The Parents' Guide to Specific Learning Difficulties: Information, Advice and Practical Tips

by Veronica Bidwell

Packed full of advice and practical strategies for parents and educators, this book is a one-stop-shop for supporting children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs).Part one introduces a spectrum of SpLDs, ranging from poor working memory , dyslexia , dyspraxia , dyscalculia , through to ADHD , Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) , Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) , Specific Language Impairment and Visual Processing Difficulty . It explains clearly what each difficulty is, how it can affect a child's learning and how to help a child to succeed despite their difficulties. Part two includes a host of tips, tools and strategies to support your child's efforts in areas such as reading, writing, spelling and handwriting, as well as advice on motivation, confidence and managing life's setbacks.Written by an experienced Educational Psychologist, this is the perfect guide for parents and carers who are looking for ways to support their child's learning, as well as for educators and teachers looking for advice on how to differentiate lessons and motivate pupils with SpLDs.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2016

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by an educational (school) psychologist, it really is an excellent and encouraging introduction to the diagnosis, support systems, tests, treatments and questions that parents need to know, and presented in a way that makes it very accessible. It's both well-written and laid out, enabling you to find the information you need quickly

This doesn't only focus on learning disabilities either; the introduction explains some physical issues that may present as learning disabilities, including certain problems with sight or hearing. She's very clear that each child is different, that there may not be one "label" or diagnosis that fits all the symptoms, and that this may make it more difficult to work with the school until they understand that two children may have the same learning disability but need help in different ways.

Each learning disability is introduced, and practical examples of how this might appear are presented, along with typical traits ("You may notice"), key points and further problems that might arise. Some chapters include individual case studies to illustrate particular aspects. All offer strategies for parents to use with their families, along with tools to help their child gain confidence and, ultimately, succeed. The end-of-chapter takeaways are both a useful summary and a refresher, enabling you to flick through and read only those sections which are relevant.

Some of the learning disabilities discuss involve problems with working memory, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalcula, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, auditory processing disorder, visual processing difficulty, and specific language impairment. There's also a good section on getting an assessment with an educational psychologist: how to start, what to expect during and after the assessment, and what certain results may mean.

At the end is the parents' toolkit, offering tips to help with spelling/writing/reading/mathematics, study skills, and memory games to play, as well as softer skills: how to help your child handle setbacks, how to work with school staff. Finally there's a detailed glossary and further reading/resources divided by chapter.

It is written in the UK, but most aspects will readily translate to other countries; specifics like rules, accommodations, tests or terminology may vary slightly but this doesn't change the relevance, or the parents' ability to empower their child. In fact, the last few chapters would be beneficial for all parents to read.

Highly recommended.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a realistic grasp of what a parent recently discovering developmental delays or learning disabilities in a child needs. It is great for answering that first painful and confusing question: "What diagnosis do these symptoms point to?" Although it cannot cover every single diagnosis or all the details, it does give you a map (and Venn diagrams) for finding answers: "Hmmm.... this problem seems to be visual and motor... so it must be around here..." If possible read all the book because the various disabilities are related in certain areas and can be treated with similar strategies. The case studies are great for comparing to your child as well as for seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The study tips will be great for homeschoolers and teachers alike. However what makes this book worth its weight in gold are the short and to the point recommendations on behavior because they are general enough to be applicable to someone through childhood, the teen years and beyond and they are extremely practical and actionable. (For example: "When teaching, start from what your child can do.") Although, I have read many books on learning disabilities through the years, I still found tips that could only come from real experience not just regurgitated information. For example, I paraphrase: "Although consistency in rules is important for all children. Children with ADD need an almost superhuman consistency to form habits of behavior. It is hard for them to learn their routine, but once they do they rarely deviate from it." Although this book is written for a UK audience, with UK tests and governing bodies, there are a lot of good tips on how to find and work with the right specialist and program for your child. I for one had never heard of a 'behavioral opthanmologist' or considered that a reading disability might be primarily treatable as visual retraining. I have to congratulate both the author and editor for keeping out all the annoying psycho babble. It tells me that the author is confident. I also love the whole child approach: learning and social skills, as well as thinking strategically about careers and how to relate to spouses and co-workers. Great book, well-thought out.

[Mary K. Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable resource

This material is a valuable resource to understand and navigate the education system and how it applies to your child.

[Natille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for an unbiased opinion through NetGalley. I have been struggling since my son was one to figure out what was wrong and what I could do to help him. There are so many different opinions out there and most of the time doctors just want to medicate until I found out he was labeled under autism spectrum disorder. Still even now that I have a basis to work on there are many different opinions on how to work with him. This book really helped target all the areas and what fun things I can do to better his life. I like that it also included sensory overload management. Another thing my son has issues with and I sometimes don't even know what will set him off. I like the information on flash cards in order to communicate. My son doesn't speak and if he does its mostly gibberish so having a way to communicate other than sign for basic functions would be fantastic. The suggestions for things that could help you child is wonderful. I have already highlighted and decided to slowly change my son's routine to introduce different things. It also opened up my eyes about certain things he does that I thought was creative but really is just copying what he had seen. So I learned a few things about my child that I didn't know before and I'm sure when I re-read this again I will notice other things. I think this book is a wonderful companion to have if your child has difficulties. I would recommend this to anyone and will definitely bring to attention at the next autism meeting.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!
One of my favs .Will be going on my to buy list.

[Nora Olmo]

GREAT RESOURCE BOOK..........