VISITOR:
DYSCALCULIA.ORG:
Friday, August 14, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
4,075 Dyscalculia Research Reports (academic)
VISITOR: What research is done on dyscalculia in the US and the world?
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: To see the latest Dyscalculia research from around the world, click this link: (1) GLOBAL DYSCALCULIA RESEARCH REPORT. (2) VIDEO: Dyscalculia Signs & Research by Dyscalculia.org.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Game Confusion! Is it Dyscalculia?
VISITOR: I am wanting to know more about whether or not I have Dyscalculia after having read various articles on the subject. All of this research came about yesterday as a result of playing a game of Triopoly--a more complex game inspired by Monopoly-- with my husband, in which I had such difficulty solving the subtraction and addition of money I had to collect or pay, that at one point, I had to fight back the tears because it was quite obvious that he could see I had a problem. You see, I knew I was no longer going to be able to hide the fact that I had a problem with solving certain basic math equations, retaining their formulas, and conceptualizing them effectively in my mind. I was so frustrated and embarrassed because out of all the subjects involved in education, MATH, was my biggest problem. No pun intended. All my teachers have recognized that I am intelligent and highly articulate; however, my math scores have been consistently low. Math is the only subject that makes me feel dumb-as-a-rock-stupid. But last nights game of Triopoly was the straw that broke the camel's back. I frankly told my husband that the numbers get jumbled in my mind to such an extent that I cannot solve many equations properly, or if I can solve them it takes longer than what is average because of how the numbers and or formulas tend to distort and get lost in these situations. My brain also seems to freeze, and a wave of anxiety overwhelms me so that I cannot even think. It's awful! The subject of Dyslexia followed my confession of the number problem, and after thinking about Dyslexia more, I wondered if there was a "math version" of it since there seemed to be some similarities between my symptoms and those of Dyslexia. It did not take long for me to discover that Dyscalculia does exist and that I have many of the symptoms that fit for that diagnosis. What I want to know is where to go from here. I also need to explain to an expert my educational situation (history), as it is a bit unusual and may be an obstacle in collecting evidence for this condition in the process of getting a proper diagnosis. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
DYSCALCULIA.ORG:
It certainly sounds as if you suffer with dyscalculia.Here is basic guidance for adults:
Guidance for adults.How do I get tested for dyscalculia here?When getting evaluated, ask these questions:(1) Do I have health insurance that covers a neuropsychological evaluation? a clinical psychological evaluation? an ed psych eval?(2) What relief will a diagnosis provide me? Is it worth the expense?We can evaluate you, but if you disclose your location, we may be able to point you to a local expert.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Chronically Miss Deadlines: Advice?
VISITOR: Would I be able to receive assistance with suggestions and or strategies
that I can utilize at work? I process Equal Employment cases for the military. The bulk of my job consists of case processing deadlines and I usually am not able to meet the deadlines. Once I end up processing over four cases at a time I end up missing the deadlines. Although, at the same time with processing complaints, I also work on customer service and administration case processing as well. Anyway, I just feel that I am unable to pull everything together and I am unable to be successful at work. I am always behind/late and I have to put in many extra hours of work, on a daily bases, just to try to keep up with my work. I appreciate any assistance.
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: You've done a great job assessing your situation.
You have some choices:
(a) ask for a job transfer with different responsibilities
(b) deliberately learn to use tools to make task management more efficient.
It could be that you are being asked to do too much in too little time.
This is common these days, as less people have to do more work.
But, how can you accomplish as much as possible in the time given?
Dyscalculia is a disability that limits your time management ability because you lack the awareness of how much time is going by.
To counter this problem, put clocks everywhere, and train yourself to look at them and make a verbal comment about what time it is and how that relates to your task list.
Use your smart phone, PC or tablet to to set up your schedule with audio reminders.
Limit distractions that interfere with you staying on task: visitors, chatting, email, web surfing, social media, phone calls, ....
Maybe come to work an hour early to get the most important things done before the office gets busy.
YOU CAN DO this! It will be difficult because it does not come naturally and will take a lot of effort to set up PRACTICES that ensure your efficiency.
