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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability UPDATED with one more question
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your responses. Before I could even call the school yesterday, the teacher called me. She said DD isn't progressing anywhere close to what she should be, and they are getting concerned. She "scored" very low on the basic midyear testing she did and recommends more indepth testing. She said she will put in paperwork to get the process started.
One question, though... she mentioned having her seen by the pediatrician. When I call the ped's office, what do I say or ask for?
Thanks again for everyone's help! I really hope we're starting down the road to getting DD the extra help she needs!!
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I apologize in advance, because this is going to be long, but I just don't know what to do and I'm hoping someone can give me some advice.
I have 3 kids, DS age 11, DD who will turn 6 in less than a month, and DD age 2.5.
When DS was little, he taught himself to read before kindegarten. He went into kindegarten reading full books, and excelled in that area, to the point that when they tested him in the middle of 3rd grade he was reading at what they considered to be a "high school plus" level. I didn't have to DO anything with him... it just happened. We call him "the absent minded professor"... that's his personality.
DD1 is socially gifted. She can walk into a room and automatically know how to deal with every person in it. She's gifted that way. However, she struggles badly with reading and what you would call "language arts." Her preschool teachers, when she was 3 and 4, told me that she was one of the few kids that didn't grasp that a letter made a sound. She didn't see "A" and think "ahhh." I honestly don't think she does even now, halfway through kindegarten. She has memorized her sight words, or "everyday words," as they call them, but if she sees them out of context she usually doesn't recognize them. She consistently writes her letters and numbers backwards. I will make her erase it, correct her, and she will immediately write it backwards again. She is frustrated with herself for doing that, and will say things like, "I don't know why my brain keeps doing that!!" She doesn't see the difference between words where the letters are switched, like "tap" and "pat." Last night she was playing a game on her Leappad and together we sounded out the word "pat." The next word was "tap" and she kept saying "pat." She didn't see the difference.
There are LOADS of learning disabilities in DH's family, chief among them dyslexia, which DH has. They didn't do much for it back in the day, and since he's a bright guy he was able to compensate in other ways. His brother, who has other learning disabilities on top of the dyslexia, never finished high school because of it.
I have brought all of this up to her teacher, who keeps telling me, "Well, she's still within the normal range for her age." She's also told me they don't test for dyslexia or offer any support services for it until 2nd grade. This is her teacher's first year ever teaching kindegarten. She taught 3rd and 5th for 20 years, but she seems really, really lost in K. She was wonderful as a 3rd grade teacher (DS had her) but in K she seems disorganized, frazzled and overwhelmed (I'm the class mom, so I'm in the classroom quite a bit).
I FEEL like something is wrong. I try to keep in mind that not every kid is llike DS and just gets it, but I think there is more here than just me comparing kids. If there is, what do I do? The teacher has told me she doesn't see an issue, but I don't really trust her because she doesn't seem to have a lot of control over her classroom. Do I contact the reading/literacy teacher in the school? Request a conference? Like I said, something just seems so OFF with DD as far as the skills I feel she should have at this point, but I don't know what to do or what the next step is.
Does anyone have any experience with this or anyhting like it, and can offer some insight?
Sorry so long, and TIA.
Message edited 1/25/2012 11:47:02 AM.
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Posted 1/24/12 9:13 AM  |
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mamabear
LIF Adult
Member since 3/08 4539 total posts
Name:
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
I don't have experience with this, but I always think mommies should trust their guts. Can't hurt to inquire further, as long as you don't make her feel different or let on to her that you are worried about it. I would call your ped and ask to speak with him/her by phone, without your DD around. See what the ped says, and then go from there.
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| Posted 1/24/12 9:53 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
I was told reversals & word recognition were common even through 2nd grade. It didn't ease my mind either. I struggled with the comparison with my own absent minded professor kid too.
When they tested my daughter for dyslexia & a learning disability last year (2nd grade), they ran a gamut of tests - which used symbols rather than words. She had to draw different symbols from a picture she was shown. There were tipped shapes, interlocking rings (think along the lines of an Olympic symbol but more complicated). She scored extremely high (to the point where she' now in the gifted & talented program ).
I cannot imagine that they cannot help determine if there are issues early on. I would make a formal request to have her tested. By law, they have a certain time period which they have to comply.
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| Posted 1/24/12 10:10 AM |
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jdbaby
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/11 660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
The problem with testing such young children (K and 1st grade) is that there is such a range of what's "within normal limits" that it doesn't come out to show the problem. There may be signs of it, but scores don't end up warranting any kind of special education services until later on many times. It is frustrating when there are signs of something.
Right now I would focus on ways to help her learn the things she is having trouble with. Maybe the teacher can give you some suggestions for doing that.
You also may want to speak to the school psychologist about it. They are supposed to be the "experts" in learning disabilities. Another person you could speak to is the reading/writing specialist in the building. Both of these people may be able to give you some strategies for assisting your child.
