Welcome to this Week's DealingWithLearningDisorders Newsletter!

Now that winter is over I hope you are all enjoying getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of Spring!



Featured Article

Sensory Integration Disorder
Dr. Kenny Handelman

ADD/ADHD and Sensory Integration Disorder: More common than you think

It's not as unusual as you may first think, really. As a parent with a child who has ADD/ADHD or an adult who deal with it daily, you may already recognize some of the symptoms. What am I talking about? Sensory Integration Disorder.

The chances are good that you haven't heard of it, yet. Simply put, sensory integration disorder is the inability of the brain to fully utilize the information it gathers through all the senses in any organized or effective way.


You may recognize some of the symptoms because they're so similar to the ones associated with ADD/ADHD. The list of symptoms is rather long:

* Short attention span * Sensitivity to sounds * Unusually sensitive to smells * Fascination with lights * Walking on the toes * Coordination problems * Indifference to pain or temperature * Refusal to wear certain types of clothing (your child may want to wear long sleeved shirts all year round so his skin isn't showing) * Difficulty with accepting changes * Self-injury or aggression * Avoiding physical contact with people * Strongly reacts to any stimulation on the face, hands or the feet. * Dislike and avoidance of grooming (brushing his teeth, washing his face, having his hair brushed or cut. * Either a very high, or a very low activity level. * An very high level of awareness of background noises * Engaging in the habit of spinning items or taking items apart

When the brain isn't interpreting incoming information properly, then the individual just can't create what we would call a "proper"? impression with the combined use of their eyes, ears, sense of balance and the other ways we grasp the world. And while you may see these reactions as "misbehavior" the person afflicted with this problem is bordering between fear and terror.

Imagine living in a world in which some of the smallest sounds, by our standards, are startling loud . . . not being able to dismiss or get beyond the background noise at a restaurant (or worse yet for your child, in a classroom!) . . . not being able to be comfortable when your feet aren't touching the ground or floor.

Everyday activities can become quite traumatic.

But the oversensitivity of stimuli is just one way sensory integration disorder may manifest itself. Your child may show what you would consider an apathetic response to extreme hot or cold. He may not be engaged in activities as you think he should. Many individuals with this disorder actually display not hyperactivity - but an avoidance of activity.



To read the rest of the article visit my website: DealingWithLearningDisorders.com


Discussion Group

In our “Discussion Board” we talk about many interesting topics every week.
Here we find a private place to share with others, make friends, and ask questions of the Featured Experts on the site.

This week some of the topics we covered were:

A teleseminar geared towards helping you understand how important setting goals is to someone with ADD/ADHD.

Getting healthy. Ways that we can change our diets and lifestyle to make a difference.

Special camps that our children enjoy and how we feel about them being gone and under someone else's care.

We also talked about how some of our kids have a heightened sense of smell.


Come join us and share your experiences in our forums. You can become a member for only $1.


Tip of the Week

Writing is often a struggle for children with learning disorders.
Here are some tips to help writing become easier for your child.

1: Have realistic expectations of the child's handwriting and neatness.

If you expect perfection you and your child will become disappointed
and discouraged.

2: Do not demand speed.

Be patient and let them write as slowly as it takes for them to form
good letters and correct sentences.

3: Use alternative testing methods for the child, i.e., having the
student answer orally, highlighting instead of writing answers.

4: Encourage letter writing to friends, relatives. Have decorative
paper or stationary with their name on it to help attract the children.

5: Keep a daily journal with your child. Have them write feelings
or happenings to you and you write back the next day. Let them know
that this is a special project between the two of you (also helps to
promote relationships!!).

6: Have the child relate daily activities. Encourage complete
sentences if possible.

Be an encouragement and your child may just learn to love to write!


Blessings to you all.
Robin
www.DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

Valentine's Day Special

If you've thought about joining DealingWithLearningDisorders, now is the time. I'm having a Valentine's Special until Monday at midnight. You get access to all the great resources that are available on the site for just $5.00 a month, for a lifetime!

