It has never been easy being the parent or guardian of a son or daughter that has a learning difficulty or who may have a handicapping condition, despite the apparent medical and psychological progress made and the perceptive insights achieved in recent years.
Unfortunately, all this increased knowledge has really not changed the difficulties for parents. The emotional investment needed, is still enormous.
Child's View
The child, not only experiences difficulties at school and later on, when seeking out further education, but they also expend a great deal of energy and emotion just trying to fit in. They are always working hard at fully functioning at an acceptable level and meeting the expectations of friends and family members.
Parental Guidance
The stress levels within the family can be tremendous and sometimes explosive. The parents need help in dealing with, both the child's educational difficulties and the results of their children's frustration and emotional outburst.
Whilst at the same time they are trying to be great parents by maintaining a stable supportive and loving family environment for everyone. Unfortunately, in these circumstances, the parents' own relationship can often suffer badly, taking a poor third place in all the chaos.
Acceptance
Once a child has been diagnosed and the diagnosis confirmed, the parent are normally very willing to accept the help of a qualified person in guiding them through the next steps. It is more difficult to accept the possibility that the whole family may need some level of relationship councilling.
The initial reticense and resistance to outside intervention can be caused by an underlying sense of guilt and independence but in the face of such a big change in the family dynamics, it is perfectly reasonable to ask for assistance and some additional objective input.
Clearly, the children need greater understanding, support and educational intervention, is it so strange to accept that the parents may also need something or someone extra.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Dyslexia is not a problem of Vision or Opthalmology
Below is an Abstract from a scientific paper in the US Journal of Pediatrics. This article discusses at length the possible causes and effects of Dyslexia in children and in particular, it explores the argument that vision and the use of eye exercises can improve the condition.
ABSTRACT
Learning disabilities, including reading disabilities, are commonly diagnosed in children. Their etiologies are multifactorial, reflecting genetic influences and dysfunction of brain systems.
Learning disabilities, including reading disabilities, are commonly diagnosed in children. Their etiologies are multifactorial, reflecting genetic influences and dysfunction of brain systems.
Learning disabilities are complex problems that require complex solutions. Early recognition and referral to qualified educational professionals for evidence-based evaluations and treatments seem necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.
Most experts believe that dyslexia is a language-based disorder. Vision problems can interfere with the process of learning; however, vision problems are not the cause of primary dyslexia or learning disabilities.
Scientific evidence does not support the efficacy of eye exercises, behavioral vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses for improving the long-term educational performance in these complex pediatric neurocognitive conditions.
Diagnostic and treatment approaches that lack scientific evidence of efficacy, including eye exercises, behavioual vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses, are not endorsed and should not be recommended.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Spina Bifida and Folic acid
This video is for information only and the Dyslexia Untied blogsite and it's authors in no way endorse any products or proposed preventative treatment. People should decide for themselves after suitable research and qualified medical advice.
Preparation for Nursery School
We all want our children to be relaxed and prepared to face their first day at nursery school, possibly their first 'formal' gathering with rules and boundaries.Introduction
So it's only fair that it does not come as a big shock to them and they don't feel discarded and abandoned. It is essential to put in a bit of work at this point to set the scene for the future and prepare them by introducing them to this new concept.
New Concept?
The acceptable concept of extending the parental care by involving other trustworthy adults; i.e. their new teacher. Hopefully, they will be partly aware of this through grandparents, aunts and uncle.
Show and Tell
You can cover the subject of nursery school by taking them on short but pleasant visits to their local school and let them stand and watch the children playing and having fun. Give them the feeling that it is a normal and enjoyable part of growing up. One that they will be able to take an active part in.
Homework
At home, establish set times for story-telling. Try to instil a routine of how and when things are done. This will make it easier for your child accept this loose discipline from another grown-up, i.e. their new teacher.
Listening skills
While you are sitting down with yor child and telling them stories, you will be able to detect whether they are paying you real attention when being told an interesting story or whether they have an interest in the spoken word at all.
Give them Time
Clearly this could be a one-off occurence, so you will need to monitor this over a period of time to rule out any 'off-days.' Let the child choose what story they want to hear and see if that affects their level of attention.
Writing Skills
In addition to reading and listening to stories, it would be good to see how interested your child is in writing or copying letters and words. The best word to start with is your child's name and hopefully, one that they will enjoy writing.
