Our Journey

Life has been a roller coaster of ups and downs since my son Ethan was diagnosed with dyslexia last summer at the age of 9. The journey he and I have been on has been a tough one but a blessing. I have learned more about myself and my son in the process of learning what dyslexia is, as well as how to live with it.

One thing I discovered is dyslexia is hereditary. Ethan inherited it from either; from my husband, Mike or me, yep, it was me. Dyslexia doesn't fall into place like other characteristics or traits that are inherited, such as, eye color, hair color etc. It's like this, if one parent has dyslexia 50% of the children will have it. If both parents have it 100% of the children will have dyslexia.

At the start of the third grade last fall, Ethan switched from a Christian school to a public school that was able to give him the support he needed. The support he received was the Soar andWilson reading programs. Ethan has also been meeting with a tutor outside of school where he learns Orton-Gillingham program for Dyslexics. (see attached links for more information)

There were times when Ethan would misbehave and it was often hard for me to determine if he was behaving poorly and not obeying or was he not able to understand what I was asking of him. Often it was a little of both especially if he was tired or hungry. These moments were part of that roller coaster we were on which neither of us enjoyed.

As I researched more about dyslexia I learned that consistency and rules are one of the keys to keep life running smoothly. Dyslexics feel safe and are happier with boundaries, consistency and rules. Which is a parent’s dream, right? Another key in raising a dyslexic child is not to give him or her too many tacks or instructions at one time. Depending on the child’s age and ability will determine how many tasks to give the child at one time. Often, the fewer the better.

Therefore, Ethan and I sat down and created a schedule and made a calendar for him. My job is to be consistent with snacks, meals, homework assistance, bedtime, discipline, consequences etc. It is Ethan’s job to do his tasks, homework, etc and obey his parents the first time they make a request (ideally with a kind heart). It has made a huge difference in his behavior, he knows what to expect and that makes him feel secure and in the end he is much happier.

The school year is almost over and my husband and I met with Ethan's team of teachers. We were elated by his progress; his class work and testing has shown remarkable growth and success. He ranks at class level and in some subjects he is above average. We are still working with him and treading cautiously but are excited and blessed that he is adapting and overcoming his personal challenge.

Earlier I mentioned it was a blessing to be on this road with Ethan, I say this for various reasons. The biggest one being the Lord has been with us every step of the way leading us. With the Lord, anything is possible; we were able to overcome an obstacle that last summer seemed impossible.

Another blessing is that Ethan and I are bonded closer together. We seem to know each other better and how to connect better, especially on the bad, tired and hungry days. Last summer I would have said I wasn’t up for the challenge but the Lord has given me a heart for children that need an extra measure of love, grace, patience and support.

Lastly, through the Lord's graceI have met and connected with other women in similar situations with their children.This sharing of our trials and success with other christian women has been a saving grace. It made me feel like there was hope when I thought there was none, it made me stronger when I was weak, it made me feel like I wasn't alone and it gave me valuable resources that I could try. That is why I wanted to start a blog, to bring people together to share their stories and resources in one place foranyone who is seeking them in hopes of helping each other and our children.

Signs of Dyslexia

When a picture is worth a thousand unreadable words.

Here is a great webpage for list the signs of Dyslexia. http://www.the-parenting-magazine.com/tag/dyslexia/

Could it be something else?

Dyslexia doesn't mask as another condition, if someone is Dyslexic, it is usually pretty clear that is the condition he or she struggles with.

However, if someone has dyslexia and it is not diagnosed or identified, it can be seen as or considered ADD or ADHD. This is because with dyslexia it is difficult to write, read and spell. Therefore dyslexics often get frustrated and give up or act out to distract from their struggle. For example if a child is struggling with an assignment in class often he or she will start to play, talk to classmates, or twirl a ruler on a pencil, etc and not attend to the assignment. This is often perceived as a child with a short attention span, when it is really dyslexia, a language barrier. I recommend analyzing the situation; did the child stop the assignment or the task at hand because it was too difficult or was he or she easily distracted? Can the child answer questions correctly but can't write down the answer? Look at the whole child, get a complete picture, know their strengths and weaknesses.

Unfortunately, some undiagnosed dyslexic children are unnecessarily prescribed and put on medications for ADD or ADHD. Therefore a thorough analyses and or diagnosis is important in order to give the child the correct help and support for his or her specific condition. However, dyslexia and ADD/ADHD can both be present in a child. If that is the case then treating the ADD/ADHD with medication might be appropriate.

Here is a great resource. http://www.everydayhealth.com/add-adhd/is-it-adhd-dyslexia-or-both.aspx

Dyslexia test: http://www.testdyslexia.com/

What is ADD? http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/adhd/index.aspx

Is my child Dyslexic? Am I?

What is Dyslexia?

According to the Quentin Road Dyslexia Solution's website and Susan Barton, who I think of as the Grandmother of Dyslexia solutions and research say it is:

Here is a re-post from http://www.qrdyslexiasolutions.com/what-is-dyslexia

Dys=difficulty
lexia=language

According to Susan Barton, a leading expert in the fields of dyslexia and ADD/ADHD, and founder of the Barton Reading and Spelling System states…”Dyslexia is an inherited condition that makes it extremely difficult to read, write, and spell in our native language—despite at least average intelligence.”

The National Institute of Health has been studying dyslexia for more than 25 years. Here is their research-based difinition:

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterizedby difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”

Latest Brain Research

Modern neuro-imaging has made it possible to “see” inside living, performing human brains. Through the extensive research of Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, pioneers in the field of dyslexia, found that the brain is comprised of two hemispheres, a left and right. They also discovered that the brain was 10% larger in the right hemisphere of a dyslexic person. Thus the reason behind many of the gifts of a dyslexic person.

Unfortunately though, reading and language all takes place in the left hemisphere. Through the use of fMRI, it has proven that dyslexics use alternate circuits and alternate pathways. To learn more about this fascinating research, read Overcoming Dyslexia, by Dr. Sally Shaywitz, M.D.

Now for the good news: As stated by the NIH, April 19th, 2004, press release…”A brain imaging study has shown that after they overcome their reading disability, the brains of formerly poor readers begin to function like the brains of good readers.”

Images show that effective reading instruction not only improves reading ability, but actually changes the brain’s functioning so that it can perform reading tasks more efficiently.

On The Dyslexic Road

A cold October (2010) morning a friend and I were having coffee and sharing a wonderful conversation after a brisk morning run. We were talking about how it is a blessing to have other women in our lives that have walked down the road ahead of us. It has been laid on my heart to connect women that have a dyslexic child or a special need. This this the road I am walking down, more like sprinting down with my oldest son Ethan. As soon as I knew I was on this road (even a little before) people have been placed in my path to help guide me and for me to reach out to. I hope to start a network of women that are on this road with me, either ahead or behind.