Think about it. You can see, hear, move, smell...your timing "muscle" in your brain is weak. YOU have to strengthen it so it can be reliable! That takes exercising and practicing time management skills until they are automatic! It will be hard and take EFFORT but you can do it, just as a blind person can learn to walk around town without getting killed.
List all the tasks you are responsible for.
Break them into accomplishable steps.
Ask: Is there anyone else who could or should do this for me? (Are you doing everything yourself instead of getting help when you could?)
If someone were asking YOU for advice in managing this situation, what would you tell THEM? I know you would have great advice to give, so apply it to your own problem.
Remember this: Your brain will release chemicals that make your thinking and memory better if and when you are engaged in challenging but achievable tasks. When you are stressed, your brain releases cortisol that puts it into survival mode (fight, flight, or freeze modes) and shuts down the reasoning and memory centers.
AVOID STRESS because it interferes with your ability to do your job and be successful at work! Set up tasks so that they are pleasurable, accomplished as expected with effort, and experience the satisfaction of completing tasks successfully. Your brain will release dopamine = pleasure = more memory = positive attitude & expectations toward work = resilience = persistence in spite of challenges and errors = regular success = new pattern in brain of operating efficiently and expecting and achieving success and getting the pleasure that brings.
You can do this. No one can do it for you. Remember that everything you do is chemical. Efficient brain processing requires a perfect chemical STATE, that we know as a good mood, positive attitude, challenges that are not too hard (= frustration) but not too easy (= boredom). When that STATE is present, your mind works at problem solving and memory storage and retrieval efficiently.
Let me know how you are going to tackle this.
I have this same disability and I'm speaking from experience. Where you are chronically late, you can train yourself to be chronically early! And "chron" means TIME! So set up your tasks in chronological order (to be done first, second, third) and assign time estimates to them. Set goals, and make it a game to meet them. When you find yourself in a rut of negativity, defeat, failure, tardiness, and frustration, STOP AND CHANGE YOUR MIND (this negative state will only result in more disaster!) Seriously, you need to take a break and go get happy! You need to reorganize your day so each task results in a happy outcome. Resolve to smile and triumph. Don't be defeated, ask for help. There's no shame in getting help to STAY in a POSITIVE STATE of mind. It is essential to doing your job well and being successful in life.
P.S. One more word about getting happy: Don't go for a alcoholic drink or a smoke or any other action that hinders your brain's ability to create that OPTIMAL STATE. Go for a walk, or a run, or visit with a friend or loved one, write a poem, paint a picture, thank God, or do something refreshing for your body and spirit. Always be thinking about achieving that STATE of MIND that allows you to be in control of your world.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Dyscalculic 7th Grader Reaches Out
VISITOR:
I'm right now in middle school, about to finish 7th grade. My entire life, ever since 1st grade, I've struggled tremendously with math. I used to go to special groups for math, because I was way behind everyone else. Every summer I did math workbooks, so I wouldn't be left behind. It took me forever to learn my multiplication, I still count with my fingers, even for simple addition or subtraction. I write down 3 instead of 13. I always fail math, and I feel so stupid. I never understand the lesson my teacher explains, and I can never do my homework without someone to help me the whole time. My teacher will say to do a problem, and I'll sit there not knowing what to do. She thinks I'm helpless, and don't care. I have such a hard time, and I get terrible grades in math. Please help me, I'm going through a hard time! Thanks so much.
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: I am quite impressed with your note! I will help you. I have time to talk if you want to call: 313-300-1901.
The first step is to accept that you have natural math processing limitations that are caused in the brain and which you cannot control or will to get better. Learn all you can about your problem.The second step, is to challenge yourself to TRY to learn and perform the basic mathematical tasks of life using common tools, like your iPhone, iPAD, laptop, etc.The third step is to use tools to get through the math required in elementary, middle, high school and college. Check this out and tell me if you'd be willing to try it.http://www.aleks.com You should be doing all your math classes in a program like ALEKS. Your school can set this up for you, or you can do the curriculum as a homeschooler during your math period at school on the computer and use the teacher for assistance. (This requires school cooperation, use as RTI, or a school evaluation for MLD, and an IEP or a personal curriculum).Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability in math. Read this to see what that means for you:See if you can relate to this letter I wrote to my college math teacher almost 30 years ago: http://www.dyscalculia.org/dyscalculia/letter-to- math-prof Share this email with your parents. They need to follow the guidance here: http://www.dyscalculia.org/diagnosis-legal-matters/ guidance-17-years-old You have much to look forward to! Understanding your condition will help you live with it successfully. This is a great time to get help! You can take charge of managing your learning and your future. I will help you get the knowledge and power to do that.Feel free to tell me more about your talents and interests.
