Show #59- Jan Olsen, OTR- Handwriting Without Tears
Handwriting skills, or penmanship, is no longer taught in schools the same way it was when I was in elementary school in the 70's. Yet, we are putting more and more emphasis on writing skills in school. While it's natural to say "Well, it's all about computers- they need to learn how to type, not write by hand!" and typing skills are important, the ability to be able to express yourself in writing of any sort begins with the process of learning how to manipulate pencils and have letters, words and sentences flow between your brain and the physical act required to record those thoughts on paper (or this computer screen!)
Both of my children have struggled with their handwriting, and the lack of legibility and the lack of fluidity in their handwriting" has had a serious impact on their composition skills. When handwriting is a difficult, frustrating and unrewarding chore, kids start to do as little of it as possile, and become "minimalists" in terms of their composition- doing as little as possible to skate by. Yet the demands on them to write across the curriculum in school- even in math class, continues to increase every year in school. This is not something we can afford to ignore.
Jan Olsen is an occupational therapist who has taught children handwriting for many years. Jan's own son had problems with his handwriting, which led in part to her development of the Handwriting Without Tears Program. Most teachers don't learn about teaching handwriting, mechanics or even the proper posture required during their education, so it's hard to expect them to teach children the appropriate way to form their leters and numbers. Jan's program his being used by over 2 million students and has been adopted in over 16 states as the standard handwriting curriculum. It has an emphasis on fun and success, and it has helped my kids, although we will be spending the summer breaking some bad habits and adopting some better ones, in just 5 minutes, twice a day.
In our two part conversation, Jan and I talk about why handwriting is important, and why it isn't part of the normal curriculum. As you listen to the show, you'll see how important things like positive reinforcement are for kids- "You're fine, but your letters are in trouble" and how even parents can help their children succeed.
Part 2 discusses details of the Handwriting Without Tears Program in some more detail, and how the multisensory aspects of the program really help kids understand how the letters are formed and why, eventually building up to making writing an effortless, automatic task.
Handwriting without tears workbooks can be purchased from their website by clicking here.
As always, we'd love to hear your feedback! Our voicemail number is (206) 666-2343; our email is ldpodcast@gmail.com.
I'll be attending Podcasters Across Borders the weekend of June 22-24, and I'll be speaking at BlogPhiladelphia, July 12 & 13th. I am also one of thelead organizers of PodCamp Philadelphia. If you are interested in knowing more about any of these events, drop me a line, and I'll send you everything you need to know!
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Show 58- Resiliency, Parent Reviews and Changing those Negative Scripts
with Dr. Robert Brooks
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The pictures above are of my kids, taken within 10 minutes of one another. They show how someone can start a day with a negative attitude and bad scriot, but with a little help, you can change the script into something more positive.
In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Robert Brooks, we talk about the negative scripts, or ruts, we can get ourselves into. But the surest way to make real change is to re-write your script and story. Make changes with how you react to your children, with how you approach problems, and you can dramatically change the outcome of those constant thorns- messy rooms, chore and homework problems, etc. you have to look at each issue as a problem you can solve with your child, often by enlistng their help and suggestions.
We also talk about asking your child for how they view you as a parent, and how this insight- the way you want them to see you, versus what they actually would say if asked to describe you- can work to bring your family together.
As the first anniversary of the podcast approaches, I'm looking for more listener comments on the voicemail line (206) 666-2343 and emails to read- let's make this first anniversary show about you! Send your emails to ldpodcast@gmail.com.
I will be at Podcasters Across Borders in June, I'm speaking at BlogPhiladelphia in July, and I am a lead organizer of PodCamp Philly Sept. 7, 8, and 9th. If you are attending any of these events (BlogPhiladelphia and PodCamp Philly are free unconferences- sign up today!) please come find me- I'd love to meet you! If by any chance, you are interested or know someone who might be interested in helping to sponsor PodCamp Philly, let me know!
The draft chapter of my book project, all about the brain,is available in PDF format on the site. If you have read it, let me know your comments, and if it's helpful, I'll post more chapters for you!
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Show #57: Dr. Robert Brooks- Raising Resilient Children
I can't think of a better way to help celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the LD Podcast, than my conversation with Dr. Robert Brooks. I met Dr. Brooks almost two years ago now, when he gave a lecture at the Centreville School. He was kind enough to read a book proposal I gave him, and indirectly, our conversations and his encouragement gave me the confidence to start the podcast. So a personal thank you to Dr. Brooks for helping me find my own voice.
Dr. Robert Brooks has lectured nationally and internationally
to audiences of parents, educators, mental health professionals, and
business people on topics pertaining to motivation, resilience, self-esteem,
family relationships, the qualities of effective leaders and executives,
and balancing our personal and professional lives.
