plus an excellent list of dyslexia research links here by the same crowdHow cool is that?!We need more technological initiatives in the areas of

Should boys and girls be taught seperately?

2008-03-25T21:57:00.001-07:00

ELIZABETH WEIL's feature from NY Times magazine:The walls of the boys’ classroom are painted blue, the light bulbs emit a cool white light and the thermostat is set to 69 degrees. In the girls’ room, by contrast, the walls are yellow, the light bulbs emit a warm yellow light and the temperature is kept six degrees warmer, as per the instructions of Leonard Sax, a family physician turned author

Radio Broadcast: Dysgraphia: More Than Just Bad Handwriting

2008-02-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

Many people have poor handwriting, but dysgraphia is more serious. Dsygraphia is a neurological disorder that generally appears when children are first learning to write. Writing by hand can be physically painful for people who have it. There are different kinds of dysgraphia. And it can appear with other learning disabilities, especially involving language. Listen again to the program here

Boy is empowered by his weakness

2008-01-09T21:51:00.000-08:00

Michael Guggenheim's dysgraphia, a learning disorder that impairs his writing, spurred him to open a nonprofit that teaches homeless students how to use computers.He is 12, a sixth-grader at Los Encinos School in Encino. He can't drive, vote or write much with a pencil, but he started a nonprofit when he was 11 and teaches computer skills to elementary students once a week. He doesn't regard his

Chromosome abnormality linked to autism, study finds

2008-01-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

Researchers have identified a chromosomal abnormality that seems to increase a person's chances of developing autism.A group of U.S. researchers, associated with a group of Boston-based hospitals known as the Autism Consortium, conducted complete genome scans of 1,400 samples of DNA from families of autistic children.They found that in one per cent of people with autism, or similar disorders, a

Length of sleep key in regulating kids' behaviours: study

2007-12-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

From the CBC NewsHow long children sleep every night can affect their behavioural patterns and lead to changes in eating habits, a new study suggests.The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Auckland, found that the less time a child slept, the more likely they were to have behavioural problems.Children who slept for less than nine hours were also more likely to become

Multimedia whiteboards found to help learning

2007-12-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

A study of multimedia whiteboards used in schools has found that they lead to more creative teaching and help to improve student concentration.The research by Dr Miriam Judge of Dublin City University, is based on use of the technology in eight Dublin schools. It is estimated the high tech boards have replaced blackboards in 15% of schools around Ireland.Watch the report herePlus here's a second

"Do Schools Kill Our Kids Creativity?"

2007-11-24T23:39:00.000-08:00

"Do Schools Kill Our Kids Creativity?"Interesting presentations from a conference on education and creativity. TED: Ideas worth sharing.Here's Ken Robinson's talk funny and thought provokingWonderfully enigmatic presentation by artist and writer Maira Kalman that will lift your spirits.

BBC Panorama on ADHD

2007-11-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

What's next for Craig? Most of the estimated half million children in Britain with the behavioural condition Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) receive no treatment at all. Those that do, tend to be given powerful stimulant medication like Ritalin and Concerta. These drugs can help inattentive and unruly children focus and have been the first choice for doctors treating ADHD over the

Disgraceful: BC government fails learning-disabled kids

2007-11-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Shame on the BC Government and Shame on Education Minister Shirley Bond. Vancouver is due to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. This article will describe the disgraceful funding situation in the Province for children with learning disabilities. Think about this when the Olympics is flashing across your screens in 2010. Consider amid the beautiful shots of mountains and forests and ski hills that the

BBC: Fear stops child development

2007-10-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

From the BBCYoungsters are missing out on their childhood because we over-protect them, a child play expert claims. A reluctance to let children take risks could stop them developing vital skills needed to protect themselves, he adds. Tim Gill's new book says that instead of creating a "nanny state" we should build a society where communities look out for each other and youngsters. ...In No Fear:

School creativity 'needs support'

2007-10-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

From the BBCCreativity in schools needs to be taken "far more seriously" if it is to avoid being squeezed out of a crowded curriculum, says a report from MPs. The Commons education committee warns that creativity is a "second-order priority" in England's schools. The MPs say creativity should be a fundamental part of learning and should receive adequate funding. "Successful schools are creative

