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Parenting a Child with Autism

July 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Autism spectrum

Image via Wikipedia

Children with autism don’t think the same way as other children and parenting a child with autism can be very stressful. If you’ve just found out that your child has autism, here are some tips for how to cope:

  • Learn all you can. The first step is to learn all you can about autism: what it is, how it will affect your child, and what you can do to help.
  • Develop a strong social network to help support you. You’ll need someone who you can lean on for emotional support such as a close friend. You’ll also need people who can help if you’re in a pinch, preferably those who understand your child and his or her behaviors.
  • Teach your family about autism. It’s important for you and your child that your family understand what autism is and how will affect your child. Children with autism often don’t understand social conventions, so they may something inappropriate, for example. Having your family understand will make things easier.
  • Get a behavioral therapist if possible. One of the best ways for your child to learn is through a behavioral therapist. This aide will help teach your child what is proper behavior in a way that a child with autism can understand. The aide can also help give you advice on how to deal with certain situations.
  • Learn about diet and medications. Another way you can possibly help your child is through dietary changes and medications. These may help lessen the severity of symptoms and help your child feel better.
Filed Under: Learning Theories, Treatment Tagged With: , ,

Using the Hands-on Approach for Kids with ADHD

July 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

playdoh

Image by zalo via Flickr

If you’ve ever taught a child with ADHD, then you know how their hands never stop. They’re touching their neighbor, they’re moving all around, and they can’t sit still. That’s why using a hands-on approach to learning can be very beneficial.

The Play dough Technique

Play dough is a fun toy because it allows the user to create and mold and then mold and create something new. If you’re in a classroom teaching something that doesn’t lend itself to a hands-on lesson plan, consider giving the children some play dough. Let anyone who wants some to have some not singling any one child out. You’ll likely find that everyone will take a container, but the interesting thing is that most kids are done with it after about 10 or 15 minutes. Kids with ADHD, however, will continue to play with the play dough throughout the whole lesson.

Hands-on Lesson Plan

The better choice, however, is to use lessons that are hands on. You can use apples to represent fractions, have the students draw pictures to represent what they’re reading, or have the students act out scenes from history. Whatever your lesson is, look for ways into involve the students instead of just talking to them while they sit in their seats. Engaged learning is more effective than disengaged learning.

The main thing to remember when teaching kids with ADHD is to be understanding. Although it may seem like the kids are acting out on purpose, most of the time they really want to “be good,” but can’t seem to control themselves.

Filed Under: Family Support, Teaching Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Teaching Dyslexic Child Using a Multi-Sensory Approach

July 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Group of children in a primary school in Paris

Image via Wikipedia

The thing about children with dyslexia is even though they may have perfect hearing and perfect vision, they aren’t always able to process the information that is given visually or auditory. Each child differs, so you may not always know what isn’t getting through. The best approach is to use all five senses, if possible, to teach students with dyslexia. And really, it’s better for all children to learn this way, so it’s good for all students.

At the beginning of the lesson, briefly go over what the lesson will cover in small, easy-to-digest chunks. This will help alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed felt by those with dyslexia. Just remember that dyslexic children have a hard time reading the board or an overhead. If possible, make an individual copy for each student, or at least the child with dyslexia.

When you do write on the board, use a different color of marker or chalk for each point. This will help your dyslexic students distinguish the different points instead of just seeing a chunk of text. Also, leave the information on the board for as long as possible, so the students have plenty of time to write the information down.

When you’re evaluating a dyslexic student for information comprehension and retention, consider giving the student a verbal quiz on the information rather than written. This will decrease test anxiety and help the student to more likely be successful. The best thing you can do is help your students feel confident and intelligent.

Filed Under: Family Support, Teaching Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Helping Your Child Succeed

June 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Teva icon 

Image via Wikipedia

If your child is diagnosed with a learning disability, you may feel apprehensive about ensuring they receive the education they need and deserve. The way you act and react has the greatest affect on your child. Parenting children with disabilities can be frustrating at times, but if you approach the situation with understanding and a sense of humor, your child is not likely to view their disability as an insurmountable obstacle either.

Take Charge
Do your own research. Learn about new developments as well as programs or techniques that could help your child. Don’t necessarily rely on schools or doctors for all the solutions. You need to become an expert for yourself to help your child learn.