HELP! 17-year-old with 4th grade Math level
VISITOR: Our 17 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed with Dyscalculia. She has strong reading and writing skills. She is currently testing at a 4th grade math level. Vocational rehabilitation service will provide math intervention services to work on her math skills gap. We are searching for curriculum, software, and methodologies that would help our daughter. Any recommendations?
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: Absolutely. She should cover the state mandated curriculum using the ALEKS.com program in order to get her high school diploma and get through the college math required for her degree. ALEKS is the most appropriate for credit recovery. Here are other resources but use ALEKS primarily. ALEKS covers elementary, MS, HS, and college math. Your state rehab department or your school district should pay for the individual subscription which is only $20 month and covers access to all content in the system. A teacher or district or school representative should supervise progress and agree to grant credit toward the diploma or degree based on her progress in the ALEKS curriculum.
These links contain information on remedial resources:
College & Dyscalculia: http://www.dyscalculia.org/college- dyscalculia If you give more detail on her situation I can further advise you. Is she in high school? Has she graduated? Does she have a diploma or certificate or GED? What are her future career plans? Has she ever had an IEP?
Failing GED Test Math Section
VISITOR: I am 34 and keep failing the math portion of the GED test. Please help!
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: Try studying for the GED math using ALEKS.com. Sign up as an independent student. At is only $20/ month and no books are needed.
GED tours:
http://www.aleks.com/tour/print?cmscache=detailed&detailed=gk1258_ged#gk1258_gedhttp://www.aleks.com/tour/print?cmscache=detailed&detailed=gk1254_ged
Prep for GED Mathematics *http://www.aleks.com/about_aleks/course_products?cmscache=detailed&detailed=gk12specialized19_ged
This course covers the topics shown below.
Students navigate learning paths based on their level of readiness.
Institutional users may customize the scope and sequence to meet curricular needs.
Curriculum (320 topics + 33 additional topics) [open all | close all] 
PDF
Whole Numbers and Integers (60 topics)Rational Numbers (65 topics)Measurement, Proportion, Percents, and Probability (45 topics)Variable Expressions and Equations (58 topics)Functions and Graphs (29 topics)Geometry (63 topics)
Other Topics Available (33 additional topics) Other Topics AvailableBy default, these topics are NOT included in the course, but can be added using the content editor in the Teacher Module.
-Renee
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
School Says Dyscalculia is an Excuse, Doesn't Exist
VISITOR: I am a counseling professional and grandpa of a 6th grader in Arkansas who I know has dyscalculia, but the school dismisses the idea and says dyscalculia doesn't exist and is only an excuse. Where can I have her evaluated for dyscalculia?
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: The school must evaluate her for a specific learning disability in mathematics (they don't have to call it dyscalculia, but that is another term for SLD-M).
Follow this guidance: FAQ: Is it Dyscalculia (Math Learning Disability)?
Guidance for students age 5 to 21
Let me know if you need assistance. Dyscalculia.org does evaluations, but you should let the school do one at their expense, and if you disagree with their findings, then you can get a second opinion at the school district's expense. Then you may want to have dyscalculia.org do it, or contact an expert in your area (if there is one). I will do some searching for you.
The parent will start by putting in writing to the school principal (email is recommended), a formal request that she be evaluated for all areas of suspected disability. Use the LD Checklist (under Guidance) to find her weak areas.
They have 60 days to schedule and complete testing and report the findings to the parents and student. Start now, don't wait for the start of the new school year, even though they will try to convince you to do so. That is a time buying strategy that will result in another wasted year, because they won't schedule her testing until November and then will have delays for vacation days, and before you know it, it will be nearing the end of her 7th grade year. Tell the parents to be persistent and insistent that it gets finished this year. Its not their fault that school let her slide with skill gaps for 6 years already. The school system is responsible to educate her. Have her skill gaps grown or remained consistent on state standardized tests year after year? If so, school is guilty of not recognizing and addressing her learning difficulties.