Children who can’t write their own name

2007-10-11T22:49:00.000-07:00

From The TimesForty per cent of children struggle to write their own name or to sound out letters to form simple words such as “dog” or “red” by the age of 5, government figures show. The annual assessments of children’s progress during their first year in school also show that more than a fifth of youngsters have problems stringing a coherent sentence together by the time that they enter their

Give 1 Get 1 : One laptop per child

2007-09-28T10:25:00.001-07:00

Here's a great opportunity to help your child with writing struggles and another child in another country gain access to technology.From what I have read the XO is a child friendly, rugged, power friendly laptop that could aide children with fine motor issues.Here's the link to give 1 get 1 limited opportunity during Nov.You also should google around and read the various reviews written by young

Another autism study

2007-09-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

From today's NY TIMES The matter is far from settled based on these results.Yet another study has found that a controversial vaccine preservative appears to be harmless. But the study is unlikely to end the increasingly charged debate about vaccine safety.Early Thimerosal Exposure and Neuropsychological Outcomes at 7 to 10 Years (NEJM)The study examined whether thimerosal — a mercury-containing

School testing regime attacked

2007-09-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

Piece from The Independent: In a new book, Making Minds, Dr Kelley says of increasing A-level and GCSE pass rates: "English education was not improving steadily over all these years. Examination boards' income depended on schools choosing their qualifications. Schools' income depended on parents thinking their results were improving: so schools would switch examinations if things did not go well.

Do primary schools let boys down?

2007-09-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

BBC feature on boys and educationBy the age of seven more than a quarter of boys need special help with their education, the latest figures show. Is there something inherently wrong with a large chunk of one of the sexes - or are primary schools simply letting boys down? It has long been known that male and female brains are different - that they mature at different rates and develop in different

KIDSPIRATION -- a terrific aide for written output problems

2007-09-03T22:30:00.001-07:00

A few readers have written to me describing children struggling with verbal output as well as written. We've just discovered KIDSPIRATION software and it's a terrific aide for any process that involves delivering ideas aloud or onto the page.The experience of feeling stuck can be very demoralising for children, but once you demonstrate a fathomable path to finding and realizing ideas I've found

The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada asks governments to endorse new policy statement

2007-09-03T22:19:00.000-07:00

OTTAWA -- (press release) In recognition of the daily struggle of over 3,000,000 Canadians who have learning disabilities, the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada today releases its new Policy Statement on Educational Accommodations forIndividuals with Learning Disabilities who continue to fall through the cracksof Canada's educational system.Full statement here:http://www.ldac-taac.ca/

Primary pupils show lack of progress in basic skills

2007-08-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

From The Guardian The government was accused of complacency yesterday after revealing that writing standards among seven-year-olds had fallen for the second year in a row. The statistics, released by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, also showed no improvements in other core areas, such as maths and science.The results follow recent evidence of poor progress among 11- and 14-

Gifted pupils: too many are just ordinary, say teachers

2007-08-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

UK news story from earlier this month:Ministers are overestimating the number of exceptionally bright pupils in Britain's schools, the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children will be told this week.Research shows that teachers charged with picking out the top pupils feel that far too many are labelled as 'gifted and talented' and that the government was wrong to recommend that 10 per cent

Scrap these '19th-century' GCSEs, says expert

2007-08-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

From tomorrow's Observer:A leading expert on exams and testing has claimed that GCSEs are stuck in the '19th century', forcing pupils to memorise facts that will be little use to them later in life.Just days before more than half a million teenagers across England and Wales pick up their results, Professor Dylan Wiliam, deputy director of the Institute of Education, who has researched testing

Child Genius documentary video link

2007-07-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Many readers have shown interest in this documentary, so am posting this link to it in response to this interest.