He has also written
extensively about these topics. He is the author of a book titled The
Self-Esteem Teacher and co-author with Dr. Sam Goldstein of the following
books: Raising Resilient Children; Nurturing Resilience
in Our Children: Answers to the Most Important Parenting Questions; Seven
Steps to Help Your Child Worry Less (with Kristy Hagar); Angry
Children, Worried Parents: Seven Steps to Help Families Manage Anger (with Sharon Weiss); Seven
Steps to Improve Your Child's Social Skills (with Kristy Hagar); Understanding and Managing Children’s Classroom Behavior: Creating Sustainable, Resilient Classrooms, and
The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence,
and Personal Strength in Your Life (the latter focuses on resilience in adults). In
addition, Dr. Brooks is co-author of a book with Drs. Mel Levine and
Jack Shonkoff titled A Pediatric Approach to Learning
Disorders and has
written a sex education book for the young child called So
That's How I Was Born! Drs. Brooks and Goldstein co-edited a textbook titled Handbook
of Resilience in Children; they also prepared a parenting video and curriculum
about resilience and have produced a documentary "Tough Times, Resilient
Kids" that was a finalist in the 23rd Telly Awards.
Dr. Brooks received his doctorate in clinical psychology
from Clark University and did additional training at the University of
Colorado Medical School. He is on the faculty of Harvard Medical School
and has served as Director of the Department of Psychology at McLean Hospital,
a private psychiatric hospital. His first position at McLean Hospital
was as principal of the school in the locked door unit of the child and
adolescent program. He has a part-time private practice in which he sees
children, adolescents, adults, and families and has appeared regularly
on television shows in the Boston area as well as on national cable television.
Dr. Brooks and Dr. Goldstein also have a new book coming out at the end of the summer, entitled The Self-Disciplined Child- something I know we all want for our kids and for ourselves.
In this first part of our two part conversation, we talk about what it takes to be a succcessful adult. Many kids with LD have a hard road to travel down, but their approach and attitude towards these difficulties can make all the difference in the world. We talk about LD being not an excuse, but an inderstanding of where a child is coming from; holding kids accountable for their actions, finding those Islands of Competence, and taking a strength-based approach to your child.
In part II, we'll talk more about changing negative scripts, strategies to get desired results, Listening to your children to understand what's really going on, and knowing how your children would describe you versus how you want them to describe you.
Dr. Brooks has an excellent website where you can find out more about his writings, subscribe to monthly articles, read past articles, and even find out if he is speaking in your area. You can purchase his books through this link to our LD Podcast Amazon Bookstore, where you'll find links to books we've discussed.
We'd like to put together a show all about you, the listeners, so please call into the voicemail line at (206) 666-2343, or send your emails to ldpodcast@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!
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Show #56- Anne Ford and John Richard Thompson- Job Skills, Self- Advocacy and Life Coaches
This is the last of our three part conversation with Anne Ford and John Richard Thompson about their new book, On Their Own: Creating an Independent Futrue for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD, published by New Market Press. We talk about how we need to help kids develop self-advocacy skills, in order to help them succeed in the workplace. We also talk about life coaches, accommodations and estate planning. Many thanks again to Anne & John for their time and their truly wonderful book!
Congratulations to our book winners so far - Kim, Tracey, Sue, Terry, Shelly and Patty!
Thanks to Joey and Patty for their audio comments- I will include them in an upcoming show. Please keep those comments and emails coming- I'd like to have enough to do an audience -participation show, answering questions, playing comments, and making you part of our growing community.
Please send an email to
ldpodcast@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (206) 666-2343 !
I'd also love it if any listener would take a moment and leave a review of the show on itunes- it will help the show break into the top 100 featured shows- even if you don't listen through itunes!
Subscriptions: There is no charge for subscribing to the show through any "podcatcher" or through itunes- subscription just means the latest show will be automatically delievered to your computer once it is posted.
New Free Reading Material!
I've also recently added a chapter from my book-in-progress, in PDF
format, if you are interested. If you click on this link, or the home
page link to your left, you'll see it listed as "How Learning Works"
It's about the basics of brain and cognitive development in kids,
presented in a "Bill Nye The Science Guy" way for parents. For me at
least, it always has been helpful to know what part of a child's issues
might be developmental (They'll get better over time as they get older)
and which parts are hard-wired (this is something in their basic makeup
and unlikely to change much). I am eager to hear what you think- if
you do read it, please send you feedback to me at ldpodcast@gmail.com.
Any and all feedback, positive, negative, indifferent- is all valuable
and helpful, so please be honest!
Upcoming shows:
Dr. Robert Brooks- All about Raising Resilient Children and Raising a Self-Disciplined Child
Jan Olsen- Handwriting Without Tears- a great handwriting program used in many schools that you can use easily at home!
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Show # 55 Conversation with Anne Ford and John Richard Thompson Part II- Helicopter Parenting, Families and Siblings
In this show, I continue my conversation with Anne Ford and John Richard Thompson. Their new book, On Their Own: Creating an Independent Futrue for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD has just been published by New Market Press. We talk about how hard it is to let your child succeed or fail on their own accord, and how our involvement with our children with disabilities effects other members of the family as well.
Congratualtions to our winners so far - Kim Mansk, Tracey Bowes, Sue Penicka and Shelly Head! Your books on on their way!
We still have a few books to give away- Please send an email to ldpodcast@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (206) 666-2343 to win!
I have also recently added a chapter from my book-in-progress, in PDF format, if you are interested. If you click on this link, or the home page link to your left, you'll see it listed as "How Learning Works" It's about the basics of brain and cognitive development in kids, presented in a "Bill Nye The Science Guy" way for parents. For me at least, it always has been helpful to know what part of a child's issues might be developmental (They'll get better over time as they get older) and which parts are hard-wired (this is something in their basic makeup and unlikely to change much). I am eager to hear what you think- if you do read it, please send you feedback to me at ldpodcast@gmail.com. Any and all feedback, positive, negative, indifferent- is all valuable and helpful, so please be honest!