Another issue is that school is supposed to identify skill deficits and intervene, then report on the "response to intervention." This is known as RTI and is done before referring a student for SLD evaluation.
So, your questions are:
"What have been the interventions tried and how has she responded?"
"If adequate progress has not been made, then why hasn't school referred her for an evaluation for learning disabilities?"
"What were the specific strategies employed to get her to perform at grade level?"
"How large are her skill gaps?" [chronological age vs. performance age and skill grade level vs, actual grade level].
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
COLLEGE MATH COURSE WAIVER HELP
VISITOR: I am in college dealing with a lot right now and need to know about math course waivers. Pleà se help!
DYSCALCULIA.ORG:
Here is some guidance for you:
Diagnostic Giudance for college students: http://www.
Guidance on course waivers: http://www.
Sample letter to Disabled Student Services: http://www.
Monday, April 29, 2013
LEARNING THE CONCEPT OF TIME
VISITOR: Hello I am a clinical psychologist from Turkey working mostly with learning disabled children. I want to reach to some resources about learning time concept for LD children I have a teenage girl patient who can read the time but still does not have any sense of time herself. 5 years ago and 50 years ago is same for her although she knows that 50 is a larger number then 5.
Are there any remedial worksheets or online programs that I can use?
Thank you very much in advance.
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: Here are some excellent APPLE apps for mastering the concept of time. Six categories: Time Visualizers, Talking Clocks, Time Zones, Timers, Time Management, Telling Time. One must access the APP STORE from their device to download the apps. Search for the app by name.
(1) TIME VISUALIZERS:
Activity Timer by Stuart Roberts: Custom picture of upcoming activity appears when time on clock elapses. Set unlimited activities. Visualizes time until an event.
(2) TALKING CLOCKS:
Kid's Alarm Clock – Talking Clock by Kids Place: (Apple app): Cute face clock speaks time, shows digital time, 24 or 12 hour, custom sounds, displays, shows month and day.
Hour Prompter by iHOOPS (Apple app): notifies you on the hour, or at intervals & events you set.
Family Clock by Gp Imports (Apple app): face clock with your custom picture for each hour, set audio notification of hour & events, on/off ticking sound.
Bed Buzz Talking Alarm Clock HD by Comantis (Apple app):
(3) TIME ZONES:
National Geographic's Understanding Time Zones:
(4) TIMERS:Podium Timer HD by eNATAL: (Apple app) Simple digital countdown timer.
Discourse Talktime Manager by Wesoft (Apple app): See time left on pie chart, with yellow, red areas signaling end of alloted time.
Buddy's Timer – Buddy's ABA Apps by Digital PlayWare (Apple app): Displays time elapsed on simple face clock, 1 to 60 minutes.
Picture Prompt Timer by MDR (Apple app): Shows custom pictures for activities, now and then, with time-until bar between them. Your sounds and pictures.
(5) TIME MANAGEMENT:
ASD Tools by Chestnut Apps (Apple app): Visually show children tasks to do that they check off. Simple, uncluttered. With ordered steps, visual timer, visual rewards. Talking prompts. Designed for autistic children.
Action Timer by Craig LLC (Apple app): Custom pictures for tasks (now, then, next), time elapsed shown on face clock.
(6) TELLING TIME:
Telling Time Deluxe by Christian Larsen Music (Apple app): Colorful games to teach telling time on face clock, hours, minutes, days, weeks, and months.
Time – It's Easy by Vinta Games (Apple app): Game to set time on face clock mixing digital, analog, verbal and written time expressions. Includes calendar skills: days, weeks, months, seasons.
Sakura Time by Shiny Things (Apple app): Onscreen writing input to practice telling time: 24 and 12 hour formats, digital and analogue, elapsed time, conversions, time of day, compute time.
Tell the Time with Bubbimals by Playerthree (Apple app): Learn and play with colorful face clocks to learn to tell time, practice matching digital to analogue, select appropriate time for activities. Talking clock tracks child's progress.
Didakto Telling Time by Synendo (Apple app): Visually learn to tell time on a face clock with numbers, Roman numerals, and without numbers. Learn digital, analogue, elapsed time, AM/PM, 24/12.
