Refreshing the discussion

      It has been a long while since I initiated this blog site.  Since then I have finished my double master's degree at Michigan State University.  This course work was called, Integrated Learning and Behavioral Specialist. In short, now I am a Special Education teacher after beginning my teaching career in 1974.  Also since I began this blog, my four children and I all have graduated from universities. Katie and I earning Master's degrees while my three sons earned Bachelor's degrees. Remember that three of those four graduates struggled through school with Learning Disabilities.  Since then I have found out that I have a Nonverbal Learning Disability. All of these challenges have complicated and slowed our efforts, but as they say, "that which does not kill you makes you stronger" and we are here to prove it.
     Also since I created this blog I have become the Autism Building Coach in the middle school where I am a special education teacher.  In that capacity, I joined with others to create and implement a peer to peer support elective program for students with Autism called LINKS.  In these roles, I work hard to support students with autism and their parents with the same passion that I feel when I support parents of children with Learning Disabilities or Cognitive Impairments.
      My purpose in writing this blog is to support parents of children who struggle in school.  Having struggled myself, with an undiagnosed disability and then as I watched my own children "melt under the kitchen table" when it came time to do homework, I have learned how to persevere to the point of success. Having moved away from friends and support groups as my husband climbed his career ladder, I often found myself alone in the world with my children who could not read or remember what they read.  The difficult the task of learning made homework and reading aversive to them.  I struggled alone to find tutors and resources to help me help my children. My goal is to provide the help to parents that I so desperately needed.  I am happy to say that now I have become a board member of the Learning Disability Association of Michigan.  This fine organization works, like I do, to support students and families who are touched by disabilities- as they advocate for those concerns at the state and national levels. 
   Having come through the fire, so to speak, please allow me offer my compassion and support as you support your child along the path of self actualization.
 

Keeping Up with the Neighbors

When you have children who learn differently, it is hard to keep from comparing their progress to the progress of their playmates and neighbors. The children's book "Leo the Late Bloomer" comforted me when I felt the pain the parents do when they realize the their children are not hitting the natural academic milestones at the normal rates. Now I realize that I do not begrudge the Iris for not arriving in the early Spring with the Daffodil, nor should I panic when my child acquires literacy shills at a slower pace..be patient and nuturering ...your flower WILL bloom.

Find Your Child's Strengths

The frustration of a learning disability is exhausting in our language based society. I was once told that it is as my son were continually having to translate into a foreign language when he listened to and spoke in English, therefore it is imperative that you discover your child's strengths and build upon those. Getting a break and feeling strong and confident in something, whether it be it art or sports or woodworking, your child will return to the difficult tasks at hand- restored in his self worth and refreshed to tackle another day.

Early Intervention

If you notice your young child is not picking up speech or repeating rhymes, don't hesitate to seek advice and arrange for language support. Continue to provide a rich literacy environment as you read to your child and in front of your child. Attend library story hours and make reading fun and informational. As you drive, read signs and look for word patterns. Segment words and play word games in which you change a starting consonant to make new words. Spend your money on books and less on other things as you demonstrate the value of reading..Make learning fun and join in the game with your child.

Your older LD child

My son is attending a university out of state. He continues to ask me to proof read his papers. I am glad to help him, debriefing as we go, so that there are fewer issues to correct when he goes to his academic support person. Academic support services are often made available through the university at no charge for students with documented Learning disabilities. My point here is that I feel that it is important to continue to assist and support your L.D. child because the frustration and anxiety otherwise may be too much for them to bear.

Please see my resume on website

I have been fortunate to be able to study Learning Disabilities at the University level. I have also made a professional commitment to reach and teach LD students. Please see my resume to see my educational and professional work in this area.

My Introduction

As a mother of three Learning Disabled children, I was lost and alone as I faced the academic and personal challenges that came their ways everyday in school. My first born was classified a Preprimary Impaired and began with Special Education services at age four. My boy/girl twins were classified after I had them repeat third grade and demanded special services as well. I am looking forward to this format to talk with and perhaps to assist other moms.