My husband and daughter both have vision problems. My husband was an adult before he figured out why he had been such a poor student all his life. My daughter is now in first grade and she is undergoing relatively painless vision therapy which will supposedly correct her condition. When the eyes don't work as a team and the muscles controlling the eyes are weak, they have a hard time moving across the page to read. This is the problem for hubby and daughter. Please have her eyes checked by an eye doctor that is well versed in learning disabilities. My daughter's eye doctor referred us to a vision therapist for a visual skills analysis where they did tests to measure 3 things: INPUT - how your eyes work separately and together and move to absorb information, both near and far, PROCESSING - what your brain does with the images that it gets from your eyes, and OUTPUT - how your brain can articulate your thoughts into pictures and words. Also, she may have auditory processing issues as well - sometimes these challenges go together. Since you live in CA, you probably have many therapy centers at your disposal. I live on Maui, and I was thrilled to learn that we have The Learning Hui, which helps kids deal with both visual and auditory learning challenges. Good luck in getting help for your daughter.
I recommend a pyschoeducational evaluation, as well as learning as much as you can about brain injuries. We learned a lot at the Amen clinic (you can find them online). The brain scan is expensive, but you might be able to find out what the problem is before she's so frustrated that she just gives up. Good luck.
You need to review the Procedural Safeguards for your state. Since she was assessed two years ago, I would most definitely request that she be tested again. This time I would ask for a full language eval. from the SLP. Be sure to mention the head injury and bring in the corresponding medical documentation. Remember, you are your child's advocate.
Hey DC.. I am thrilled to have seen this one because I have two possibilities to help you with.
My daughter who is a bit younger than yours has been going through a very difficult time when it comes to reading and homework too. Dyslexia was my initial worry as well. However I happened to take her to an optometrist in the Palisades who does some very special work with eye re-training. I didn't know this when I went to him was just taking her for an eye test. Turns out that although her vision is fine she has a terrible problem "re-focusing" and "tracking". Dr. Polan explained that there are many aspects of vision which are actually learned and my daughter is now going twice a week for exercises to strengthen her ability to re-focus quickly. She has only been going for three weeks and I have started to notice a difference already.
Try this simple test. Get your daughter to hold a pencil at arms length and bring it slowly towards her nose. See if she can remain focused on it and whether her eyes cross easily. If she manages this very easily see how long she can hold it for. Sasha would get the pencil about 18 inches from her nose and start to get dizzy. Everything beyond the pencil would go double. Now she can get the pencil to her nose no problem. This is just one of the home exercises she does.
Apparently Dr Gary Polan is one of about only 3 optometrists in California who does this work. He has worked with many high profile athletes and young children alike. His greatest joy is to get kids who have been misdiagnosed with ADHD and turn their life around through eye re-training. His number is: 310 459 0055
If this doesn't work for you there is another group called the Irlen Institute www.irlen.com. I have a friend who's son (who is very intelligent) was having a terrible problem reading and suffering from many headaches. She took him to several optometrists to no avail. The Irlen Institute tested him and gave him a pair of non prescription glasses with special coloured lenses. They changed his life. Symptoms of this can include light sensitivity and feeling like the words are moving on the page. If you go to their website there is a list of questions to help you see if they might be able to help. They are also really helpful if you call and talk to them. I spoke to them at length. They are based in Long Beach. It was my next stop for Sasha if the eye re-training doesn't work.
I hope this helps. Good for you to keep looking and asking questions when you know something is off. A mother's intuition is always the best. Good luck!
Regards, Natalie
I am dyslexic...and have a BA in English Lit. It takes me a little longer to read books, but I NEVER forget what I read from one chapter to the next. I have to say that what you're describing does NOT sound like dyslexia. It sounds like attention defecit disorder.
Bring her to a child psychologist and have her tested for ADD. It can be treated WITHOUT medication. It can often manifest through food allergies. If your daughter is diagnosed with ADD try cutting peanuts and wheat from her diet. Many studies have shown a remarkable improvement with diet changes.
I also know that this thought might be touchy, but if her grades have taken a radical nose dive recently, you might want to think about whether or not she might be experimenting with drugs. I know she's young, but many kids start down that road as early as 12...especially in an urban environment. Drastic grade changes can be a sign of drug use. I pray that this isn't the case for you, but it might be something to look into.
Peace.
Our Granddaughter experienced much of the things that you relayed in your message. She was finally tested at Irvine Medical Center in the Childrens Center and found to be very, very dyslexic. You are correct, there are many levels and types. She now attens a school that is just for dyslexic kids. She started at Prentics School in the third grade and was reading at a kindergarden level..she is now in 7th grade and reading above her grade level. The school is a private school, they offer scholorships. The difference it has made in her life is nothing short of a miracle. The school does their own testing to see if the child is in fact dyselxic, so it is a good starting point. The school is in Tustin, but well worth the drive. The name of the school is The Prentice Schoo. You can find info on them in the internet.
i believe you really need to fight for your rights with the school as others have stated. my daughter was diagnosed with a learning disability. i didnt go as far investigating it as some have suggested but just with the general diagnosis of learning disability she then got an IEP as some have also said. this was the greatest. the teachers in her school worked so well with her. they were very concerned and so helpful. she still struggled with school but learned how to learn and adapt. even outside of school she found many ways society works with her. she failed her written test for a driving license 3 times and as she was sitting crying (and i trying not to cry) a girl next to us explained that you can request and individual oral test. as the reading comprehension was the hard part for her, when she took the oral test she passed easily.
sorry so long....my point is there are many, many resources for all our problems. dont get discouraged. the squeeky wheel gets the grease !!!!
Hi, I hope this information will be helpful for you guys. There is a fild in Optometry called Behavioral Optometry. These Doctors specialize in exactly same problems as you experience with your child. They will most likely properly diagnose and can help her by either special computer program exersises or most likely by vision therapy. I work for someone in this field in LA/ Century City Area, can also reffer you to someone in Calabases.The both exellent, and very knoledgebale Doctors. You may also want to go on line and get more information about that. You dougther is going to be great, it's probably has nothing to do with what happen to her when she was a baby.
Sincerelly,
Marina
You have received some amazing advice. I am a school counselor and have LD's. Be careful to assume a diagnosis until there is a full medical evaluation. There can be many reasons for her learning challenges. You can always ask for another evaluation from your school but it must be in writing! It will be harder to deny your request. Also, in the meantime, ask for a 504 plan. This will give her accomodations in the classroom and for homework.
I remember my mother watching me struggle and we talk about how hard it was for both of us. I think the best thing she did for me was to explore my interest outside of school. I took classes in art and sports/dance. It was important for me to feel successful because it wasn't happening at school.
Good luck and don't ever give up!