Don't Panic
If things are not perfect then be thankful that you have some prior insight and knowledge of a 'possible' issue. Don't be too quick to think the worst. Seek help in the face of doubt.
Check with your family doctor, nursery and if you are still in doubt, consult a qualified consultant. Your well-being and peace of mind is directly connected to your child's and you should both be facing an exciting future, happy in the feeling that you are making the best decisions and getting the best results, every step of the way.
You are always welcome to leave a comment and to contact me directly, if there is something you wish to talk about or discuss.
Dyslexia: Build 3-Dimensional Words and Make them Real
Once your child gets the idea of words having sounds inside them can be connected in rhyme e.g. I sa a bear at the fair that had no hair or underwear, then they are ready and willing to match sounds to letters.Make Letters Real
You have to make letters and words as real and tactile as possible. This will really help children to be able to fully grasp their usefulness, their usage and the subtle differences between them.
Flash Card
Flash cards with pictures and words on them are a good start but you need go further than this. You need to create a more 3-dimensional 'picture' for the children to fully embrace.
Shapes and Sounds
Your job is simply to try and help your child recognise the shapes and sounds of letters. How do you do that? Well, let's say that you do that in as many ways as possible.
Use their Senses
Remember, children who suffer dyslexia are able to learn better if they apply all their sense to the subject. Allow them to see, hear, touch, smell, taste, sense the letters and words.
Sculpt the Words
Help them to not only draw the letters but also sculpt them in the snow, in paint, in clay, in lipstick, in whatever substance will hold the shapes. Trace the shape of letters on their skin, with or without colour. They will be able to visualise or sense the letter in their own way, even if you don't know why.
Prepare to be lead
You need to start by leading them on this voyage of discovery and they need to be content or willing to join you. hopefully, at some time alomg the way they will take over the lead and you should slip back and let them take over control.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Autism: Digestive Problems are not more common in affected children
Autism
Autism is a spectrum of disorders affecting a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Children with autism may make poor eye contact or exhibit repetitive movements such as rocking or hand-flapping. About 1 in 110 U.S. children have autism, according to a recent government estimate.
More than 25 experts met in Boston in 2008 to write the consensus report after reviewing medical research. The Autism Society and other autism groups funded the effort, but gave no input.
Scientific Report
A panel of scientific expert says; 'There is no rigorous evidence to support the concern that digestive problems are more common in children with Autism compared to other children, or that special diets are effective in treating the condition.' This is contrary to claims made by product sponsors, celebrities and anti-vaccine protestors.
Digestive Problems
Painful digestive problems can trigger problem behaviour in children with Autism and should be treated medically, according to the panel's report published in the January issue of Paediatrics.
"There are a lot of barriers to medical care to children with autism," said the report's lead author, Dr. Timothy Buie of Harvard Medical School. "They can be destructive and unruly in the office, or they can't sit still. The nature of their condition often prevents them from getting standard medical care."
Pain and behaviour
Some pediatricians' offices "can't handle those kids," Buie said, especially if children are in pain or discomfort because of bloating or stomach cramps. Pain can set off problem behavior, further complicating diagnosis, especially if the child has trouble communicating — as is the case for children with autism.
Leaky Gut hypothesis
The report refutes the controversial idea that there's a digestive problem specific to autism called "leaky gut" or "autistic enterocolitis." The hypothesis was first floated in 1998 in a now-discredited study by British physician Dr. Andrew Wakefield. His paper tied a particular type of autism and bowel disease to the measles vaccine.
The new report says the existence of autistic enterocolitis "has not been established." Buie said researchers and doctors have avoided digestive issues in autism because of their connection with Wakefield's disputed research, which set off a backlash against vaccines that continues to this day.
Report claims
The new report calls for more rigorous research into the prevalence of digestive problems and whether special diets might help some children. For now, the report states, available information doesn't support special diets for autism.
Celebrity Diets
Diets have been promoted by actress Jenny McCarthy, whose best-seller "Louder Than Words" detailed her search for treatments for her autistic son.
Nearly 1 in 5 of children with autism are on a special diet, according to a project that tracks what treatments parents are trying. Most of them were on diets that eliminate gluten, found in many grains, or casein, a protein in milk, or both, according to the Interactive Autism Network at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Md.