Child Genuis documentary part 2

2007-07-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

Part two

Child Genius Documentary part 3-6

2007-07-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

Find the other episodes at these linksPart 4part 5part 6

Fun writing activity: Sticky note stories

2007-07-22T00:05:00.001-07:00

Here's another creative tip for written output struggles.Use post-it notes or stick notes to tell a story. It works very well if you have all kinds of different sized and shaped and coloured Post-its. Begin big using a large piece of card. There are sooo many ways to do this, but a few I've found especially helpful are both you and the child write single words and then together build some silly

Tips for dealing with output and ADHD or problems commencing work

2007-07-21T23:38:00.001-07:00

One of the big challenges for children with Written Output issues (and/or attention deficit) is beginning their work. It can take a long time to settle down and get started and they can tend to procrastinate with small distractions, but in reality their head may be hopping with ideas and the thought of not being able to output them at the desired rate is a very good explanation of why it's so

Andrew Wakefield story links

2007-07-21T11:20:00.001-07:00

Following the Andrew Wakefield story with interest. I'll be posting all sides/views of the story as info for readers. It's an important case to watch.From the ScotsmanDOCTORS working on the research programme which sparked the MMR controversy recruited vulnerable children directly from their GPs for unnecessary invasive testing, a hearing was told yesterday.From BBC: MMR doctor 'broke medical

Dept of Health and Human Science overview on ADHD

2007-07-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to US Dept of Health and Human Sciences (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) overview on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Lots of resources and links, including symptoms overview, which may be useful to parents tackling or wondering about such issues.

Latest on ADHD: Studies Track Treatment Outcomes for Kids With ADHD

2007-07-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Studies Track Treatment Outcomes for Kids With ADHDMeds plus behavior therapy work best, but symptoms can return(HealthDay News) -- Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed sustained improvement but were still at increased risk of behavioral problems in the years after treatment, say researchers.Four studies appearing in the August 2007 issue of the Journal of the

Pediatric Ritalin may affect young brains

2007-07-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK -- (Press Release) -- U.S. medical researchers have discovered use of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drug Ritalin by young children might affect their brains.The Weill Cornell Medical College animal study is among the first to investigate the effects of Ritalin (methylphenidate) on the neurochemistry of the developing brain.Between 2 percent and 18 percent of U.S. children

OT link and Handwriting without tears

2007-07-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Canadian Occupational Therapy Resource Sitehttp://www.otworks.ca/otworks_page.asp?pageID-742if you search this site you'll find articles on handwriting etc.Handwriting Without TearsDeveloped by an occupational therapist and handwriting specialist, Handwriting Without Tears is an easy way to teach pre-printing, printing, & cursive. I've heard from one parent who found this useful to her child, but

Dygraphia strategies link

2007-07-18T10:09:00.001-07:00

Came across interesting dysgraphia link with a comprehensive list of symptoms and strategies. If you're worried about your child, or yourself for that matter it might be useful to take a look at the list. If you've already received a dysgraphia diagnosis the strategies could be of interest. There are 41 writing strategies listed. And here, handily, are the spelling ones:Strategies For Spelling

Comprehensive dysgraphia overview

2007-07-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Again, excellent overview at this W Virginia School of Medicine college website including some very detailed info on Occupational Therapy -- a practical and essential consideration if you have the cash to pay for it. (Unless you're fortunate enough to live in a place where it's funded! UK perhaps?) If you've, or your child have experience with OT please post a comment, so others can learn more.

Gifted children 'caused distress by TV news'

2007-07-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

A leading Australian expert on gifted children has warned parents about the effects of watching television news.University Professor Mirica Gross says highly-gifted children are often more sensitive and deeply feel the sadness of others at a very young age.Read full story here

Illinois: Programs for gifted get poor report cards

2007-07-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Administrators are calling for a revitalization of programs for gifted students as personnel turnover and a lack of oversight have weakened middle and high school academies in the Rockford School District.Read full story here

ADHD program analysis information

2007-07-16T13:44:00.001-07:00

I post this here as a point of information only. It caught my eye and maybe of interest to some readers, but should not be seen as an endorsement as I have not actively researched it myself. It appears to be some kind of cognitive therapy program. If anyone has any feedback or knowledge on it, as to whether it is effective in what it purports to offer please post a comment.(PRESS RELEASE) -- Dr.

UK news report and discussion on Wakefield Autism case

2007-07-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

UK news storyHere's a link to a news report in which two doctors, one a supporter of single vaccines and another British MP and doctor debate the Andrew Wakefield case and autism issues surrounding it.

