I have read that it is a good idea to do periodic testing of our kids so that we have a paper trail of their disabilities. Then, when accommodations are needed later, we have proper documentation. My questions are: how often? and how thorough? Three years ago, I had extensive testing done with my son. I don't feel all of that is necessary again. I was wondering if the Woodcock Johnson test might be good. I could do that every year or every other year. Any opinions or experiences? Oh, and my son is 12 and has severe dyslexia, dysgraphia and slow processing speed. thanks so much, Megan

I found this website http://www.bartonreading.com/dys.html to be extremely helpful when I was trying to figure out what was going on with my dyslexic son. I did not end up using the Barton system. I am using another similar one, but the Barton website is a great place to start your research. Megan

I need to have my 16 yo son evaluated for a learning disability. At least, I think that's what we are looking for. Maybe ADD, I don't know. He is really, really struggling with high school level work. Failing everything. He is smart, reads well, is very creative, an excellent artist. But he is crashing and burning with his school work. We have tried changing curricula, expectations, schedules, everything I can think of. Nothing is working. He just can't do it. Sometimes his attitude is bad, but most of the time he is really trying. We did basic testing a couple of years ago and it showed no major discrepancies. Who would I go to for something more in depth? He is quite depressed about it. He also has social anxiety and SPD. Help! Meg

It is intensely itchy, blistery , and oozy.

I can only give you a limited opinion because we have not used the entire program. BUT, what we have used has been wonderful! The videos are very interesting. He explains things about stories that I never thought about before, but are obvious, once explained. The only reason we have not gotten very far is that the teacher wants the student to make some decisions about what the setting of their story will be, details about the main character, supporting characters, etc. All of these decisions are thoroughly explained and supported. But my son, who has trouble with decisions, got a bit stuck. We do plan on finishing it, and I'm going to use it with another child. So.......I think it's fantastic (as far as we got). :001_smile:

These suggestions really help. I knew I could search the library, but a list would save time. Thanks so much, Meg

I would love to find a fiction/historical fiction book list (Jr. high level and above) that is sorted by country. I know that Sonlight is a source for part of the world. Has anyone ever seen a worldwide list? I could only find picture book lists. My son (14) wants to study high school level geography primarily through literature. thanks, Meg

Just make sure you go to an optometrist trained to diagnose convergence insufficiency. We did and my son had it as well as something else I can't remember right now. We did the therapy and I'm glad we did, but it did not make his learning challenges go away. It is a piece of the puzzle, but be prepared that it may not solve all of the problems. Good Luck! Megan

KarenAnne, thanks for your kind response. It really is agony to watch him. It always has been. And thanks for your suggestions. I have not talked to the primary doctor yet. I thought I would come to the experts first! We did so much therapy with my son for so many years that we got to a point where we thought this was as good as it will get. A couple of our therapists told us that. He still has significant SID issues and now also has social phobia. I wonder how much of his social awkwardness is related to his physical awkwardness. Oh, and he is really big. He is actually not quite 16 yet and is 6'3" and 280lbs. That sure doesn't help! Thanks for listening! Megan

We did listening therapy, which helped quite a bit. Not sure if anything else was for that specifically. What types of activities are for vestibular issues? Think we can do anything now? Megan

I agree with the PP, you do need to see a developmental optometrist. My son had similar problems and needed vision therapy. BUT he is also dyslexic. The vision therapy was necessary, but did not solve his problems. So I would encourage you to keep that in mind. If her problems go away after the vision therapy (if she needs it) , great. But there may be more going on. Meg

Anyone out there with a teen with SID/SPD? My son (16) has it. It was a major problem when he was younger. We did LOTS of therapy, yet he still had issues that we had to work around, mostly involving gross motor skills, but also smells , food, and noises. So, now it is more manageable, but he is still quite limited in his ability to do gross motor movements. One concern I have is that he gets a bad headache and nausea when he attempts big movements, especially bending over and standing back up. He recently decided that he was interested in karate. This is astounding considering his history. This kid barely moves! Well, he is honestly trying, but gets the headache and nausea. He is awkward and unbalanced, but trying. Any thoughts? thanks, Megan

There are so many job locations(hospital, Dr. office, hospice, home care, schools, etc), part-time, evening, night, weekend only shifts available. Very flexible. Actually lots of jobs in the medical field are. I was an x-ray tech. I didn't, but I could have kept my license active during the years I have been home. I could also have worked weekends only or a couple evening shifts a week. Megan