Advocate for Your Child
Likewise, you may have to speak up constantly to get the special help your child needs. Be proactive when it comes to your child’s education. Your voice might be the difference in getting the services your child deserves.

Gain Perspective
Although it’s easy to be intimidated by parenting a child with a disability, keep in mind that everyone learns differently. Remember that challenges can always be conquered. Be there to support your child, and don’t let tests and paperwork keep you away from this important task.

Remember Your Influence
Your child is going to pick up on how you deal with the challenges he or she faces. If you don’t look at the learning disability as a barrier to success, your child isn’t likely to look at it that way either. Keep up your optimism and instill a sense of hard work. Your child will follow your lead.

Filed Under: Family Support Tagged With: , ,

Categories of Learning Disabilities

June 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Math Lesson 

Image via Wikipedia

Types of learning disabilities are often grouped by areas of education. Recognizing the signs of each area will make it possible for you to pinpoint a problem and tailor your child’s education appropriately. Early intervention is often very helpful in assisting a child with a learning disability, so making yourself aware of the different signs and symptoms will allow you to help your child.

Math Difficulties/Disabilities
Your child’s difficulty with math can be affected by other disabilities, such as a language disability. If your child’s learning disability falls into the category of math difficulties or disabilities, he or she might struggle with memorizing facts. Your child also might struggle with counting principles or telling time.

Language Difficulties/Disabilities
Language difficulties and disabilities encompass the ability to understand and produce spoken language. Signs of these types of disabilities include the inability to retell a story and the inability to understand the meaning of parts of speech or directions.

Reading Difficulties/Disabilities
Your child may experience different varieties of reading problems. Disabilities dealing with reading can lead to a difficulty in understanding meaning. Your son or daughter could show a lack of ability to recognize letters or words.

Writing Difficulties/Disabilities
These disabilities deal with physically writing and/or understanding information. A writing disability can involve physical difficulty writing words or letters or a struggle to organize thoughts in writing. Symptoms, like writing coherence, revolve around the actual act of writing.

If your child has a learning disability, he or she can still get the education they deserve. Learn what to watch out for so you can get your child needed assistance.

Filed Under: Learning Theories Tagged With: , ,

Innovative Computer Programs Provide Adequate Teaching Methods for Parents

May 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Children using the library computers. 

Image by San Jose Library via Flickr

Since the inception of the Internet, there has been a variety of different tools provided to people who utilize it on a regular basis. From the ease of searching through vast amounts of information for a seemingly instantaneous answer, to the endless forms of entertainment; the Internet has uniquely shaped society in a number of different ways. However, among one of the more important aspects of society that the Internet has assisted in changing is that of education. There are a barrage of unique and innovative programs and online tools that can be utilized to help children learn while simultaneously having fun.

Useful Information and How-to Guides

As mentioned earlier, the Internet is full of useful and easily accessible information. Due to this fact, parents can find and use proven teaching methods to work with at home with their children. Whether parents are homeschooling their children through Elementary School, or simply getting the ball rolling before enrolling into a public school; there are many inventive and interactive curriculums available online.

Interactive Teaching Programs

In addition to the large amount of useful information online that pertains to teaching, there are also many free and purchasable programs that help make learning fun for children. Generally, these types of programs provide a unique environment in which children can do things that are stimulating to their brain while simultaneously holding their interest. From mathematics to English, there are programs that cover each of the important fundamentals in general education. These types of visually appealing programs tend to be particularly useful for children with learning disabilities.

 

Filed Under: Teaching Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Hiring A Tutor For Your Child

May 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Tutor Sadie Ho... 

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Children learn in different ways, and this is especially true for those with learning disabilities. When searching for a tutor for your child, you will want to keep this in mind.

If you are familiar with the teaching method that works best with your child, you can use Canada 411 to find tutors who specialize in that particular method. If you don’t know or aren’t sure, you can look for tutors who have knowledge of different teaching methods. If you’re not sure which teaching method works best for your child, you may have to interview tutors who do not specialize or adhere to one particular method. Even if they have been trained in one specific type, if a tutor is willing to adjust his or her methods to your child’s needs, the tutor may still work out.