Telling Time – Fun to learn to tell time game by StudyPad (Apple app): Ages 4-9. Game visualizes time on face clocks to teach telling time to hour, minute, quarter, half, AM/PM, elapsed time. Tracks progress.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Dyscalculic in Baltimore, Maryland
VISITOR: First I would like to say, Thank you! I always knew something was not right and I do believe that I am a longtime sufferer of dyscalculia. All my life since I've started grade school it always seemed as if I just didn't get math no matter how hard I would try. I've been tutored, went to summer school, EVERYTHING. I am now 25 but when I was a child, none of my math teachers ever suggested I had a disability, because I excelled in other subjects. Upon reading about this condition, I'm almost sure I have it. I wanted to know how to get officially diagnosed?
Ten years ago, I had decided to leave high school and earn my equivalency. I passed 4 out of 5 of the tests given. Guess which one I failed? After tutoring and repeated attempts of retaking the math portion, I gave up because I just couldn't catch on to the work.
I still to this day don't have my equivalency. As you know, this is a major hindrance as far as pursuing future career and academic advancement. I just need the test administrators to know and understand my condition and take it a little bit easier on me. First things first. I need to be screened and diagnosed. I live in Baltimore, MD.
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: Contact the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland for diagnostic information:
http://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/diagnoses-disorders/learning-disorders
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Dyscalculia Syndrome
VISITOR:
I just read your 1998 thesis on dyscalculia. It has just about blown me away!! I am 68 years old, and reading your compilation of dyscalculia symptoms was like reading the story of my life. You have explained things that have haunted me for my entire life. I was able to give a 10/10+ rating (personal 1-10 scoring) to more than half of the symptoms. I was diagnosed with ADD at age 57 and thought that was the ground-breaker for my life's frustrations, but something was missing. You filled in the blanks. I also feel I have a very mild touch of dyslexia.I retired 3 years ago from my poisition as a flight attendant: and, as No. 4 in your List of Symptoms expains, I failed to appreciate the "big financial picture" of living on a fixed income. What actually prompted my retirement was comprehending complex new scheduling procedures and regulations that were implemented in recent years. My retirement also coincided with the economic collapse. Out of financial necessity, I am attempting to reinvent myself in a part-time job. It has become embarassing when well-meaning friends suggest this job, and that job, and I can't explain why I know their job suggestions would not work for me. I search daily for a position I will feel comfortable in, one in which I feel I could excell. I think about how many young people out there are experiencing these same frustrations.Aside from saying THANK YOU, what has prompted this communication is that I want to learn everything I possibly can about dyscalculia in adults. I found books on Amazon.com, however, they all seem to be written about dyscalculia in children. I have 14 books on ADD.I would appreciate any direction you could provide me whether it be links, centers that may specialize in the disorder and/or your own personal recommendations. Again, many thanks for your fine work and for taking the time to read this rather lengthy email.
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: Please explore the Dyscalculia.org website. On the first page, you will find many books about dyscalculia. You may also want to explore careers in writing.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Need Handwriting Help
VISITOR: I am writing to ask your assistance in locating some help for my 19 year old son who has ADHD and great difficulty with handwriting. He is now ready to consider getting some additional assistance with this issue as it is impacting his college work.
If you could please share with me any programs, therapists or tutors that are in the Brighton or Ann Arbor area, we would greatly appreciate it.
DYSCALCULIA.ORG:
The Michigan Dyslexia Institute in Howell offers Orton-GIllingham therapy that also remediates handwriting difficulties. The University of Michigan also offers these services. (Laws concerning dysgraphia.)
Look for an Orton-Gillingham practitioner in your area. If your insurance covers Occupational Therapy, an OT can diagnose and treat / remediate handwriting disability. He will need a dysgraphia diagnosis (AKA specific learning disability in writing) to get a scribe or computer for written/essay exams and lecture notes, and written assignments.
He may never be able to take notes efficiently, so he should be using ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY to replace handwriting. He should learn to type accurately and quickly (if possible). He can have a digital pen that records the audio & video of lectures/events. The professors should also provide him copies of their lectures (transcripts) in digital form. He can use voice to speech conversion software. He will need special tools to do math. (A list of AT tools & tutorials about them.)