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Show #54- Anne Ford and John Thompson- On Their Own
Anne Ford and John Richard Thompson have collaborated on a second book, On Their Own- Creating an Independent Future for your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD.
Anne has a daughter with severe learning disabilities, has been a
leading LD activist and is the former Chairman of the National Center
for Learning Disabilities. John, her co-author, has helped Anne in
lobbying Congress, and has spoken to parents across the Country about
their children with LD.
I spoke with Anne and John about this terrific
book. I was riveted by the book, because it addresses the problems that
occur as kids with LD and ADHD have not only now, but as they get
older, and how to gradually prepare them, so you can gradually let go
and let them live their own lives. (Not always an easy job for
parents.) It covers issues ranging from how siblings react to having a
brother or sister with LD, to dating, transitioning from high school to
college to the job force, as well as estate planning for you to help
provide any support that might be necessary for your child with
disabilities. The bottom line is that if we don’t prepare our kids to
be self-sufficient when they’re young (whther they have LD or not) how
can we reasonably expect them to care for themselves when they go to
college or leave the nest? Is it any wonder so many kids come home and
don’t want to leave??
Anne, John and I spoke for over an hour; I
have split the interview into three parts, released over the next few
days in sequence. Part I talks about Anne’s experience with her
daughter, Allegra and why she and John wrote On Their Own.
Part
II addresses dealing with problems ranging from what to call “it” to
having both parents on the same page, to how siblings react; part III
addresses the job and employment issues that may look like disorganized
lockers or desks for school age children, but remain part of an LD
person’s profile. There is no statute of limitation on LD.
I
have five copies of this wonderful book to give out- the first five
listeners who send emails to ldpodcast@gmail.com, or voicemail (206)
666-2343 or comments here on the blog/website will win. I’ll notify you
and then I’ll send the books out to you.
I know you’ll enjoy
both the interview and this terrific book from people who have been
there themselves- and remember, kids need to be able to be On Their Own.
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The Latest News about LD Show # 53
This week's episode borrows from an idea from my friend, Dennis Gray over at 101 Uses for Baby Wipes podcast-a
show featuring the latest news from around the world about Learning and
Learning Disabilities. Please let me know how you like this show, and I
may turn it into a monthly feature. As a reminder, the email address
for the show is ldpodcast@gmail.com and our voicemail line, open 24 x 7
is (206) 666-2343. Today's show also features the song "Neighbor" by the Lacivious Biddies, available on the Podsafe Music Network. Many
thanks for your recent feedback- books have been sent out to numerous
winners, so keep those emails and reviews on itunes coming! |
Show # 52 Conversation with Peter Wright, Wrightslaw Part II
Peter Wright is a well-known attorney, specializing in special education law. He argued an important special education case, Florence County School District v. Carter,
before the Supreme Court. This is particularly impressive, since Pete
himself has learning disabilities, and talks openly about his struggles
in school as a child.
Pete has also written many books, including From Emotions to Advocacy,
Special Education Law, and No Child Left Behind.
In part II of our conversation, Pete and I talk about why we aren't always using the best reading programs for kids with learning issues in public schools; why parents are so important in making sure kids get what they need, and why inclusion/segregation is more about the most appropriate learning environment for an individual rather than a system-wide one size fits all goal.
We have a song by Uncle Seth- Both Sides Now, followed at the end by a few minutes of "bonus" audio about parents and understanding the law.
I want to thank Cathlin, Tyson, and Michelle for their emails, questions and feedback, and encourage you to do the same!
Please
email us with your feedback about shorter vs. longer shows, and any
comments- ldpodcast@gmail.com, or call our voicemail line, (206)
666-2343. I'd love it if you'd consider leaving a review in iTunes for us as well.
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Show # 51: Peter Wright of Wrightslaw
Peter Wright is a well-known attorney, specializing in special education law. He argued an important special education case, Florence County School District v. Carter, before the Supreme Court. This is particularly impressive, since Pete himself has learning disabilities, and talks openly about his struggles in school as a child.
Pete has also written many books, including From Emotions to Advocacy, Special Education Law, and No Child Left Behind. The books empower parents to understand what the laws governing special education say and allow, helping parents to become more effective advicates for their children in the process.
In part I of our conversation, Pete discusses the difference between an IEP and 504 accommodations, and why you might want one over the other, and while children with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate education, this does not mean they are entitled to the "Best" education, only an adequate one.
One specific section of the law we talk about is 20 USC Sec. 1414- Evaluations, Eligibility Determinations, Individualized Educations Programs, and Educational Placements. In this section, either a parent or a State educational agency can request an evaluation, but the "clock" only starts ticking when the parent consents to the evaluation. The State then has 60 calendar days, under the federal statute, to complete the evaluation. If parents request testing but don't specifically consent. using this language at the same time, the State can legally drag their feet until they receive a "consent"- then they are on the 60 day clock.
This is but one of the examples of "magic language" parents need to know to protect their child's rights, and I know you'll find Pete's information useful and enlightening.