Nutritional Balance
The new report advises doctors to watch for nutritional deficiencies in patients with autism. It recommends a nutritionist get involved if a patient is on a special diet or only eats certain foods.
The report drew praise from Rebecca Estepp of Poway, Calif., who believes a special diet is helping her autistic son. She said the paper gives pediatricians credible recommendations they've needed.
"I'm filled with hope after reading this report," said Estepp of the support group Talk About Curing Autism. "I wish this report would have come out 10 years ago when my son was diagnosed."
Autism Society
Lee Grossman, president of the Autism Society, a funder, said many doctors have written off autistic children's digestive problems as untreatable. "I think we still have a lot to learn about the gut and how it contributes to behavioural symptoms," Grossman said. "We have a lot to learn about how to treat this."
Clinical visits
Buie said his clinic has various techniques for treating children with problem behaviour. They schedule early morning appointments so children aren't delayed unecessarily in the waiting room. As a last resort, they do use a mild anesthesia.
"If a child is going to be asleep because of a dental evaluation or an MRI study, we will do our endoscopy, our blood work, spinal tap, haircuts or teeth cleaning at the same time," Buie said. "Our nurses do beautiful haircuts."
Further Reading on Digestive Disorders
Autism is a spectrum of disorders affecting a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Children with autism may make poor eye contact or exhibit repetitive movements such as rocking or hand-flapping. About 1 in 110 U.S. children have autism, according to a recent government estimate.
More than 25 experts met in Boston in 2008 to write the consensus report after reviewing medical research. The Autism Society and other autism groups funded the effort, but gave no input.
Scientific Report
A panel of scientific expert says; 'There is no rigorous evidence to support the concern that digestive problems are more common in children with Autism compared to other children, or that special diets are effective in treating the condition.' This is contrary to claims made by product sponsors, celebrities and anti-vaccine protestors.
Digestive Problems
Painful digestive problems can trigger problem behaviour in children with Autism and should be treated medically, according to the panel's report published in the January issue of Paediatrics.
"There are a lot of barriers to medical care to children with autism," said the report's lead author, Dr. Timothy Buie of Harvard Medical School. "They can be destructive and unruly in the office, or they can't sit still. The nature of their condition often prevents them from getting standard medical care."
Pain and behaviour
Some pediatricians' offices "can't handle those kids," Buie said, especially if children are in pain or discomfort because of bloating or stomach cramps. Pain can set off problem behavior, further complicating diagnosis, especially if the child has trouble communicating — as is the case for children with autism.
Leaky Gut hypothesis
The report refutes the controversial idea that there's a digestive problem specific to autism called "leaky gut" or "autistic enterocolitis." The hypothesis was first floated in 1998 in a now-discredited study by British physician Dr. Andrew Wakefield. His paper tied a particular type of autism and bowel disease to the measles vaccine.
The new report says the existence of autistic enterocolitis "has not been established." Buie said researchers and doctors have avoided digestive issues in autism because of their connection with Wakefield's disputed research, which set off a backlash against vaccines that continues to this day.
Report claims
The new report calls for more rigorous research into the prevalence of digestive problems and whether special diets might help some children. For now, the report states, available information doesn't support special diets for autism.
Celebrity Diets
Diets have been promoted by actress Jenny McCarthy, whose best-seller "Louder Than Words" detailed her search for treatments for her autistic son.
Nearly 1 in 5 of children with autism are on a special diet, according to a project that tracks what treatments parents are trying. Most of them were on diets that eliminate gluten, found in many grains, or casein, a protein in milk, or both, according to the Interactive Autism Network at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Md.
Nutritional Balance
The new report advises doctors to watch for nutritional deficiencies in patients with autism. It recommends a nutritionist get involved if a patient is on a special diet or only eats certain foods.
The report drew praise from Rebecca Estepp of Poway, Calif., who believes a special diet is helping her autistic son. She said the paper gives pediatricians credible recommendations they've needed.
"I'm filled with hope after reading this report," said Estepp of the support group Talk About Curing Autism. "I wish this report would have come out 10 years ago when my son was diagnosed."
Autism Society
Lee Grossman, president of the Autism Society, a funder, said many doctors have written off autistic children's digestive problems as untreatable. "I think we still have a lot to learn about the gut and how it contributes to behavioural symptoms," Grossman said. "We have a lot to learn about how to treat this."