UK: Latest on Wakefield case

2007-07-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

UKThe doctor who provoked a scare over a potential link between the MMR vaccination and autism paid children at his son's birthday party £5 each to give blood for his research, an inquiry heard today.The General Medical Council (GMC) also heard allegations that Andrew Wakefield subjected several children to a series of inappropriate invasive medical tests and gave one an experimental drug.Dr

UK: New health fears over big surge in autism

2007-07-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

From Sunday's (July 8th 2007) UK Observer: The number of children in Britain with autism is far higher than previously thought, according to dramatic new evidence by the country's leading experts in the field.A study, as yet unpublished, shows that as many as one in 58 children may have some form of the condition, a lifelong disability that leads to many sufferers becoming isolated because they

Researcher sees link between vitamin D and autism

2007-07-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

Globe and MailThe growing prevalence of autism is one of the biggest scientific whodunits in the medical world, with few clues for its rising incidence.But a U.S. researcher is advancing a controversial hypothesis: that autism is related to vitamin D deficiency during fetal development and early childhood.Dr. John Cannell, a psychiatrist and prominent vitamin D advocate, says flagging levels of

Autism symptoms reversed in lab

2007-06-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

BBC news storySymptoms of mental retardation and autism have been reversed for the first time in laboratory mice. US scientists created mice that showed symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome - a leading cause of mental retardation and autism in humans. They then reversed symptoms of the condition by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the brain. The study, by Massachusetts Institute of Technology,

The Observer: Back to basics: the simple lessons I learnt about good schooling

2007-06-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Interesting piece in Sunday's Observer penned by one of Blair's former aides, Peter Hyman, who quit to become a teacher.This paragraph in particular struck meWhile wanting total freedom himself to get on with things and without the local education authority or the government breathing down his neck, Alan's policy within the school is not based on letting go, but on tight control. Consistency is

Highly recommended: You're smarter than you think: A kid's guide to multiple intelligences

2007-06-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

I highly recommend reading this book with your child. You're Smarter Than You Think: A Kid's Guide to Multiple Intelligencespublished by Freespirit publishingI'm sure many of you have heard your child talk about themselves negatively. I'm stupid, this type of thing. As you've spent years lavishing praise and encouragement upon your child it's completely demoralising to hear such statements from

UK story: Disabled children targeted by bullies

2007-06-19T23:14:00.000-07:00

Children with learning disabilities are twice as likely to face bullying as other youngsters. Eight out of 10 youngsters with learning disabilities are either bullied at school or when they go out in the evening, according to a report out today.read rest of story from The Independent here

Behaviour drugs for children 'ubiquitous'

2007-06-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Canadian children are being widely prescribed antipsychotic drugs for behaviour and mood problems, with a significant proportion of the powerful drugs going to children under the age of nine, new research shows.Ninety-four per cent of 176 child psychiatrists in Canada surveyed are prescribing drugs known as atypical antipsychotics for a variety of disorders and symptoms, including anxiety,

Jeffrey Moore case: Government challenges special needs decision

2007-06-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Lawyers to question finding that claims schools' failure to meet children's needs is discriminationThe plight of students with severe learning disabilities will go before a B.C. court today as government lawyers challenge a human-rights finding in 2005 that the failure of public schools to meet those children's needs amounts to discrimination.The man who set the case in motion a dozen years ago

UK: More School Stories: social class/ exams

2007-06-10T19:11:00.001-07:00

Two news stories worth a read and a ponder:End exams for children under 16, says watchdogIn evidence to the Commons Education Select Committee's inquiry on pupil assessment, the GTC says most children take an average of 70 different exams or tests before the age of 16, making them the most tested in the world.The GTC wants "sampling" of standards, covering a few primary and secondary schools, to

Labels etc

2007-06-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

I've done some further reading and thinking on this whole dyslexia debate and wonder if the thrust of what Julian Elliot is saying is getting mired in high octave headlines and cranky responses, with little or no detail of his actual findings, which may be useful if only to get more specific labelling where it's required.Watching the GMTV debate in person he seemed to be saying something more

British Dyslexia site

2007-06-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to an interesting British dyslexia site, which also has forums.http://beingdyslexic.co.uk/

More on the dyslexia debate

2007-06-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

GMTV debate about the recent articleProfessor Julian Elliott, who has raised doubts before about whether dyslexia exists as a medical condition, said he believes the label is used by middle-class parents terrified their children will simply be classed as low achievers.(I should add that in the debate his point of view is actually not as grim and daft as the above quote suggests. He seems to call

Dyslexia: article

2007-06-01T00:24:00.000-07:00

These kinds of articles frustrate mehttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/features/article1847619.eceFirstly, I find it slightly far fetched that people would invent dyslexia symptoms to get longer to do their exams. If that's the case it's a flawed administrative system that's the problem.Secondly it's disingenuous to suggest dyslexia is merely about being crap at reading.