Check out these helpful tools:(most are free or very inexpensive):Free AT Tools for dysgraphia: http://wac.osu.edu/conferences/emrc08/free_at.htmlFree AT Tools you already have on your computer! http://speaking.stanford.edu/Back_Issues/SOC68/highlights/Free_Assistive_Technology.htmlDysgraphia & AT Tools: Great Descriptions: http://www.homeschooldiner.com/specials/special_needs/dysgraphia.html
Any $350. new laptop will contain all of the power he needs for college and the AT programs he needs to use. (I recently bought a Toshiba Satellite C655 at Staples for $350 with 4 GB RAM & 300 GB hard drive, +dual processors, Windows7, DVD burner, 16" monitor, full-size keyboard with numeric pad, etc. I love it and I am a professional/power user.)
Do keep in touch. If you'd like an LD evaluation through dyscalculia.org and would like an assistive tech evaluation, the two would be $650. If you need case management or advocacy services, fees are $60/hr.
Here are links to dysgraphia information on the dyscalculia.org website:
Dysgraphia Dec 4, 2010 12:31 PM by Renee Hamilton-Newman
To view a white paper on dysgraphia (penmanship disability) by Renee M. Newman, click on the file attached to the bottom of this web page (Edu563.pdf). Sets of books ...Learning Disabilities > Dysgraphia
Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Dysgraphia Dyslexia OWL LD NASP upload.ppt Jan 11, 2011 7:41 PM by Renee Hamilton-Newman
3768k — on page DocumentationDiagnosis: Law > Documentation > Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Dysgraphia Dyslexia OWL LD NASP upload.ppt
... or 576 and "five seven six." 33 Class A-1-a-III-a Numerical Dysgraphia 12.Inability to write numbers because of inefficient motor skills or insufficient coordination of visual ...Dyscalculia > Remediation > Evaluating Math Special Ed Programs
Generic_Parent_Report.odt Nov 16, 2010 12:39 PM by Renee Hamilton-Newman
319k — on page Parent ReportDiagnosis: Law > Guidance: 1-21 > Parent Report > Generic_Parent_Report.odt
... Cerebellar-Vestibular Dysfunction(1)(b) ADHD (1)(2)(c) Sensory-Motor Integration Disorder AKADysgraphia: handwriting and drawing immature (1).(d) Ocular symptoms: blurring, double vision, headaches, fatigue, photophobia,perseveration ...Diagnosis: Law > Guidance: 1-21 > Parent Report
... Dyscalculia, Numerical Impairment, Gerstman's Syndrome, math anxiety. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) Dysgraphia (penmanship / handwriting disability)Dyslexia: AKA word blindness, developmental delay, reading disorder, specific learning disability in ...
Edu563.pdf Dec 2, 2010 8:47 PM by Renee Hamilton-Newman
153k — on page DysgraphiaLearning Disabilities > Dysgraphia > Edu563.pdf
... Math TeacherMLD Diagnosis LawDyscalculia SymptomsSample MLD ReportSample MLD Parent ReportDysgraphia: Causes & Treatment Dyscalculia.orgUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonMichigan State UniversityPBS | MACULEduTopia | TechLearning ...
... LM, Reis IL, Grafman J. Metabolic abnormalities detected by 1H-MRS in dyscalculia anddysgraphia. Neurology 1999; 53: 639–41.Abstract/FREE Full Text↵ Rickard TC, Romero SG, Basso G ...Research > Calc. Defects
... or related to dyslexia, such as developmental auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia, and developmental spelling disability. SECTION 7. Section 42.152(c-1), Education Code, is amended ...Diagnosis: Law > Texas MLD Law
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Mismanaged Education=Lost Time
VISITOR:Our younger son was diagnosed with Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia. It took the 2 years to get testing done after we told the school district of the problem - that is what our case is about now. The case lays out the time line through the end of September, when we filed. there have been things that have happened since then so I am sending you that too. They found him not eligible for Spec ED in December after we filed, despite the results of their own IEE tester, a Neuropsychologist.
