learningdis

Something Fishy

2005-09-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

How much does what we eat affect our ability to function? The question may seem straight-forward if one is discussing alcohol or drug consumption, but what about the solids?

These investigators have explored some of the effects of fish oils on mental function in children and verified that the mothers who gave their reluctant children cod-liver oil, may have been right afterall.

Children with ADHD benefited from 15-week course of fish oil and primrose oil

Homeschooling Dyslexic children

2005-09-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Years ago, a young mother expressed her utter exasperation to the first grade teacher. She had been trying to teach her daughter to read. "She almost had it." She exclaimed "and then she would say something totally different." The teacher, with decades of experience, and much wisdom, simply told her, "Don't worry. I'll teach her." and she did.

Not everyone should homeschool their child, but for those who are able to and choose to, excellent resources are now available. This site provides much information from a British perspective, but similar things can be acquired in other countries.

Homeschooling Dyslexics

Don't Dismiss Dyslexia

2005-09-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

"If the academic system can handle differences, and respect the beauty of diversified patterns of ability and behaviour, the world would be a better place for children..." So concludes Lakshmi Krishnakumar, Founder Director of Sankalp, The Open School, Chennai, India.

I often wonder how learning would be transformed if the classroom was filled with well-directed, boistrous activity. I do not advocate chaos, but where did the idea that children should sit still for hours and listen come from? As more information becomes available about the diverse learning styles that humans have, it also becomes clear that many students both dyslexic and not, are put at a disadvantage because the educational system tends to focus on a very few of these styles, rewards those who have them and disparages those with the remaining perspectives. More credit needs to be given to a the growing number of educators who are willing to take the risks needed for change.
LEADER ARTICLE: Don't Dismiss Dyslexia- The Times of India

Persistence helps dissipate cloud of dyslexia

2005-09-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

For this family, like many others, the answer to why their child was struggling academically had to come from without the school system. Fortunately, many educators willing work with others to improve the learning abilities of their students. Grass roots programs do help!

Persistence Pays

Teacher with Dyslexia Named Teacher of the Year

2005-09-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Dream big and hold to those dreams. This would be part of the message from watching the work of Melanie Hurley and her creative approaches at encouraging literacy. Like many others, she was not diagnosed as having dyslexia as a child and had to struggle with her handicaps without the assistance that is available to many. Yet, she grasped onto her dream and because she did, a new generation is being strenghtened to hold to theirs.

Melanie Hurley named teacher of the year

Disabled Doctor Tells Students to Go for Dream

2005-09-19T06:28:00.000-07:00

Dyslexic children, like other disabled children, often encounter barriers that would scuttle their dreams. In addition, because their challenges are not external, they often face the problem of being misunderstood and labelled as "lazy" or "just not trying hard enough". Perceptual changes are needed on both sides. Those without dyslexia need to learn to see the differences, not for opportunities to ridicule but for the alternative gifting that lies within.

This physician clearly knows what his choices would have been under different circumstances and expresses gratitude for his supporters by the way he lives.

Go for Dream

Workouts for the Brain: A Mind Training Gym

2005-09-17T03:01:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges in teaching individuals with different learning styles, is to resist the tendency to think that if a person is not doing well, then what they need is to be pounded with more of the same. Techniques need to change because of the incredible dynamic of human diversity. With this in mind, it is refreshing to see this "brain gym" which promotes regular exercise of a different kind. Something, many in business, have been advocating for years.

The Monitor - McAllen, Texas

Reaching out to dyslexic children

2005-09-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

"FIRST described as "word-blindness" in 1896, dyslexia is one of the least understood neurological conditions in the world, said Mr Robin Mosely, 58, executive director of Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). "

Far from being a social panacea for upper crust individuals who want a more acceptable label for why their children are not reading as well as anticipated, dyslexia has shown that it has no racial or geographic boundaries.

A couple of things do remain constant though. Parents long to see their children succeed regardless of social status or race and many programs are showing that these individuals can be helped to overcome the down-side of their unusual why of perceiving the world.