If you are interviewing a tutor and it is apparent that her or she uses only one teaching method for all the children he or she tutors, and is resistant to any change or adjustment in the method, you will most likely want to look further. If the teaching method simply does not work with your child, you will be wasting your money and your child’s time by trying to make the situation work.

If this is the case, you can use an online directory to find other sources for tutors. As you continue looking, you should be able to find one who can respond to your child’s needs and is willing to make adjustments or changes.

Filed Under: Family Support Tagged With: , ,

Unique Approaches to Home-Schooling

May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Home-schooling is a hotly debated topic between those that are for home-schooling and those who regard public schooling as the only viable option. Unfortunately, those who are on the side of the public school systems tend to stereotype homeschooling as a bland source of education in which the child is held back both academically as well as socially. However, many people do not know that, especially since the inception of the widespread use of the Internet, there are many effective and innovative ways for parents to home-school their children. Below is a short list of some of the more popular tools utilized to accomplish this.

Access to the Many University Sponsored Curriculums

There has been a growing trend in Universities and professional advocates of home-schooling providing effective and proven curriculums to parents who might need some resources to get started. These curriculums consist of basic easy to follow teaching methods for the basics in academics, to unique and fun field trips that pertain to specific lessons that are both fun and educational for children. Due to the success of these curriculums, there has been an increase in the variations that are readily available.

Interactive Online Computer Games

Most people right off the bat might turn their backs to the concept of games and education mixing. However, this concept is particularly effective for children who are younger and might have trouble paying attention. There are many education based games that teach children the basics of academics through interactive and aesthetically pleasing environments that hold their attention and allow them to learn while having fun.

Filed Under: Teaching Tips & Tricks Tagged With: ,

How to Hire the Best Tutor for Your Child

May 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When it comes to hiring a tutor for your child, it can be somewhat overwhelming. There are many aspects to consider in ensuring the tutor will be effective in full-filling your child’s needs. In some cases, children have learning disabilities that can pose as a prospective hurdle in their ability to learn specific materials. Choosing the right tutor to help reinforce their individual areas that they might be weak and can be vital to their future success. Due to this fact, it is important to do a few things prior to hiring a tutor for your child that will ensure a positive experience.

Find out What Will Function Best for Your Child

Sit down with your child and get a better feel as to how they respond to learning specific elements. As their parent, you probably already know what kinds of personality they respond to best, as well as their general academic abilities. However, sitting down with them prior to beginning your search for a prospective tutor is a good way to reinforce what you know and allow you to start your search with the right information.

Perform Adequate Research

When it comes to locating a tutor, a parent can never perform too much research. Most parents who are beginning this step will approach generalized forums and or blogs pertaining to tutoring to get a good idea as to what things to look for in an effective tutor over one that is not. Upon finding and considering a few candidates, it is then good practice to research those candidates, whether online or through provided sources to ensure everything looks viable before making a final decision.

Filed Under: Teaching Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Visual Processing Disorder

March 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In addition to the learning disabilities such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia there are other learning differences that can impair a single sense, such as visual processing disorders.

Visual processing disorders hinder one’s ability to make sense of information received through his eyes. This is different from a problem involving sharpness of vision or sight in that it is how the information is processed by the brain.

Spatial Relations

When someone has difficulty with spatial relations, they have problems perceiving objects in space relative to other objects. This issue is seen in reading and math because of the importance of accurately perceiving symbols (letters, numbers, punctuation, etc.) in reference to other symbols. A child may confuse similarly shaped letters or have problems seeing words or numbers as separate units. Because the only cues are often the spacing between symbols, math problems frequently assume a child has the ability to understand this.

Visual Discrimination

The ability to recognize an object as separate from other objects is the ability to discriminate individual characteristics. This can interfere with a child’s ability to collect information from graphs or charts and to use visually presented material productively. One example is being able to differentiate between an n and an m where humps is the only distinguishable difference.

There are other visual disabilities such as visual agnosia, the inability to recognize objects familiar via other senses, and problems integrating the relationship between parts and a whole.

There are a number of interventions teachers can use to accommodate children in a regular classroom. For reading, a teacher might use large print books. For writing assignments, sometimes making lines on a paper more distinct or using paper divided into large separate sections for math problems.

Filed Under: Treatment Tagged With: , ,
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