Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health on Jun 7th, 2018 No Comments »
For me, one of the best parts of doing an evaluation for learning and learning disabilities has been going over the results, including the test score numbers with the student and his/her family. I’ve learned how to discuss the data and what it all means, in clear language so it makes sense to the student […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health on Jun 5th, 2018 No Comments »
The myth that having dyslexia automatically means you’re either a) artistic, b) have visual-spatial talents, c) have other gifts that are part of and caused by your dyslexia, can minimize or distract us from struggling with the proven risks of shame and school-based trauma. Results of these can be devastating. Some people with dyslexia are […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health on Mar 3rd, 2018 No Comments »
I’ve been tracking and have been a part of the changing attitudes about learning disabilities for decades. Historically there’s been two major paradigms, two lenses through which people think of LD and in particular kids and struggling teens. On the one hand there’s been a growing perception that in spite of all the school […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, Social Issues and Ideas on Feb 13th, 2018 No Comments »
1. Be Real This is the essence of connection. Inspiring kids and helping instill confidence isn’t about “being positive.” It’s not about trying to be inspirational. Being real and authentic is what gets you where you want to go with your kids. In any close and effective relationship, we must be brave in this […]
Posted in Books and Videos, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, Social Issues and Ideas on Jan 16th, 2018 No Comments »
Sometimes the language of self-development can admittedly feel awkward or to some, pretentious. Since the field is relatively new and language evolves, it can be a little uncomfortable to use it at first when at the family dinner table with Uncle Frank and Aunt Edith :). Nonetheless, “Self-Compassion” describes ways of thinking and behaving that […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health on Jan 6th, 2018 No Comments »
In my opinion, coming to grips with the number of teenagers with addictions who also have learning disabilities (estimates towards 60%), requires understanding how isolating it can be. School stress is often the number one stress teenagers face, and when you’re struggling extra hard in the core competencies of academic success, it’s not hard to […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, Personal Stories, Social Issues and Ideas on Dec 28th, 2017 No Comments »
This is a post from a few year back that remains highly relevant, so I thought I’d repost: Teenagers and young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome or with High Functioning Autism need some targeted and extra help understanding and negotiating romantic and sexual relationships. Moving from Social Skills or Social Thinking/Cognition curriculums to dating, sex, love, […]
Posted in Discussion Topics, LD Support Sites, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, Social Issues and Ideas on Dec 19th, 2017 2 Comments »
The Sun or The Moon? Sometimes I feel like a bit of a downer and in contrast to other popular LD-centered websites, because a fair amount of my writings, posts and presentations concerns the risks and vulnerabilities that can go along with having a learning disability or learning difference. It’s a little out of character […]
Posted in Education Issues and Ideas, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, News on Dec 16th, 2017 No Comments »
A child-friendly space in Mosul, Iraq. Photo: Arete/War Child UK. A group called War Child based in the UK, dedicates itself to helping children and families in war-torn areas all over the world. In In this Good.is article we see one of its projects, bringing mobile learning and libraries to children in desperate need. So […]
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 Learning Disabilities and Mental Health on Sep 19th, 2016 No Comments »
The following is a reprint of an article I wrote this year. Part of the work I do involves helping families with teens or young adults with significant emotional/behavioral struggles. I sometimes consult with therapeutic programs so that they are more sensitive and responsive to LD-related issues and how they impact therapeutic concerns. Resolving Issues […]
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 […]