We just found out that my 8 yr old has dyslexia/dysgraphia

[calledtobehome]

My 8.5 yr old has always been educated at home. He is a very bright kid but he just seemed a little different. I noticed he wasn't moving forward in reading and it was very challenging for him to write out simple dictation sentences. It begin to bother me and I went with my instinct to have him tested at the local University psych dept. Well low and behold they picked up his writing issue but said his reading was within normal limits. They also noted that his short term memory was extremely low and his long term memory was extremely high. Something did not set well with me so I contacted a local dyslexia foundation and spoke with the director and she was willing to review his results. After spending a hour with my son she confirmed that he has dyslexia/dysgraphia. She also stated that his mechanical skills is much lower than his verbal skills. His verbal skills were very high a few points from being gifted give or take. She stated that he could benefit from one of her trained Orton Gillingham tutors. She was trained many many years ago but has worked in this special field for 30 plus years as a tutor and diagnostic specialist. She usually charges $40.00per hr but she is offering us a discount of $20.00 hr for him.

Right now I'm having mixed feelings I cried a few nights ago because I feel like if I had taken him in last year he would be further ahead by now! We really just want the best for him because we love him and he is such a great boy! Any words of wisdom would be great as this is a new territory for us.

Edited August 10, 2011 by calledtobehome

[merry gardens]

:grouphug:

 

Several people on this board have faced similar struggles while homeschooling our own children too. You aren't alone. Some of us use Orton-Gillingham methods at home, while others use tutors. Some have taken their children to see occupational therapists for help with dysgraphia, and others have attempted to remediate the problems on our own. There are many good people and good materials and techniques available to help both of you. If you have any specific questions about any of the programs, etc. that we use, feel free to ask.

[HollyM]

Please do not beat yourself up! :grouphug: You ARE doing everything you can, clearly you saw the problem and are addressing it - start from here and do not blame yourself or anybody else. You have actually caught it pretty early and can work with it now.

[nrself]

Please do not beat yourself up! :grouphug: You ARE doing everything you can, clearly you saw the problem and are addressing it - start from here and do not blame yourself or anybody else. You have actually caught it pretty early and can work with it now.

 

:iagree:

 

He's in great shape! You have it diagnosed. You have your solution. You're homeschooling so he's going to get everything he needs in "school". You're doing a great job Mom! You should be proud of yourself. :)

 

Nicole

[calledtobehome]

Thanks everyone I feel so much better today. After talking with hubby he mentioned that when he was younger he also had some problems with reading. He's very happy that we chose to Homeschool and he said he know our son will be just fine.:001_smile:

[Dobela]

:grouphug::grouphug: I know how this feels. You are doing terrific and are a great mom! For us, hiring the tutor was the best money spent on our son. I got to sit back and be a cheerleader and cheer him on. That was so nice after both of us being frustrated to tears every day after a reading lesson.