Please email us with your feedback about shorter vs. longer shows, and any comments- ldpodcast@gmail.com, or call our voicemail line, (206) 666-2343.
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Shows 49 & 50: Conversation with Paige Heninger of Mommycast - Moms & Kids with ADHD
Piage is one of the two fantastic moms who started the first podcast I ever listened to, Mommycast. Paige and Gretchen also inspired me to start the LD Podcast, and I consider them some of my oldest and closest online friends.
Piage is the mother of five children, two of whom have been diagnosed with ADHD, and Paige has ADHD as well. In part I, Paige and I talk about what it was like to try to figure out why her oldest son was struggling in school, trying to communicate with teachers, and finally find outpart of the problem was due to ADHD.
In part II, Piage and I talk more about how finding out about her son's ADHD transformed his experience in school, and took him from a smart but struggling kid into a real academic superstar; what it was like when she found out she had ADHD; and what her current child is going through as he gets tested at age 7 1/2 to see whether he, too, is ADHD like his mom and siblings.
I know you'll find this helpful whether your child has ADHD or any other LD or school struggle. The story is a very familiar one to most parents whose kids seem smart and bright, but for some reason, seem to really be underperforming in school. Parents always hear comments like "We know he can do it, if he'd only concentrate and apply himself"- sometimes the problem is not a moral problem, but an underlying neurological one, like ADHD.
Next week, I have an interview with Peter Wright of Wrightslaw.com. Pete is an attorney who specializes in special education law and has travelled the country, speaking to parents and educators about how the special education laws and No Child Left behind affect kids with disabilities. Pete also argued a landmark case, Florence County School District v. Carter, before the Supreme Court. Pete also has learning disabilities and struggled in school, so he knows about the importance of these issues on a personal basis as well as a professional one.
As always, please email us with comments and questions at ldpodcast@gmail.com, or call our comment line, 206-666-2343.
CONTEST!!!!
Since we receieved no answer from the announced contest winners, the first three emails with comments I receive after posting this show will receive a copy of Dr . Mel Levine's A Mind at a Time, and first three voice comments I recieve will get additional educational book prizes, either The Myth of Laziness by Dr. Mel Levine, It's So Much Work to be Your Friend, by Rick LaVoie, or The Irreducible Needs of Children by T. Berry Brazelton. If you leave a voice comment, please include your contact information so I can let you know if you're a winner!
Please also consider leaving a review of the Podcast in iTunes- each review helps us become a featured podcast.
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| The Lab School, Washington, DC |
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Show #48 Conversation with Sally Smith Part II
This week's show is a continuation of my conversation with Sally Smith, Founder and Director of the Lab School. We talk about teaching children with learning disabilities, early identification, and how important it is to have parental support. Sally even answers Kristen's question about Orton Gillingham vs. Linda Mood Bell reading, and why she favors training teachers in both methods, so they can use whatever method works best for the child, rather than assuming one method will teach all.
At the end of the interview, Sally asked me about podcasting, and I decided to leave this part of our conversation in, largely because Sally then spoke about her motivation to write No Easy Answers, her wonderful book about parenting children with learning disabilities. This is one of the best books for parents, as it covers everything from understanding how your child learns, to the very real and emotional rollercoaster parents go through while trying to help thier children.
I'd love to hear your feedback on shows!
I'll be at Podcamp NYC on April 7th- if you're there, please come say hi! Please note that the venue for Podcamp NYC has changed, and will now be held at the New Yorker Hotel - please consult the Podcamp NYC blog and wiki for the most up to date information.
Because of travel, spring break, and the like, shows may be bi-weekly for the next few weeks. As a parent, it's hard sometimes juggling work, family and podcasting. Thank you for your patience! We should be back on track soon.
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Show #47 Conversation with Sally Smith, Founder of the Lab School
Sally Smith started the Lab School in Washington, DC, in 1967, based on her need to find a school for her own son who had severe learning disabilities. Like most moms on a mission, she gathered her friends and turned an old house into a school. Now, 40 years later, the Lab School serves children from age 5 1/2 to age 19, provides support of college students and adults with learning disabilities, and provides in depth multidisciplinary testing. There are now Lab Schools in Baltimore, MD and Manayunk, PA. Sallycontinues in her role as Director of the Lab School, as well as servign as Head of the Graduate Program in Special Education:Learning Disabilities at American University. She has written a wonderful book, which continues to be updated, entitled "No Easy Answers: The Learning Disabled Child at Home and At School".
My conversation with Sally took place at the Lab School in Washington. When you enter the grounds of the Lab School, you are immediately struck by the art work and creativity that permeates the whole school. Sally's office is filled with art, pictures, mementos from travels around the world, and a sense of warmth and home. I've split the conversation into two parts. In Part I, we discuss how Sally founded the Lab School as a way to help her own child, and how it's grown exponentially over the years. We discuss the state of LD education now, and what has changed over the years. In Part II, we discuss early intervention, the deficits many kids with LD share, and how we can help them succeed. We also discuss the importance of parental support, reading methods, including Orton Gillingham and Linda Mood Bell, and why it may be best to have all tools at your disposal rather than just one.