Info on Dyslexia Association of Singapore

On the Down side of Dyslexia

2005-09-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Dr. Chris Singleton

from the University of Hull will be one of the presenters at a conference at the University of Wales,Bangor. He is one of several looking at the challenges of dyslexia.
Part of his research involves developing computer based techniques that will can be tailored to individual student needs. He also examines what happens when the educational and societal system fails and poses the question of these individuals being over-represented in the young offender population.

Dyslexia Conference

Parent advice for those whose child has dyslexia

2005-09-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

"A few years ago when my son was struggling academically, I was frequently told that he had failed to learn a lesson or was unable to understand a concept with proficiency. I accepted this assessment of the situation. I knew he was trying as hard as he could to get passing grades, so I placed the full responsibility for his failure on myself. At the time, I believed he would not be failing if I had more money to spend on tutors, could muster the energy to drill him longer on multiplication tables or the patience to explain the difference between synonyms and homonyms. Now, as a more enlightened advocate for my son, I have a completely different view of classroom failure..."

In this article Jayne Matthews briefly describes her transformation from a guilt-ridden parent to a solid educational advocate for her son and for others. She offers practical, succinct advice on how to be part of the solution instead of feeling like a helpless bystander in the school system. She does not waste time blaming but instead suggests concrete ways to work on educational empowerment and in doing so provides a great serve not only for families but for teachers as well.
ClassroomExpectations

Learningdis joins Answerblog network: Like Neural Pathways, dyslexia needs solid connections

2005-09-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

learningdis.com has become an official member of the AnswerBlogs Network answerblogs. The purpose of this blog is to provide information and insight on aspects of dyslexia and dysgraphia and related challenges that have frustrated students, parents and educators for generations. It endeavours to provide information on methods and programs that have become available, new ones that are being developed, pertinent book reviews, and personal perspectives that give grass roots insight.

As the recent British debates illustrated, dyslexia is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed leading to added difficulties for millions of individuals. This highlights the need for a place where people can go to get a good overview and explore options and see what has been done by others without marketing pressure. Niche-based blogs are quickly becoming the best way for consumers to do online research. "By becoming a member of the AnswerBlogs network, our blog will be able to reach more consumers than we could as a stand-alone blog" says Michael Peterson, editor of successblog.biz. We agree that individuals and familes should have easy access to this material.

For more information on dyslexia please visit:

learningdis

If you are interested in starting your own niche based blog visit: http://answerblogs.com answerblogs

Scrapbooker, challenges beget art for this individual with dyslexia

2005-09-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

"She told us we were bright students, we just learned differently than everyone else," Andrus said. "The way I found out I like to learn is from projects. She showed me how to express myself and to do that. I've been scrapbooking since then."

As this accomplished woman describes her turning point and the passion that has held her to the present, one cannot help but ask where the others are. What happens to those students who are discarded by the system and still need to compete in a literate world? I wonder because I have known several of them. Have seen the tears in grown men's eyes and a sense of child-like amazement, as they discover that they are far from being alone.

What would the scrapbooks of their lives look like? Very different from those created by Andrus, I imagine. But filled with other colors, discoveries and journeys that also need to be celebrated.

Salt Lake Tribune - Utah

Dyslexia - one name, many problems

2005-09-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Herein lies part of the problem. The diversity within dyslexia leads to confusion among those who like to have everything in neat tidy packages. But like many other genetic disorders, it can be caused by the expression of more than one problem gene and in varying degrees. At first this may seem puzzling but when the array is viewed as a whole, a gradation of effect can be seen. This spectrum can be defined and because of this, many programs, such as the one described here, can be implemented and people helped to exercise their latent abilities.

