Hi Jody,

My 8th grade daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD in second grade at Scottish Rite Hospital. Middle school is becoming increasingly challenging for her and we really need some help and guidance. She is sweet, gifted creatively, easily distractable, and giving up on school (which is understandable). Somehow she’s managing to get by in English, History, and Science, but I’m not sure that she is grasping much of the material. She’s especially having trouble with Algebra and Latin. We now have an Algebra tutor working with her twice a week and are looking for a Latin tutor.

I have numerous questions, but here are several:
1. Where in the DFW area can we get a more detailed diagnosis of her learning differences and learning styles so that we can help her better? School is increasingly overwhelming to her.
2. What kind of resources and helps can we provide for her? For example, are there people that teach reading comprehension or study skills? What would help her?

Lots of questions…

Thank you so much!

Anonymous

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Dear Anonymous,

Thank you for your question. First of all, I believe it is important for every student to have a learning styles profile done because it helps teachers understand how they learn which will, in turn, help them to reach and teach that student more effectively. With the current curriculum emphasis on differentiation, it is especially helpful.

Second, it is even more important for a student with learning differences to have a learning styles portfolio. I applaud you as a parent for being on top of this. One of the in-service trainings I provide as the School Whisperer is to show teachers how they learn and how to create learning profiles on their students. This is one of my favorite trainings and in fact, I am doing it for ACSI (Association Christian School International)  conventions around the country this fall.

Third, for a student with learning differences, Algebra and Latin are probably the two most difficult subjects. It is because they are more analytic and students with learning differences tend to think in a more global fashion. You are a proactive parent in providing support for her with Algebra, and I pray you can find someone for Latin as well.

Last, this is an excellent resource for you to get your student tested and provide study skills:

Grace Evaluation
17103 Preston Rd.
Suite 288
Dallas, TX 75248
ph: 972-250-0498

If I can provide In-Service training for your school, kindly let me know. I am familiar with your school. It is excellent! I agree with their philosophy and would love to provide this service.

Blessings,

Jody