Legal: Irish autism news story

2007-05-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Parents of autistic boy awarded €61,000Irish Autism Action has welcomed today's award by the High Court of almost €61,000 to the parents of a six-year-old boy with autism because of delays by the Health Service Executive in treating him.Mr Justice Michael Peart ruled there had been a breach in the HSE's duty of care towards Seán Ó Cuanacháin due to delays in providing him with therapy and

You and Yours: Interesting ASD series BBC radio 4 programmes

2007-05-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a comprehensive series of radio programmes on Autism and Asperger's syndrome that ran on BBC Radio 4.http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours/features/autism.shtml

A few new writing ideas

2007-04-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

The first and last, I can lay no claim to, they were entirely prompted by my child, but in the aftermath of them I realized what an excellent fine motor activity took place.Writing your own musicBasically get a piece of manuscript paper and the child writes their own music. You can either print a piece up online or buy a pad of it at the music shop. If you wish you can introduce the child to the

Music links

2007-04-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of useful music links that have online composing opportunities for children to create with.San Francisco Symphony kids pageshttp://www.sfskids.org/templates/splash.aspBBC Schools also have some fun interactive pages.

Study shows omega-3 helps ADHD sufferers

2007-04-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

Study shows omega-3 helps ADHD sufferers Omega-3 fish oil can help children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a new study suggests.Results from "the largest, clinical-based omega-3 and omega-6 trial of its kind" bolstered views that fatty acids relieved aspects of ADHD.The tests were undertaken by the University of South Australia and an Australian government

Progress on writing materials: Indispensable Staedtler products

2007-04-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

My earlier post about the Dixon pencil has now been well and truly usurped by discovering the wonderful and frankly indispensable range of products that Staedtler offer. If your child has writing struggles they will find these pencils, pens, markers are designed to aide the fatigue factor.My child initially tested a bunch of different writing materials in a specific writing class at school. The

Features of Written Output Disorder

2007-03-14T22:01:00.001-07:00

At last here are a list of some of the features or indicators of Written Output Disorder. A big thank you to Sarah Howard, the assessment manager, of The Eaton Learning Centre, who graciously provided this helpful information. I know this information will be valuable to parents worried about their children and considering educational testing. I will create a permanent link to it in the links

Study: Learning disorders might be genetic

2007-03-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the journal where you can read the article discussed in this article below: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1751-228X.2007.00002.xLONDON, March 14 (UPI) -- A British researcher suggests a wide variety of learning disabilities might be caused by "generalist" genes."Old studies tend to focus on finding the genes responsible for single disorders," said review

Special pencil: Dixon TRI-CONDEROGA HB 2

2007-02-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

Victory! We have found a pencil that helps my child. I quote him directly: "it feels triangular not like those pencils at school. It doesn't hurt your fingers because it's softer. It's made my writing look beautiful"I will upload a picture as soon as I have time. Basically it's triangular shape and is fatter than a regular pencil and is black with some kind of soft coating.

Neo keyboard writing and spelling game

2007-02-14T20:06:00.000-08:00

We have been experimenting with the Alpahsmart Neo keyboard further, to much success. It's a very handy device to prompt output. An interesting game to try is typing messages to each other. My child is particular responsive to this. So a parent or sibling types a question or comment, then passes the keyboard to the child and the child types a reply. Usually it's just fun messages like: do you

Study Puts Rate of Autism at 1 in 150 U.S. Children

2007-02-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

Study Puts Rate of Autism at 1 in 150 U.S. Children About one child in 150 develops autism or a related disorder like Asperger’s syndrome by the age of 8, according to a study released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study, which looked at cases of so-called autism spectrum disorders in 14 states in 2000 and 2002, is the most rigorous analysis to date of the

Channel 4 documentary: child genius

2007-02-06T22:25:00.000-08:00

Article about Channel 4 programme that will go out tomorrow at 8pm.Michael is one of the high-achieving children in a new Channel 4 series which documents the lives of 10 gifted children growing up in the UK and regularly updates us on their progress, Seven-Up style. rest of article is here