Response Source Press Releases - Dyslexia - one name, many problems

Amusia and others who march to a different drummer

2005-09-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

This reports on an Annals of Neurology article that discusses possible relationships between amusia, dyslexia and other ways in which certain individuals perceive the world quite differently. Unlike dyslexia, amusia is not considered something that drastically impedes a person's advancement at school or in the work place. However, if you put a tone deaf individual in a room with one who has perfect pitch, and start the music, some very intriguing dynamics soon develop.
So, for those of us who do march to the beat of a different drummer, it is refresing to know that we are not alone in the journey.

- Forbes.com

Art takes hold when words fail

2005-09-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

All it took was one attentive headmaster, to change the direction of this man's life. Instead of being discarded, his abilities were developed instead of his deficits lamented.

This piece underscores the importance of educators recognizing student strengths as well as weaknesses and being willing to work towards creative solutions that will draw out the best from each one.

Art takes hold when words fail - Arts - Entertainment - theage.com.au

Sport | Lap of honour for a canny Scot

2005-09-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

It's intriguing to see that one of this man's motivators was his undiagnosed dyslexia. What makes the difference between using verbal and social abuse as a motivater and allowing it to disintegrate the person? Perhaps, in him, like in many other dyslexics, there is a deep resounding knowledge that the labels just aren't true. In some, the defiance is strong enough to work hard to challenge the assumptions and prove them wrong.

Telegraph | Sport | Lap of honour for a canny Scot

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Higher | With a little help from my tutors

2005-09-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Perhaps Durham needs to learn a little from Newcastle. As Shakespeare's work develops it will be interesting to see how it impacts the educational system and builds upon the lessons that he has learned the hard way.

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Higher | With a little help from my tutors

New support for disabled research students

2005-09-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

A lot has changed in 100 years. As more people with various disabilites find ways to develop their intellectual capacity, they will also be able to contribute enriching, diverse perspectives into their respective fields of endeavour. I hope that this will lead to a deeper appreciation of individual differences and abilities across the board and around the world.

New support for disabled research students

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY - KNIGHTLEYS BATTLE WITH DYSLEXIA

2005-09-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

In a world where reading has become such a crucial skill, it is refreshing to see a young woman speak of amazing teachers who were committed to helping her learn mastery and encourage her to press forward. I wonder if fewer students would drop out of school if more of our amazing teachers were better equipped to teach their dyslexic students.

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY - KNIGHTLEYS BATTLE WITH DYSLEXIA

Bonnie Slade, Ph.D.: Bright 9-year-old boy may have Dyslexia

2005-09-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

On the other side of the world from the English uproar, another psychologist has no qualms about discussing dyslexia with parents and even offering advice about how to locate possible financing and aid. Although, she endorses one particular program, this is far from being an exhaustive list of what is available.

TCPalm : Bonnie Slade, Ph.D.: Bright 9-year-old boy may have Dyslexia

Irish Chain

2005-09-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

As millions of students head back to school this week, adding to the feeding frenzy of advertizers and the angst of parents, one group of students approaches the days with increasing apprehension. These students have been labelled dyslexic among other less savoury terms. Although this term has been in professional usage for over 100 years - questioned by some, adamantly endorsed by others - the challenges that these students encounter have remained eerily similar.
So, it is refreshing to see an author embrace the concept and use it for the heroine for a young adults novel. This is exactly what Barbara Haworth-Attard has done in Irish Chain. This historical novel about teenaged Rose, is set in Halifax of 1917. The author has masterfully crafted a portal into the life experience of many students and quilted it together with believable family members and teachers.
If you are feeling the need to relax and enter another's world, this may be just what you need.