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Show #46: Quirky Kids: Conversation with Dr. Perri Klass, Part 2
Dr. Perri Klass teaches both Pediatrics and Journalism at New York
University. She is the author, along with Dr. Eileen Costello of Quirky Kids:
Understanding Your Child That Doesn't Fit In.
I spoke with Dr. Klass about a wide range of subjects, from what makes a
quirky kid different from others. In this second part of our interview, we talk
more about the family effects of Quirky Kids, Medication for Quirky kids,
Competitive parenting, and Dr. Klass's program, Reach out and Read, that
provides books to children at well child visits to the pediatrician.
Listener emails and voicemails are rolling in! Thanks to Hilary, Kristine, and Carolyn for their emails! I'll announce the Winners
of our Book Contest after March 15!
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I spoke with Dr. Klass about a wide range of subjects, from what makes a
quirky kid different from others, to how the labels work; why things are so
different now than a few years ago, and why there seems to be a epidemic of kids
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. In our next show, we'll talk more
with Dr. Klass about the family effects of Quirky Kids, including how they effect siblings and family relationships. We also discuss Dr. Klass's program, Reach Out and
Read, that provides books to children at well child visits to the
pediatrician. For anyone struggling with a child who just seems different from the rest, this is the show for you. |
#44 Conversation with Alfie Kohn
Alfie Kohn is a well-known author and speaker, who speaks widely on human behavior, education, and parenting. The latest of his eleven books are THE HOMEWORK MYTH: Why Our Kids
Get Too Much of a Bad Thing (2006) and UNCONDITIONAL PARENTING: Moving
from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason (2005). Of his earlier
titles, the best known are PUNISHED BY REWARDS: The Trouble with Gold Stars,
Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes (1993), NO CONTEST: The
Case Against Competition (1986), and THE SCHOOLS OUR CHILDREN DESERVE:
Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and "Tougher Standards" (1999). My personal favorite is What Does It Mean To Be Well-Educated?
Kohn has been described in
Time magazine as "perhaps the country's most outspoken critic of
education's fixation on grades [and] test scores." His criticisms of competition
and rewards have helped to shape the thinking of educators -- as well as parents
and managers -- across the country and abroad. Kohn has been featured on
hundreds of TV and radio programs, including the "Today" show and two
appearances on "Oprah"; he has been profiled in the
Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, while his work has been
described and debated in many other leading publications.
In my conversation with Alfie, we discuss positive reinforcement, and standardized testing. What do you think? Should we opt our kids out of the standardized testing? How do we change a system while being ingrained in it? How do we balance "going with the flow" and putting our foot down and deciding to say no? I'm not sure I know what the right answer is, but I do know that Alfie starts the conversations we all need to having at home, and with schools across the Country.
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Dr. Thomas E. Brown- Author of Attention Deficit Disorder-
the Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults
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Dr. Thomas E. Brown is
an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Yale University School
of Medicine, and recently published a terrific book, Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults.
Dr. Brown’s book breaks ADD down into its different aspects, making it
easier to understand why a hyperactive kid and a coach potato can both
have ADHD. His book also explains which parts of our ADHD brain’s
management team may not be fully engaged in their job. Unlike many
other books on ADHD, Dr. Brown describes the underlying neurological
basis for ADHD in a way that’s easy to grasp, along with great
descriptions of the different aspects of ADD, including the types of
problems it causes people in day to day functioning. It’s one of the
best books that gets into the heart of the “Why” about ADHD, and I
think it’s a must read for parents of an ADHD child.
I really enjoyed talking with Dr. Brown, and despite feeling pretty
confident in my knowledge about ADHD, I learned quite a few things from
our conversation. I’m pretty confident you will, too.
I have included links to Dr. Brown’s website and to his book on Amazon.com, for your convenience.
I love listener feedback! Please call us at (206) 666-2343; send us an email at ldpodcast@gmail.com, or leave a comment on our blog. I also make regular contributions to the Grasshopper New Media Parents Blog- one of the best parenting blogs around. Come check it out!
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Show #41 Joan LaStrange - Moms discussing medicationA
while ago, my friend Joan LaStrange and I sat down to talk about our
boys, ADHD, and medication. This is a great conversation for any
parent who is considering meds for their child- the ins and outs of the
day to day, as experienced by two moms of kids with ADHD. We talk
about our doctor's recommendation, whether to try drug holidays, and
how meds are not a cure but a tool for treating ADHD. Joan has been
on the Board for our local CHADD chapter for the past three years, and
is one of the moms I can always count on for great advice and a big
shoulder when I am having crazy moments with my kids. This will be a
little like listening to your friends chatting rather than expert
advice, but it is the "consumer reports" or field guide to meds and
kids with ADHD, from our experience. The conversations with Joan will appear in three parts, to keep the show length at 30 - 40 minutes. Today is the opening day of our contest! Listeners who leave a review in iTunes, post a comment to the LD Podcast
blog, or leave a message on our voicemail at (206) 666-2343 become
eligible for a free copy of Dr. Mel Levine's "A Mind at a Time".
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Caveat Emptor- How do you find reliable sources?
