Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008

LEARNING Recognizing the early signs of learning difficulties Understandably, the term “learning disability” worries parents, but the truth is that every child has the ability to learn. An estimated 20 to 30 percent of children entering kindergarten or first grade may have difficulty learning how to read. Kindergarten is often the best time for a parent to examine if the child is learning at the pace anticipated for his or her age. Research shows, for instance, that working with a child with reading problems just half an hour a day in the early grades helps the child catch up with classmates. But waiting until fourth grade will require 2½ hours every day for the child to catch up to peers in reading. Here are some warnings signs that experts say could suggest a child has a reading or other learning disability. Kindergarten-second grade ■ Late in learning how to talk and learning alphabet letters ■ Trouble with memory for words, lists, directions ■ Mispronounces names and words ■ Difficulty with letter-sound associations ■ Trouble blending individual sounds into a word Grades 3-4 ■ Reads slowly, usually word by word ■ Often misreads the same words ■ Difficulty spelling common words or syllables Grades 5-6 ■ Is a slow reader ■ Develops vocabulary slower than expected ■ Misspells common words and might spell phonetically ■ Trouble comprehending complex sentences ■ Writing often disorganized If you recognize some of these signs in your child, seek the advice of a professional. When considering remedial help, ask about expected outcomes, the track record, instructors’ backgrounds, references and the time and cost involved. Watch for red flags, such as unreasonable claims. Jo Ann Paldo Jo Ann Paldo is director of remediation at LearningAbled in Oak Brook and president of the Illinois Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. of all kinds of children, but especially those with special needs or at-risk children. 880 Lee St., Suite 201A Des Plaines (847) 297-8280 www.centerforawakenings.com Diagnostic & Tutorial Center for Children & Adults • All areas of academic study • Tutoring • Study skills • Summer programs • Multisensory curriculums • Auditory training Learning Disabilities Attention Deﬁcit Disorders Evaluation Available Flexible Hours (630) 833-5677 100 E. Roosevelt,Villa Park www.discoveryedcenter.com Preschool ■ Late talker ■ Trouble organizing and pronouncing words and with rhyming ■ Difficulty learning the alphabet, numbers and days of the week ■ Distracted easily from following directions or routines ■ Difficulty interacting with other children An extension of Elim Christian Services Chicago Special Parent eBook edition. Coming August 2008. groups.yahoo.com/group/ foxvalleymums A nonprofit organization dedicated to education about various disabilities (including rare diagnoses and conditions), networking and parent support; dinner meetings the third Tuesday of every month. is open to parents of children from all school districts and all ages. SPOT 4 Kids (630) 554-6165 Specıal Parent CHICAGO 2008 An empowerment guide from Chicago Parent Special Kids, Special Families Protected Tomorrows 103 Schelter Road Lincolnshire (847) 821-7740 www.groups.yahoo.com/ group/specialkidsspecial families A pediatric therapy center in Oswego, sponsors the MUMS Resource Guide on its Web site— a listing of services and resources for parents and caregivers of special needs children. THERAPY Adult and Child Rehab Center 708 Washington St. Woodstock (815) 338-1707 www.adultchildrehabcenter.org Tuesday’s Child Chicago (773) 282-5274 www.tuesdayschild chicago.org Offers physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as nursing services. Nonintrusive, drug-free approach to planning for pregnancy and birth and treating sensory processing problems for children and adults, including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, brain injury or trauma. 536 CURE? How to tell resources for your family facts from fads Loss love AND Grieving the child rieving you dreamed of, ou loving the one you have BDI Playhouse 11411 W. 183rd St. Orland Park (708) 478-1820 www.bdiplayhouse.com A support group for parents of children with special needs that Provides support and education for parents Awakenings Holistic Healing Center Sally Martin-Renft Chicago Parent Mom Tested. Mom Treasured Specıal Parent 2008 CHICAGO Provides a wide range of therapy services, ChicagoParent.com | | 57 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/foxvalleymums http://www.centerforawakenings.com http://www.adultchildrehabcenter.org http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/specialkidsspecialfamilies http://www.tuesdayschildchicago.org http://www.bdiplayhouse.com http://ChicagoParent.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008

Chicago Special Parent Magazine 2008 Contents In Our Shoes Of Mothers and Mission Control A Love Story Keeping the Whole Family Well What Do I Do? Resources God's Special Child Our Kids Inspirations

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.