Irish Chain

Dyslexia: 'We want solutions not arguments'

2005-09-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Amid the fury, created by Dr. Julian Elliott's assertions that he cannot distinguish dyslexic individuals from other slow readers, has arisen an affirmation from scholars and many others in general, who are much more capable. After tutoring for years, I find it laughable (great, big, deep belly laughs, laughable) that this man who holds a position as an educator wants to use this obvious publicity trick to promote himself. I have seen both types of students and yes, I can distinguish them even though I am not an education professor. As for the range of intelligence, some dyslexics are exceptionally bright, others are not. Those who work in literacy training know that a broad spectrum of readers exist. Does a "dyslexic label" actually help anyone's status? I haven't seen where it has. Perhaps, the esteemed professor would argue that this simple reflects my very limited exposure.
On a more serious note, there may well be a reason why a higher proportion of students in wealthier schools are designated dyslexic than those in the less fiancially advantaged schools. If a student is considered simply lazy, anxious, unattentive, dull-witted or unmotivated, then resources do not need to be allocated to help them develop their potential at whatever level it may exist. Blaming is an age old method for avoiding responsibility. As more techniques are developed, the descrepancies become more evident. If this inadvertently helps some slow readers who really are not dyslexic, I see no harm in that.

icWales - Dyslexia: 'We want solutions not arguments'

OMIM - DYSLEXIA, SUSCEPTIBILITY TO, 1; DYX1

2005-08-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

This article provides a good starting point for those interested in exploring possible genetic links associated with dyslexia. OMIM is hte Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man site and provides a wealth of information.

OMIM - DYSLEXIA, SUSCEPTIBILITY TO, 1; DYX1

A dominant gene for developmental dyslexia on chromosome 3 -- Nopola-Hemmi et al. 38 (10): 658 -- Journal of Medical Genetics

2005-08-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

Even more chromosomes want to get in on the action.

A dominant gene for developmental dyslexia on chromosome 3 -- Nopola-Hemmi et al. 38 (10): 658 -- Journal of Medical Genetics

First measurement of tone deafness

2005-08-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

This study raises an interesting question. Is there a correlation between how sounds are perceived and dyslexia. What would be some of the ramifications if this is the case? And how do they propose to address them? More importantly, how do parents and educators plan to do so? Does this mean that dyslexics literally march to the beat of a different drummer? This looks like an intriguing area to follow in the years to come.

Study: First measurement of tone deafness

From tea boy to top gun: the ultimate soaraway success story - [Sunday Herald]

2005-08-30T09:20:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered what stuff dreams are made of? This article will not give the answer to that question but it does illustrate the power of the dreams and the desire to feel the wind beneath your wings. Dreams seem to contain something that draws us upward and outward to achieve things, unthought of by others, as definite possibilities.

From tea boy to top gun: the ultimate soaraway success story - [Sunday Herald]

The dyslexic novelist

2005-08-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

Viewing the world from a different perspective, romping through meadows while the proper ones stay on a train, experiencing life in a different vein, all of these are reflected in this article about Sally Gardner. I appreciate the way she embraces her abilities to challenge what others call a disability. Gifted? Yes! Different? Yes! But then again...enjoy the read.

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Books | The dyslexic novelist

No grey areas

2005-08-25T04:02:00.000-07:00

This man's dyslexia is mentioned only in passing. But his ability to see the world and interpret it differently from behind a lens remains inspiring. This difference in perspective renders, what many would consider a disability, into a profound giftedness.

Scotsman.com News - Features - No grey areas

BEA

2005-08-25T03:31:00.000-07:00

Going public with what we can or cannot do challenges the most stalwart but in the long run may benefit others. This article promotes one particular program that strives to see dyslexic students become more mainstream.

dailyrecord - BEA

A dyslexic writer casts her spell

2005-08-25T03:15:00.000-07:00

Few stop to consider the challenge of continuously viewing the world from a different perspective - or several. "To think outside the box" is one challenge, but to actually live outside of it, remains a very different matter as unusual students have discovered. Yet, many do just that on a day-to-day basis and without having the benefit of being understood. Perhaps the day will come, when we, as a culture, look at what each one can uniquely contribute and not how well the individual does, or does not, fit into preconceived slots.

Telegraph | Health | A dyslexic writer casts her spell

Young golfer reflects First Tee growth and values

2005-08-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

The basics remain, well, fundamental. Just because someone is challenged in one area does not mean that they can't excel in others. Take time to dream and envision new possibilities.