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| Buyer Beware! |
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Caveat Emptor is the famous legal phrase that
translates into "Buyer Beware." And in the land of learning
disabilities, we need to be smart and savvy consumers, and be able to
spot the deals that are simply too good to be true. This
podcast is a departure from our recent string of interviews and
information. I was looking around the web to bring you any of the
latest news about ADHD, and I found a press release from someone who
proposes to cure ADHD is three to 5 sessions, asserting that this is a
"fake" disease. This hit a nerve with me. Parents of kids with
LD have a hard enough time trying to find out the root cause for their
child's struggle, without having to deal with a bunch of
self-proclaimed experts telling them the problem is all in their head.
It's a challenge to sort out credible information from that designed
solely to sell you a magic or miracle cure, at god knows how much
money. But the truth is, as parents of kids who struggle, we would
gladly pay whatever was necessary to cure our kids. But our kids don't
attend Hogwarts, and Dumbledore is not stepping out of the shadows to
cure all our problems with a wave of the wand. The problems are real,
and require real solutions. So in this show, I list the things to
look for when trying to figure out whether information you read online
or see on TV is credible. The list of things to look for has been
complied by the Government Information Office (those nice people in
Pueblo, Co.) and Schwab Learning.
You need to be careful and check the education of the individuals
spouting information, their training, their basis, their profession,
the source for their expertise, and the like. For example, one popular
book is called "Without Ritalin" promising an easy way, without meds to
conquer ADD. But the book is written by an optometrist. Not even an
ophthalmologist, who has been to medical school, but an optometrist,
who practices behavioral optometry, a proposed treatment for learning
disabilities that has never been shown in any clinical study to have
any lasting result. Should you believe this man, who is
telling us maybe what we want to hear, or someone like Dr. Mel Levine,
instead. In contrast, Dr. Levine went to Brown University as an
undergrad, was a Rhodes Scholar, attended Harvard Medical school, was
chief of his division at Children's Hospital in Boston, an affiliate of
Harvard , and currently pract ices out of UNC Chapel Hill. He has
written the definitive textbook on Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.
To me, based on credentials alone, there is no contest. I'll take a
smart guy trained at the best schools in the country, if not the world,
who has been practicing developmental pediatrics for years over an
optometrist, on the subject of ADHD, thank you very much. (and
if I could use non-podsafe music, the song I would have played is "We
Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who. Instead, I play Ritalin by the
Codaphonics, available on the Podsafe Music Network.) |
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LD Online's Dale Brown
LD Online
is one of the best reference sites for learning disabilities on the
internet- and one that has been around the longest. Dale Brown is
Senior Manager of LD Online, as well as an author of 5 books on
learning disabilties and one of the initial organizers of the self-help
movement for the disability community . She worked in public service
for over 25 years, including positions at the US Department of Labor,
where she helped ensure the Jobs Corps program was accessible to
students with disabilities. She is the "go to" expert for information
on employment and accomodations for people with learning disabilities.
In
this 2 part conversation, Dale and I talk about what it was like for
her growing up with Learning Disabilities, before the IDEA and laws
that require schools to make accommodations for students with different
educational needs. We talk about the importance of teaching children
self-advocacy, positive reinforcement, and being realistic with them
about their capabilities. In part II, we discuss Coaching, allowing
kids to make mistakes and accept challenges, and identifying their
strengths. We also discuss LD Online, the resources available, and
what's coming in the near future. I know you'll get alot out of these
conversations.
While Dale's learning disabilities include ADD,
I've placed these interviews in our ADHD month series, to help parents
realize how many successful people have learning disabilities, and what
we can do to try to make sure our kids are part of this success story.
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Show #37, ADHD Month Show #1: Conversation with Dr. Kathleen Nadeau
Dr. Kathleen Nadeau is one of my heros. The opportunity to speak withe
her for the LD Podcast was one of the highlights of 2006 for me. For
those of you who are not familiar with Dr. Nadeau, she is a clinical
psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area. She earned her Ph.D. in
clinical psychology from the University of Florida, and has specialized
in the issues of attention and learning disorders for more than 20
years. She currently serves as Director of the Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland in SIlver Spring. She lectures and gives workshops both nationally and internationally
on a variety of topics including: Giftedness and ADD (ADHD),
Workplace Issues for Adults with ADD (ADHD), Women and Girls
with ADD (ADHD), College Students with ADD (ADHD), and Life
Management Issues for Individuals with ADD (ADHD).
Dr. Nadeau is the author of more than ten books on ADHD. Her
best-selling children's book Learning to Slow Down and
Pay Attention, is now in its third edition. Her two books
for teens, School Strategies for ADD Teens and Help4ADD@HighSchool
are both top-selling books for adolescents with ADD (ADHD).
She is also the author of A College Survival Guide for
Students with ADD or LD.
Dr. Nadeau turned her attention to adult ADD (ADHD) in the
early 1990's and is the editor of the first book for professionals
on adult ADD, A Comprehensive Guide to ADD in Adults: Research,
Diagnosis and Treatment. She followed this book for professionals
with several books directed at helping adults with ADD better
manage their lives. These include the best-selling book ADD-Friendly
Ways to Organize Your Life, Adventures in Fast Forward - Life,
Love & Work for Adults with ADD, and ADD in the Workplace.
