We are in the process of trying to decide where to go for testing to see if our dd9 has a learning disability.  This is a whole new area for us, and it looks like there is going to be much for us to learn as parents.  I have several books on hold at the library. (once again, I must say, I  love internet card catalogs! :-))  Figuring out where to go for the first step has been complicated enough - in and of itself.

I have talked to someone who spoke at our local homeschool support group earlier in the fall.  She works as a special education consultant for the schools.  After describing the things I have been observing, she felt strongly that we need to have her tested.  She said the struggles I describe were classic for a child with learning disabilities.

Giving my dd sample achievement-test style tests (I had checked out from the library) really shone the spotlight on the whole situation.  She is very bright.  She loves the subjects in which I do read-alouds.  She retains details from things she has listened to - books on tape, learning songs, etc.  She also loves to read - now. 

Her struggles in spelling and math I simply attributed to 'needing more time'.  But there were other things.  Her hadwriting is large and words all run together.  Attempts at writing sentences frustrate her, and her sentences are still very short and basic.  While she loves to read, she did poorly on the language arts portion of the practice tests.  In the vocabulary section, she had trouble even recognizing the words when given out of context.  And she also got confused on the reading comprehension section, something which really surprised me. 

The other day, she had some questions in her Wordly Wise book based on a 1-page article in her workbook.  She was to answer the questions in sentence-format.  She got completely flustered and upset.  Thinking of what I had been reading, I picked up her workbook and asked her the questions out loud.  She answered every one, showing that not only had she read and understood the section, but also that she could interpret the implications of the facts as well.

 I 'happened' to check out a book at the library last month by Christine Field called "Homeschooling the Challenging Child".  I was looking for strategies for spelling, etc.  But, there was a section on learning disabilities in the book.  She listed several common disabilities, and had a checklist of signs for each of them.  As I read the one for Visual Processing Disorder, my eyes grew wide, as I realized this WAS my daughter.  I realized there may be real reasons why she has so many struggles.

That got me looking into things further, and I started writing down the places where I noticed she was having difficulty.  I can tell this is going to be a long process.  First, to identify what specifically are the underlying reasons for her struggles.  And secondly, to figure out ways to best help her learn in the midst of those learning differences.

I would love to read comments from anyone else who is on this road.  I'm sure I will be posting on this topic regularly.

Posted by MyLittleWomen

I can't give you any advice, since I haven't found myself in this particular situation. But I will gladly join you in prayer. I ask that God will give you guidance and strength as you find ways to help your daughter.

Blessings,
Sommer