The Judge even makes a mention in his motion on the stay put provision that our son had been found by several professionals to have an IDEA-qualifying disability. Then they redid his 504 accommodations, such as they were (copy enclosed). The best part of the new 504 plan - they agreed that he had dyscalculia and then referred him to the county library system for their online math "tutoring" program - basically homework assistance, in lieu of math education at school.
We have fought the district over this issue for over 7 years. We started with our older son when he was diagnosed with dyslexia, slow processing, difficulty with sequencing ( verbal IQ 147 , processing things in sequential order 75) and an audio deficiency that made it difficult for him to focus on a single conversation in a noisy room - his mind jumps from one sound or conversation to the next and the next, so he hears part of everything but he also misses key information when, for example, the teacher is lecturing. He was diagnosed in 5th grade but nothing was done until end of 8th grade. Even then we had to go through mediation to get the accommodations recommended by the IEE (a Neuropsychologist contracted by the District). They provided some of the accommodations they agreed to for 1 year. In that year, his GPA went from .98 (end of 8th grade) to 3.67 for 9th grade.
The next year they took the accommodations away because he had good grades so he didn't qualify for special Ed. We actually received an e-mail to that effect from the Director of Spec. Ed. He failed his first semester of 10th grade, so then they claimed it was because he was socially and emotionally disturbed and wanted to test him for a social/emotional disorder based on their claim that the neuropsychologist had told them so in a meeting that year. We later found out that what had really happened was they had contacted the Doctor about taking his accommodations away because he obviously didn't need them, due to his good grades. She informed them that if they took the accommodations away they would cause him emotional harm. We finally took him out of the school because they administration started to harass him with teachers telling him that we just wanted to give him a "free ride" and that there was nothing wrong with him. One teacher, in front of the entire class, asked a student sitting next to our son "What's the definition of moron? Answer: a kid with an IEP."
He passed the test for Running Start (a program that lets high school students take college courses during 11th and 12th grade for both high school and college credit) but he is now 19 and hasn't graduated from HS or finished his AA. He refuses to even discuss asking for accommodations in his college classes, because he feels like he'll be singled out again and lose what he has by asking.
If there's anything you can recommend or point us in the right direction so we can get this resolved and get our younger son the help he needs - help that we can't give him - I would really appreciate it.
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: Your school system is totally operating in disregard of federal law: both IDEA and No Child Left Behind. He should have an IEP and a Transition Plan, as well as an Assistive Technology Evaluation and subsequent plan. If he has not finished high school, there should be a plan to do so. If they have illegally exited him from high school, contact your state rehabilitation office for assistance with high-school completion and a plan for vocational training. See GUIDANCE FOR THOSE 17 and OVER. For your younger son, follow this GUIDANCE FOR KIDS AGE 1 to AGE 21.
Thesis on dyscalculia- why not well known?
VISITOR: I am currently undertaking a research study for my Masters Degree in Education and am trying very hard to think of a suitable topic for my thesis study. I have a keen interest in supporting learners with numeracy problems within my field of science, as science and mathematics are often considered to be closely linked. Having been a child myself who was identified as gifted at sciences, yet provoked a 'cause for concern' within maths and numerical applications I feel that this is an area which is very close to my heart and I would like to conduct this study with a view to raising awareness of dyscalculia. I also would like to investigate the reasons why dyslexia specifically relating to literacy is recognized and effectively supported, yet those with an inherent difficulty in understanding mathematical problems are largely unrecognized.
I am writing to you in the hope that you might be able to provided me with some literature which could provide me with some data relating to students with dyscalulia, in terms of estimations as to how many cases are identified each year, what schools do to support these learners, how they can be identified etc. Many thanks.
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: The best book to read is this one: Why is Math so Hard for some children? Here are the latest research articles/reports on dyscalculia: Reports.
Here is a list of dyscalculia researchers and experts, with links to their sites and articles: Dyscalculia Experts. Here is a master's thesis on dyscalculia: The Dyscalculia Syndrome (1998). Feel free to be in touch through the process.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Hurdle: 4 years of high school math
VISITOR: I cried when I read the Letter to My Math Teacher. Thank you for taking my call today. It was a relief to talk to someone knowledgeable about dyscalculia. The school says they never heard of it. My son has all of the symptoms. He doesn't want to look any different than the other kids, but he can't keep up. He tries heroically but can't remember from one day to the next. How is he going to get through 4 years of high school math when he can't sequence or factor or multiply consistently? Help!