For the last decade, Dr. Nadeau has devoted her attention
professionally to the issues confronting girls and women with
ADD (ADHD). Her groundbreaking 1999 book, Understanding
Girls with ADHD, co-authored with Drs. Quinn and Littman
continues to be the only book that focuses on the diagnosis
and treatment of girls. She was co-editor of ADDvance:
A Magazine for Women with ADD and is co-founder of the
non-profit organization, The National Center for Gender
Issues and AD/HD. In 2002, Dr. Nadeau co-edited with her
partner, Dr. Quinn, two volumes on these important topics,
Understanding Women with ADHD and the only text on
ADHD in women for clinicians, Gender Issues and ADHD: Research,
Diagnosis, and Treatment.
In our conversation, we discuss how ADHD tends to look different in
girls than in boys; when you should treat ADHD; why many parents are
reluctant to consider medication as part of an ADHD treatment plan; and
how some basic organization and problem-solving strategies can make
your home less stressful.
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| Family Christmas |
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Year End Wrap Up And Introduction to ADHD Month
This
week's show is split into two parts- the first gives new listeners some
background into what the LD Podcast is, and why it's important. We then
play "My World", by Trout Fishing in America,
a great song that gives you a glimpse at the inner world of kids,
especially the distractaable type. A perfect introduction to ADHD month
on the LD Podcast!
On one of the earliest shows, when I still
had a tendancy to sound like I was reading off cue cards, I did a brief
history of ADHD. Today's Introduction to ADHD month is not only the
history of ADHD, but the most recent statistics about ADHD from the
Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. The CDC did a study, published
in 2005, based on 2003 figures about the prevalence of ADHD in all 50
states and how many children are currently being treated with
medication for ADHD. (Over 4.4 million children were diagnosed with
ADHD, and 56% of those children were receiving treatment that included
medication.) With all the information and misinforation about ADHD
available on the web and in the news, parents really need to know the
real story of ADHD and how it affects kids.
Blog link: LD Podcast at Grasshopper New Media
Email: ldpodcast@gmail.com
Voicemail: (206) 666-2343
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Happy Holidays!
Almost
every holiday brings gatherings of friends and relatives. This can be
the source of alot of joy, or alot of stress. For example, I take the
little comments, even those that are meant in the most innocuous way
possible, much more seriously and to heart when they are from family. I
am much more senstive to critique in this environment, and holidays can
feel like getting an annual parenting review, where your children's
progress is judged and grades are handed out by others.
So in
that vein, Melody and I sat down and talked about how to make the
holidays less stressful. Whether its making reasonable expectations for
events, and not expecting your family to turn into the Waltons or The
Brady Bunch over night, or simply finding ways so parents and kids have
safety valves to make sure no melt downs occur, these small tips can
help your holidays be a little more peaceful and enjoyable, rather than
feeling like you are a "few clowns short of a circus."
Enjoy, and we will be back in ten days with the next LD Podcast!
I'd
love to include your holiday stories in another episode of the LD
Podcast! Send your comments in through our voicemail line- (206)
666-2343! Or email us at ldpodcast@gmail.com!
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Show #34 Interview with Rich Weinfeld
Rich Weinfeld is a man with many talents. Besides being the father of two boys, he is an author of two great books, Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties: Overcoming Obstacles and Realizing Potential, and Helping Boys Succeed in School.
Rich has been a special educator, he lectures at Johns Hopkins
University, and has a private practice education consulting group, The Weinfeld Education Group.
Rich was kind enough to talk with me a few weeks ago about how we
identify kids with learning disabilities, how to talk with teachers and
administrators to make sure your child is getting what they need while
forging constructive relationships, and when you might want to consider
an educational advocate. Most kids have gotten one set of grades by
this point in the school year, and if your child is struggling, there
may be cause to investigate further. This great information may help
you start those tough conversations, and help you help your child at
the start of a new year, if not get the ball rolling before the Holiday
break!
Happy Holidays to all! Please email us at ldpodcast@gmail.com or contact us via our voicemail number, (206) 666-2343
The links above will take you to our blog, where you can stream the
podcast, and read my other thoughts and essays, and lists of gifts with
a hidden purpose- ie. the fun gifts that also build skills kids need at
school.
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LD Podcast Audio Christmas Card
As a change up, I have put together a collection of my favorite
podsafe holiday music for you. We'll be back with new content later in
the week, but consider this a small present to all listeners,
podcasters, and the wonderful, terrific people I have met and worked
with this past year. The list is long, and I forgot to mention a few
of these people on the podcast, but here is a longer, but probably not
complete, list:
Paige & Gretchen From Mommycast
Dennis Grey, 101 Uses For Baby Wipes
Mike and Karen Patrick, Pediacast
Mark Blevis and his wife Andrea, Just One More Book
Jahn Havens
Chris Brogan & all the Grasshoppers
Chris Penn
Dr. Kathleen King & Peter Yanke
Everyone from Podcamp!
Megin & Rob Hatch, Melody Ruth, Joan La Strange, Kim Mansk,
Marsha Fortunato, Courtney Rau, The Academy in Manayunk, Elliot
Glickman, Jim Conroy, Paul Spangler, Laurie LeComer, Rich Weinfeld, Dr.
Kathleen Nadeau, The Autism Podcast, Kids Wife Work Life,
and to each and every listener, to everyone else who said yes
when they could have said no, everyone who encouraged me to try new
things and explore these new areas- what can I say but Wow! and Thank
You so very much from the bottom of my heart.
