Early diagnosis is key
Now that the school routine is getting settled in, teachers are beginning to pick up on students' needs, to make it a successful school year.
Dr. Rich O'Neill, psychologist at SUNY Upstate, says teachers are actually good at 'diagnosing' learning disorder issues because they see the age-inappropriate behavior and can contact a parent/guardian to get more help. ADHD, he says, is easy to spot by the 'ants in your pants' restlessness, and he points out that if it's not managed, it can lead to life-long issues in education, social life and work history.
Dianne Pennings, Firector of Children's Services at the Learning Disabilities Association of CNY, also has a back to school checklist, for parents of students with or without disabilities:
1. Be present at school
>request a meeting, come prepared, work collaboratively
2. Re-establish students' routines
>put structure (schedule) in place, with specific bedtimes, and time slots for homework and extra activities
3. Teach your child to be a self-advocate
>help them learn their own personal learning style, strengths & weaknesses, what strategies will work for them.
4. Listen to your child's concerns
>Listen without advice, correction or dismissal, understand why he/she 'hates' school, then dialoque and work out a plan
5. Get your student excited about organization
>Have one place for supplies, create checklists, structure tasks and make sure this all works for the child.
6. Create a place for your child to shine
>Strengths should be highlighted, in sports or some type of club or organization
7. Put outside of school supports in place
>Don't hesitate to call in tutors or help with social skills training, or a counselor
8. Don't be consumed by your student, take care of yourself, too!
The Learning Disabilities Association is also running its 'Learning without Borders' program through the school year, aimed at 14-16 year olds. The first meeting to set up the student-directed support group is Saturday, October 15th 1 - 4pm at their East Syracuse offices (with laser tag after)--no out of pocket expenses to participate.