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: Here are some key resources:
Accessibility to math: http://www.dyscalculia.org/accessibility
Assistive Technology: http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-ld-books/ math-tools
Diagnostic Guidance: http://www.dyscalculia.org/diagnosis- legal-matters/guidance-17- years-old
Learning Disability Checklist: http://www.dyscalculia.org/diagnosis- legal-matters/ld-checklist-pdf
Dyscalculia Symptoms Checklist: http://www.dyscalculia.org/diagnosis- legal-matters/math-ld-symptoms
The Dyscalculia Syndrome: http://www.dyscalculia.org/dyscalculia/ dyscalculia-syndrome
Dyscalculia Remediation: http://www.dyscalculia.org/dyscalculia/ math-ld-remediation
This is a lot, but feel free to email as you go.
California College Student Needs Help
VISITOR: I came across your site and I was in tears……..I have Dyscalculia and have struggled with it since age 6. I live in California and I would like info regarding math course waivers as well as being tested & diagnosed with Dyscalculia. Can you provide me info on both of these issues?
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: Yes. Information on course waivers: http://www.dyscalculia.org/college-math-ld/course-waivers. Info on being tested for dyscalculia: http://www.dyscalculia.org/diagnosis-legal-matters/guidance-for-17-years-old. David Mills is an expert tutor in California: http://www.mathanxiety.blogspot.com/.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
College Student with Dyslexia & Dyscalculia
VISITOR: Hi. I encountered your website while searching on Google. To make a long story short, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia when I was about 5/6 years old. My mom noticed that I was not understanding basic math concepts and not able to read or even right my name. My mom brought it to the attention of the school who at first refused to test me because of the cost but with help of a very influential community leader my mom along with the help of my aunt succeeded.
On occasion, I was removed from the class to get help with my reading and writing development. Then, when I started the 3rd grade my teachers didn't know what to do with me when I wasn't understanding subtraction and multiplication. Their solutions to the problem was for the aide to take me to the library and work on geography or silly little assignments that had nothing to do with what I was not understanding. Many times during the IEP meetings my mom was told that I would never go beyond 3rd grade level math. This continued on until the 5th grade. It wasn't until 6th grade that I had a special class period "resource" where I would receive individual attention with help with home assignments.
During these three years, the school thought it would be beneficial for me to not take a science like all the other students and to switch my regular math class for a special Ed math. To say the least, I don't believe the teacher was qualified to be a special ed math teacher.
My story isn't complete..... I am 22 years old and continue to struggle with basic arithmetic. I feel very ashamed and embarrassed. The school recognized my disability as dyslexia. I don't know why the schools never tested so i could have the title of also having dyscalculia. I feel that my college refuses to recognize me as a person with a real disability because I physically look like everyone else. It is now time for me to take action! I am reaching out for help! Are you aware of any legal rights or people that I could turn to in my state if California?
DYSCALCULIA.ORG: I am sorry to hear that the California school system mishandled your education. I will assure you that we will work with you to find a solution to your problems.
To start, you should look at the general guidance for young adults: http://www.dyscalculia.org/diagnosis- legal-matters/guidance-for-17- years-old
Where are you attending college? Please send me the name and email of your dean or advisor and also please send the same info for the director of special student services. I will send them information about your disabilities and request appropriate accommodations for you. What I will ask for is similar to the information found here: http://www.dyscalculia.org/accessibility
I think you will find some relief in reading what researchers think causes dyscalculia. http://www.dyscalculia.org/research
Also, you are going to need assistive technology to succeed in college. We need to bring this to the attention of your instructors. Here are some ideas: http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-ld-books/ld-tools-software There are regional AT lending libraries that may be able to help you obtain the AT but your school loans and school funding can also be used to purchase the tools you need to succeed. I recommend that you get the electronic versions of your text books.
If you tell me more about the courses you are taking and their format, I can more adequately find the resources for you. As always, we want to use the most simple, inexpensive, and easily available tools to make the curriculum accessible to you and to provide opportunities for you to successfully interact with, practice and apply new information, and ultimately demonstrate mastery of it. Hang in there. Help is on the way.
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