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| Posted 1/24/12 10:17 AM |
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patti08
Happy
Member since 5/05 3893 total posts
Name:
Patti
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
Follow your gut and insist that she be tested, follow up with your ped for recommendations too.
Getting evaluated causes no harm and if she needs help the sooner you can get it for her, or at least get tips on how to work with her and limit her frustration the better.
I fought and fought to get DD EI and then CPSE services and I was her only advocate. She got the services she truly needed even though other professionals didn't see it right away.
 I know this isn't easy.
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| Posted 1/24/12 10:20 AM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
I think I'm going to give the teacher another call, just to reiterate that it's something I'm concerned about. DH tells me I was a little wishy washy last time I spoke to her.
Thank you for the advice...
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| Posted 1/24/12 12:52 PM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
As a parent, you have the right to refer her to a CSE and have her evaluated.
But first you might want to request an IST meeting. That alone might get her some reading support from an AIS teacher
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| Posted 1/24/12 1:02 PM |
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jdbaby
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/11 660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
Posted by Erica
As a parent, you have the right to refer her to a CSE and have her evaluated.
But first you might want to request an IST meeting. That alone might get her some reading support from an AIS teacher
I agree with this. You do have the right to have your child evaluated through the CSE, but you may want to speak to staff regarding AIS support first. Even if the child displays a documented deficit, interventions have to be tried first. It's frustrating, but it's what the districts are doing now.
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| Posted 1/24/12 1:08 PM |
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staceyc324
LIF Infant
Member since 7/08 161 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
Definately have her tested.
Does your school use the Wilson reading program (The kindergarden version is called "Fundations"). It has helped my son who has other learning disabilities, however we have heard great thiings about it from parents of Children with Dyslexia.
Good Luck - follow your instincts....
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| Posted 1/24/12 1:14 PM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
Posted by staceyc324
Definately have her tested.
Does your school use the Wilson reading program (The kindergarden version is called "Fundations"). It has helped my son who has other learning disabilities, however we have heard great thiings about it from parents of Children with Dyslexia.
Good Luck - follow your instincts....
Yes, they do Fundations and the Letter People.
I think the way it is being taught is inhibiting her actually... She is able to memorize the little booklets, which I think is tricking the teacher into thinking she is doing better than she is. Working one on one with her, it's apparent that even though she can read "the" in the book, she doesn't know "the" in any other context. She is also unable to "sound it out" for any word, even those she has memorized.
Message edited 1/24/2012 1:24:58 PM.
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| Posted 1/24/12 1:23 PM |
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sasha96
lovin' my 2 little ladies!
Member since 5/05 7401 total posts
Name:
Julianne
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
If you don't feel comfortable with things, you should request she get tested. I'm not sure they will do much by way of the reading teachers at this point. You can certainly have her tested through the CSE by putting in a written request. Depending on how the district does things, a psych will do the cognitive testing and a resource room teacher may do the academic testing (or the psych may do both). You should think about getting the speech-language pathologist to test too (I'm a SLP). There is a lot we can do in the area of language and literacy. We have a bunch of tests that include phonological abilities. Even if she doesn't qualify for language services, the results may help guide you or open doors to assistance for her.
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| Posted 1/24/12 1:29 PM |
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pnbplus1
Family
Member since 5/09 5751 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
Your concerns seem very legitimate and if I were you, I would have her tested. Look for someone who can do a psychoeducational evaluation. They can assess for all types of learning disabilities and more importantly, make recommendations to help your DD. These recommendations can be very detailed and target all of her difficulties in areas you would never have guessed are affected by her "disability" (if she has one). When presented with the report and recommendations, the school is obligated to put the recommendations in place to the best of their ability.
I definitely think your DD can benefit from an eval. If there is something going on, the sooner she gets help the better as difficulties now will hamper her ability to learn the fundamentals on which school will continue to build on. GL!
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| Posted 1/24/12 2:08 PM |
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Chai77
Brighter days ahead
Member since 4/07 7364 total posts
Name:
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
I think you should insist on a referral to the IST to see what additional interventions can be put into place. You always have the right to refer her for a full evaluation by the CSE (which as a pp mentioned would include cognitive, academic and hopefully phonological processing tests). You could speak with the director of special education. The teacher is totally incorrect that they can't do anything until they are in second grade. I get the teachers point however about the reversals/sequencing issues - she is right that they are not necessarily atypical at this age. However, with the family history I understand why you are concerned.
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| Posted 1/24/12 2:12 PM |
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aim
LIF Adult
Member since 4/11 1321 total posts
Name:
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
Posted by OffWithHerHead23
Posted by staceyc324
Definately have her tested.
Does your school use the Wilson reading program (The kindergarden version is called "Fundations"). It has helped my son who has other learning disabilities, however we have heard great thiings about it from parents of Children with Dyslexia.
Good Luck - follow your instincts....
Yes, they do Fundations and the Letter People.
I think the way it is being taught is inhibiting her actually... She is able to memorize the little booklets, which I think is tricking the teacher into thinking she is doing better than she is. Working one on one with her, it's apparent that even though she can read "the" in the book, she doesn't know "the" in any other context. She is also unable to "sound it out" for any word, even those she has memorized.
