Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas on Dec 10th, 2017 3 Comments »
One of the more controversial education conversations I hear and have been a part of concerns labeling kids. Over the years I’ve met lots of parents and teachers who argue that labeling is a negative thing. I’ve been to lots of dinner parties where, as soon as someone discovers my profession, the subject comes up, […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, News, Personal Stories on Dec 7th, 2017 No Comments »
Sitting at a desk alongside two of his grandchildren, Kimani Maruge first attended school in 2004 at the age of 84. Great examples of older people living joyfully and with purpose. In this article from Positive.News featuring ballet dancing, athletics, art, and going to […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, Personal Stories on Dec 6th, 2017 No Comments »
Lost in My Mind This article (link above) hit home, and is one of the best and most honest accounts of the reality that many kids, teens, and adults with dyslexia face. Even a successful athlete, reaching the pinnacle of his sport (a Stanley Cup winner) Brent Sobel wasn’t immune from feeling “not good enough” […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Personal Stories on Dec 3rd, 2017 2 Comments »
Feeling and knowing something experientially is different than hearing about it or only understanding it intellectually. You could be super bright and intelligent, but when your reading is marked by slow and inefficient decoding of single words, its hard to comprehend what you’re reading. Makes sense, right? It’s […]
Posted in Colleges, Discussion Topics, News, Personal Stories on Dec 1st, 2017 No Comments »
From NPR Series “Been There” Adjusting to college campus life can be particularly challenging when you struggle with the mechanics of social life because of underlying social thinking challenges endemic to students on the Autism Spectrum. Life On Campus When You’re On The Autism Spectrum
Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas, News on Nov 20th, 2014 3 Comments »
A study was recently published that claims learning to read and improvement in reading ability has a positive effect on intelligence overall. Where to begin? First, getting past sensational science related headlines takes effort. I have an educated and beginners mind when it comes to reading research. I read through this study slowly, and appears […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas on Jun 13th, 2014 No Comments »
I came across this piece written by someone with Asperger’s Syndrome. She makes some important points to consider concerning the judgmental implications of terms such as “high functioning and low functioning.” I’m a fan of precise and descriptive diagnostic work, but the writer points out the subtle and unspoken judgements that accompany some of our […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas on May 5th, 2014 No Comments »
In this recent opinion piece in the NY Times, “The Upside of Dyslexia” science writer Annie Murphy Paul cites a few experiments that causes her to wonder about the positive attributes and cognitive abilities that may occur naturally in people who have dyslexia, and could in theory lead to better performance in certain artistic and […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, News on Apr 23rd, 2014 2 Comments »
Interesting and thought provoking op-ed piece in NY Times. Autism and the Agitator
Posted in Discussion Topics on Mar 20th, 2014 3 Comments »
This article from Forbes, like many, frames the debate around the question of when kid should start school. Too Much Too Soon: Why Children Should Spend More Time Playing And Start School Later The polar opposing sides argue for earlier or later start ages. The issue is framed around relative value of play versus “early […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health on Feb 17th, 2014 2 Comments »
Slide above: Adapted from Exploring the Neurocircuitry of the Brain and Its Impact on Treatment Selections in ADHD, PRAKASH S. MASAND, MD; PETER S. JENSEN, MD; STEPHEN STAHL, MD, PHD There’s been a certain amount of press and attention on the intense marketing of medications for people with ADHD, and the perceived over-medication. Representing the […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas on Nov 2nd, 2013 No Comments »
I love finding schools and school cultures that consider and engage with emotional development practices, creative arts and vocational options. More often than not I come across these at programs for teens who are “at-risk.” Hollywood arts school gives struggling teens a second chance I wish these were the rule of thumb and for education […]