Young golfer reflects First Tee growth and values

Trouble with words

2005-08-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

The challenges encountered by dyslexics share many common characteristics across divergent cultures. Instead of being simply dismissed, as has been done in previous generations, growing interest on how to address the individual situations is increasing globally.

The Hindu : Magazine / Health : Trouble with words

Word sharks

2005-08-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

Great vocabularies should not be considered the exclusive domain of the ivory tower and geeks. (Many business people stress the importance of a broad-based vocabulary). Several dyslexias have found this game helpful in sharpening the wits and socializing at the same time.

Daily Pilot: Word sharks: "dyslexia"

White matter matters in reading performance, study finds -

2005-08-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

This article examines some benefits of being well-connected in the right areas of the brain. Do areas where dyslexics have strenghts also show marked differences from those in the rest of society?

White matter matters in reading performance, study finds - ExpressNews - University of Alberta

Expert call on dyslexia learning

2005-08-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Limits that cripple the growth of a child are horrid but the insight and wisdom to go beyond them gives courage and appreciation at levels above the original goals. The ensuing rewards have astounding ripple effects.

BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | Mid | Expert call on dyslexia learning

Benefit for dyslexia learning center

2005-08-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

The training that assists people can cause financial strains for the involved family and individuals. It is good to see people using iniatitive to help develop latent abilities in others. As communities work together to strengthen each member regardless of age, we can build a stronger nation.

News 8 Austin | 24 Hour Local News | LOCAL NEWS | Benefit for dyslexia learning center

Dyslexia doesn't limit Leah Grothause

2005-08-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

Often parents, family and others focus on dyslexics who seem disabled while forgetting or ignoring many others who struggle and have found ways through our cultural maze. These individuals also need help and encouragement; and benefit from the right thing at the right time. They, too, need to be in the right ballpark.

Naples Sun Times - Local News - 08/10/2005 - Dyslexia doesn't limit Leah Grothause

Bridging the cultural gap: despite language barrier, local woman helps others

2005-08-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

The product of perseverence
Passion well molded and directed enables many to overcome barriers that look impossible to outsiders. The article below may help to build up teachers who wonder if they are accomplishing anything when they work with struggling student.

Local News - Palladium-Item - www.pal-item.com

When it comes to top concerns for parents of school-aged kids, the eyes have it

2005-08-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Often the problem with learning may be staring us in the face. Consider the challenge of not being able to see properly. If you have never seen well, you don't complain about it because you probably don't realize what good vision is like.
I still remember getting my first glasses and marvelling at the wonders around that actually existed and were not just a product of the adults' imagination. Strangely, it also marked the beginning of the end of being in slow learner's classes.

Life

Genetics?

2005-08-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Many have questioned the familial links seen in dyslexics. Some contend that it is purely a perceptual disorder with no genetic basis and other assert there may be one. This article reports on a possible genetic link. Although many of those screened did have the gene, it dose not account for a large number who still have dyslexia but do not possess the gene.

Dyslexia could be genetic
02:21 PM PDT on Tuesday, August 16, 2005
JEAN ENERSEN / KING 5 News

Learning challenges

2005-08-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

For many, school grades are equated with intelligence. At times, I have accepted this position but the more I have worked with bright people who have difficulties reading and writing, the more I have seen the flaws in this position. Good grades do not equal intelligence regardless of how much some want to think so. The converse also holds. Poor grades do not equal stupidity, although many students (and sadly, educators) believe so.

One of the first challenges that I have often faced with a new client, was to show them ways to discard old perceptions of themselves. We remain our greatest obstacles to learning regardless of the area. This difficult, exhilarating area of change is well worth investigating. With it comes the ability to explore new dimensions. Along the way, the individual may well need mentors, encouragers and true friends who will aid in building them up and dissuade them from returning to the previous perspective. This site is to provide a forum for such encouragement and dissemination of information that will build people and challenge them to see beyond their present perspective.