I am a teacher and just read your expost from the teacher board. I think you should continue to reach out to the school. Districts are required to provide many levels of intervention now before testing and identifying students as having special needs. However, a parent still can fast track the testing process if they request it.
I just want to pose one thought to you as you work with the school. If your daughter is social gifted then she has most likely has great language- expressive and receptive. This will HELP her in reading. So while she may not understand "the" in isolation, she will understand it the context of a sentence. This is not a bad thing! Reading instruction can focus on phonemic awareness (such as the Wilson or Fundations programs another poster mentioned) and/or whole language instruction such as Guided reading (which can include phonemic awareness, but works towards developing a variety of skills to use during the process of reading text and comprehension). If she has a strength in language that would make her a great candidate for the guided reading approach. Also, kids her age and reading level DO memorize books. Another good sign! They aren't tricking you or the teacher. Finally, some kids tend to see words as a "whole"... they capture that image and it is not forgotten when the read (such as the word "the" for your daughter). I have seen that this very child then struggle to spell it, whether it be a sight word or one that can be sounded out. Some of these children become proficient spellers through programs like Fundations.
Definitely reach out to the school so that you have peace of mind and let them know that you want her progress to be monitored closely.
Good luck! FM me if you have any questions.
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| Posted 1/24/12 7:50 PM |
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KennysMommy
Never knew LOVE like it before
Member since 3/10 2640 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability and Kindegarten... long
Posted by aim
Posted by OffWithHerHead23
Posted by staceyc324
Definately have her tested.
Does your school use the Wilson reading program (The kindergarden version is called "Fundations"). It has helped my son who has other learning disabilities, however we have heard great thiings about it from parents of Children with Dyslexia.
Good Luck - follow your instincts....
Yes, they do Fundations and the Letter People.
I think the way it is being taught is inhibiting her actually... She is able to memorize the little booklets, which I think is tricking the teacher into thinking she is doing better than she is. Working one on one with her, it's apparent that even though she can read "the" in the book, she doesn't know "the" in any other context. She is also unable to "sound it out" for any word, even those she has memorized.
I am a teacher and just read your expost from the teacher board. I think you should continue to reach out to the school. Districts are required to provide many levels of intervention now before testing and identifying students as having special needs. However, a parent still can fast track the testing process if they request it.
I just want to pose one thought to you as you work with the school. If your daughter is social gifted then she has most likely has great language- expressive and receptive. This will HELP her in reading. So while she may not understand "the" in isolation, she will understand it the context of a sentence. This is not a bad thing! Reading instruction can focus on phonemic awareness (such as the Wilson or Fundations programs another poster mentioned) and/or whole language instruction such as Guided reading (which can include phonemic awareness, but works towards developing a variety of skills to use during the process of reading text and comprehension). If she has a strength in language that would make her a great candidate for the guided reading approach. Also, kids her age and reading level DO memorize books. Another good sign! They aren't tricking you or the teacher. Finally, some kids tend to see words as a "whole"... they capture that image and it is not forgotten when the read (such as the word "the" for your daughter). I have seen that this very child then struggle to spell it, whether it be a sight word or one that can be sounded out. Some of these children become proficient spellers through programs like Fundations.
Definitely reach out to the school so that you have peace of mind and let them know that you want her progress to be monitored closely.
Good luck! FM me if you have any questions.
I agree with this 100%. But I'd also listen to the teacher's advice and if she's not concerned, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Sometimes the comparison of your DD with the rest of the class gives her a different perspective than you have comparing her to your son. Does that make sense?
That's not to say parents aren't always right but sometimes when parents compare their child to another child, it's hard to know if the comparison is a fair one to make.
In my 15 years of teaching experience, kids can have difficulty with reading and writing until about 2nd grade. IMO, educational testing is not very effective at measuring academic achievement until around 2nd or 3rd grade. I used to HATE giving evals to students younger than that because the difference of ONE question could make the scores go from below average, to well above or vice versa.
It's a tough call! Speak with the school psychologist, reading specialist, teacher (again), and get a feel for what supports they have in place (Small group Fundations, Reading Recovery, etc...) and take it from there.
Message edited 1/24/2012 9:08:30 PM.
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| Posted 1/24/12 9:06 PM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability UPDATED with one more question
BUMP for update and additional question...
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| Posted 1/25/12 11:48 AM |
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jdbaby
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/11 660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability UPDATED with one more question
She needs an updated physcial if she hasn't had one recently. OR the school sometimes has a form for the ped to fill out. The school nurse may know.
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| Posted 1/25/12 2:29 PM |
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mommyago
♥ Lucas and Layla
Member since 8/08 2979 total posts
Name:
Jenise
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Re: Possible Dyslexia/Learning Disability UPDATED with one more question
She may also want her to get her vision and hearing checked.
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| Posted 1/25/12 4:41 PM |
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