Clinical visits
Buie said his clinic has various techniques for treating children with problem behaviour. They schedule early morning appointments so children aren't delayed unecessarily in the waiting room. As a last resort, they do use a mild anesthesia.
"If a child is going to be asleep because of a dental evaluation or an MRI study, we will do our endoscopy, our blood work, spinal tap, haircuts or teeth cleaning at the same time," Buie said. "Our nurses do beautiful haircuts."
Further Reading on Digestive Disorders
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Rewarding Children and Playing is not about Toys
Xmas is over and your purse is empty. So now you can forget consumerism for another year but how are you going to keep the kids happy now?Well, forget trying to buy the happiness of your children with stuff because that does not work.
No amount of shiney beads and fluffy toys can replace the love and enjoyment they get from just being with their parents. They crave your attention. Do they not smile and run towards you at every opportunity.
They want to feel that they are a vital part of your life. They want to be with you and they want you to simply play with them. They want you to help them grow, learn new things from you and to grow up more like you or is that something given over to the 'nanny.'
Fun and Adventure
The greatest pleasure your children get is when you sit down with them and play a game or read them a story. OK, it can be difficult to get them to fit in with your busy schedule or to get them straight off to sleep at the first chime of the clock but believe me when I say, a child who feels loved, secure and embraced by a loving family or parent, is going to sleep better, have good dreams and wake up refreshed the next morning. They will start every day by looking forward to another fun filled adventure in your world.
Quality Time
It's a much used and abused phrase, 'quality time' but it's still an important concept. It is vitally important that you spend time with your children, fully involved in their activities, being a part of their imaginative and exploring play.
Attention substitutes
It is not good enough to simply give your children toys and expect them to go away and play with them and not give them your attention as well. Remember, supplying them with toys is a great way of avoiding the responsibility of playing with your children.
The same thing applies to sitting them down in front of the TV. Is that really what you intended?
Down and dirty
When was the last time you got down on the floor with your children, entered their world and actually played with them. How often have your children had more fun with the packaging and boxes that presents came in, than with the very expensive toy that was in it.
Remote view
If you do not spend time playing with your children then you are disconnected from them. You don't really know who they are, what they really want or what they are experiencing on a daily basis.
Teenage angst
This may not seem to be an issue now but wait until they grow into teenagers and you discover that you have no 'history' or relationship established with them.
You're missing out
There is a big piece of the puzzle missing, preventing you from being a 'complete' parent. You are not fully experiencing the 'joy' of being a parent and arguably, you cannot have a full grasp on what it is to be part of a 'complete' family.
The way ahead
Don't panic! There is hope for you and your children but you will need to make time for them and you will need to play with them.
Start by sitting down with them and asking them simply what their favourite toys are and why. This will spark off a whole series of stories and conversations with them.
Add value
The next thing is to add value to their play. Help them do something or make something that they cannot do on their own. This can be as simple as making cardboard or paper cutouts of animals and pasting them together to make 'disposable' toys.
This can be great fun at this time of year with plenty of Xmas cards to be recycled, there are a number of websites that offer free templates for toys and games. Another simple activity is painting and decorating clay flower pots and it brightens up a dull terrace or winter garden.
Projects
More complicated things like treehouses, bird tables, squirrel feeders, etc. or my particular favourites; water rockets and soapbox carts made from scrap wood and old pram wheels. These can be easily knocked together with a little effort and some simple tools.
The great joy for the kids is to see a 'project' come together, to be a part of it and to 'share' and be involved in the experience. Under no circumstances do you exclude them. At the very least, let them name it and paint the name on it. After that, it's all about playing and having fun with your parent(s).
Remember, the end result is of little concern. The level of 'sophistication' is of no interest to the children and should not get in the way of that special time spent 'playing with Mum/Dad.'
Teenagers 'n Geeks
If you are really feeling adveturous and have a geeky hi-tech streak in you, try some of the DIY projects from the MIT. I particularly like the Sea Pearch - underwater ROV with on-board cameras. It puts a whole new slant on rock pooling and fishing off the end of the pier.
Summary
So, the next time you are looking for a way to 'reward' your children consider this; spend some time with them. Take them to the Zoo, the beach or a play park and kick a ball or throw a frizbee for them. Your family will be healthier, happier and fitter for it.
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