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Home Schooling with Karen Patrick
I don't know about you, but when I read that over 1.1 million kids
were being homeschooled, I wondered what all of this was about. Was
this all religious fundamentalists who were against the school system,
andlooked at it as corrupt and evil? Well, regular people are opting to
home school their children for a variety of reasons, including the
needs of their family, and it provides the flexibility to customize
your child's education in a way that simply can't be done in a public
school environment.
Home Schooling is not for everyone- I'm not sure I would be good at
it, myself, but I have always wondered about it. Karen Patrick is the
mother of two children, both schooled at home. Her husband, Dr. Mike
Patrick Jr., is a pediatrician, and host of Pediacast-
a great podcast that addresses all those little questions you want
answered by your own pediatrician, but never have time for in the
office. (Dr. Mike was kind enough to be interviewed on Show #19 of the
LD Podcast). Karen and Mike decided to homeschool both of their
children for many reasons, and have really enjoyed the closeness it has
helped develop in their family. I think you'll enjoy Karen's
perspective on education and schooling, and how it works for their
family!
As always, you can contact us by email at ldpodcast@gmail.com, call
the voicemail line at (206) 666-2343, or leave a comment on the blog.
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A Parent's Guide to Developmental Delays
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Laurie LeComer is a parent of three children, and a special educator. She has written a wonderful book,
"A Parent's Guide to Developmental Delays: Recognizing and Coping with
Missed Milestones in Speech, Movement, Learning, and Other Areas." It
is a must read for all parents worried about their children and for
teachers and day care providers, who suspect something might be wrong
or different about a child, but can't seem to pinpoint the source or
the cause.
It is the book
I wish I had when my children were young, and I know you'll find the
early warning signs of developmental problems helpful, as well as her
pointers on how to have happy and less stressful holidays!
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Why Handwriting Matters and What To Do To Help
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| What's wrong with this picture? |
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The picture to the right might seem like a typical
picture of a cute kid working at school. Having children who struggle
with poor handwriting, I see a child who has a bad pencil grip, writing
up near her shoulders-definitely not a recipe for legible handwriting.
Why should we care about handwriting? When I was in school,
"penmanship" was formally taught, but little time is spent in today's
classrooms on penmanship, although we are spending more and more time
on writing. Weird, huh? We expect kids to have the mechanics of
handwriting down, without giving them much instruction in it, despite
the fact that the ease of the act of handwriting has a big impact on
the actual composition process.
Kids who have a hard time physically writing, or who are constantly
criticized for the legibility of their writing start to avoid writing,
and write as little as possible when called upon to do so- they become
the great literary minimalists. They use short, concrete sentences,
which while fine in early elementary school, becomes more frowned upon
as the years advance. Eventually, a child with handwriting issues
begins to have serious problems in english and other subjects where
alot of writing is required. Teachers ask them to redo work because
they simply can't read what the child is trying to express, and the
child feels punished in the process, not a way to encourage them to do
more writing!
Sure, many kids begin to learn to type early on, but our classrooms
and standardized testing still require an awful lot of writing-
worksheets, spelling tests, standardized tests- all require a child to
handwrite essays and more, and keyboards are simply not allowed unless
a child has a special education plan in place that includes this as an
accommodation. the simple truth is why can't avoid the handwriting
issue when we look at improving a child's writing ability and ability
to communicate and think through the written word.
In today's show, I interview Michelle Jones, a pediatric
occupational therapist who sees alot of kids with handwriting issues.
The handwriting is often the tip of the iceberg, a tip off of larger
problems with fine motor coordination- and something that can easily be
addressed through therapy and at home. If you have a child with less
than perfect handwriting- this is the show for you!
Look for our page on handwriting helpers by clicking here
As always, we love to hear from our listeners! Please email us by clicking here, or call our voicemail line at (206) 666-2343, or leave comments on our blog by clicking here.
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| My Guys! |
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Show # 29: Lessons 9 & 10 to Maximize Your Child's Cognitive Abilities and Wrap Up of Series
In today's show, we talk about the last 2 lessons in our ten lesson
series on Maximizing Your Child's Cognitive Abilities. Less on 9 is
about teaching your children to be able to see things from another
point of view, and understanding that criticism is often something they
should consider and use as a learning opportunity, not as a badge of
failure or short coming. Lesson 10 is about how it's not the money
you spend on your kids that matters, but the quality of their
experiences. The Ten Lessons are adapted from a chapter by Williams
and Sternberg in Volume 5 of The Handbook of Parenting, a five volume
set of books digesting the research on parenting and raising children.
It is edited by Marc Bornstein from the National Institutes of Health,
and is probably the most complete digest of research into children and
parents available. (It also the most expensive, as each volume retails
for over $150.00).
The take home message from the series is that parents can be very
influential in helping their kids maximize their intellectual
potential, but it requires that parents get involved and stay involved
in their child's intellectual development, rather than passing this off
as the job solely of school.
Today's show includes 2 songs- Libery Jones by The Shakes, and Black Coffee by Chaz, available on the Podsafe Music Network.
We'd love to hear from you- you can click the email link at the
bottom of this page, or go to the blog, and leave comments! Or even
better, call (206) 666-2343 and leave us a voice message!
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Click here to download Show # 29- Lessons Nine and Ten |