Come join us! DealingWithLearningDisorders

Welcome to my newsletter for Dealing With Learning Disorders

My family and I have been busy this last week planning a surprise party for my husband's 50th birthday. We had the party on Sat. and he was really surprised. It was so much fun. We made a slide show of old and recent pictures of him and our family so we could really embarrass him. It worked. Not only did we show it at the party, but also at church the next day. If you'd like to see it, just scroll down and look on the right sidebar to view.

This week at the site I added a new Featured Expert!
Her name is Karen Plumley. She has already made her presence known by sharing in the forums and writing articles about Sensory Processing Disorders. I found her on a The Mom's Entrepreneur group that I belong to online.
http://groups.google.com/group/mom-entrepreneur-support-group?hl=en&pli=1

Welcome Karen!


Featured Articles

A Sense of Disorder
Karen Plumley

Just imagine trying to pay attention in a classroom while someone rubbed your back and neck with rough sandpaper. For a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a tag on the back of her shirt would be an equivalent feeling. Suppose that you were trying to listen to a teacher in a room filled with buzzing chain saws. Would you be able to concentrate? To the SPD child, sitting under a ticking clock would have a similar effect. What would it be like if you were unable to trust the information coming from your five senses: those vital tools in your possession that help you grow and learn?

According to Michele Mitchell, Occupational Therapist from Ohio, SPD is a neurological disorder that can have a "huge impact on a child's well-being, daily functioning, social skills, relationships and self-esteem." It oftentimes co-exists with other diagnoses as well, such as those in the Autism Spectrum, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Sensory Processing refers to our ability to take in the information gathered by our senses and communicate it to our brains so that our bodies can react accordingly. Children (and adults) with SPD many times misinterpret the information coming from their senses and react in inappropriate ways. There are many types of SPD.

Some children with the disorder will overreact to sensory stimuli and respond violently to sensations brought on by such things as loud noises, light, colors, sticky substances, swinging and other types of motion, and splashing water. Still others will not respond at all, even to pain. They tend to seek out sensory input, taking on such actions as head banging and finger flapping in an attempt to stimulate themselves.

If you notice that your child is demanding, nearly impossible to console, and has extreme sensitivities or behaviors that go beyond what you would consider to be normal, when is it warranted to take her to be evaluated by a specialist?

If you're child is school-aged and you are lucky enough to develop a relationship with her teacher, certain accommodations may be made for her at school as well. Simple things like assigning an SPD child the task of taking a load of books to the library or placing her seat away from a noisy door or distracting window may go a long way to helping her function better and navigate successfully through her day.

Come check out my website to see the full article. Become a member to receive all of the great benefits!


Discussion Board News

In our “Discussion Board” we talk about many interesting topics every week.
Here we find a private place to share with others, make friends, and ask questions of the Featured Experts on the site.

This week some of the topics we covered were:

Programs using Mnemonics to teach memorization.

A website that makes candy and treats that don't contain synthetic ingredients. Perfect for Valentines Day!

How to deal with regression in your children. How to document what the problem is and then take steps to improve it.

What our Valentines day traditions are.

Come join us and tell us about your family.


Protege Retreat- My joint partner Rhea Perry is hosting a Protege Retreat. She is a great Christian woman who helps bring families together through home business. If you or your kids want to learn more about the internet and having a home business, you won't want to miss this! If you are a member of DealingWithLearningDisorders you get a huge discount to all of her conferences. Read more below.

"Don't Miss The First Annual
Protégé Retreat
To Learn Even More About Internet Marketing
And to Meet Members of
Rhea's Proteges!"

As a Member of DealingWithLearningDisorders, Your Family Gets to Attend The Protege Retreat for the Special Price of Just $297!

You Save $100, PLUS the Whole Family Can Come for One Registration!

If you've been around for very long, you've learned that there's no other group that involves children and teens in online entrepreneurial education like Rhea's Proteges does!

So get ready to take the family and join us in Huntsville, Alabama for a weekend that will change your life!

Here Are the Retreat Details

Who Is Invited --

- Only members of Rhea's Proteges

- Only guests of the Proteges.

- Members of DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

Where Is the Retreat --

Holiday Inn Research Park
Huntsville, Alabama

Special Guest Rate: $84/night

When Is the Retreat --

Friday, April 3 -- Sunday, April 5, 2009

Check in: Thursday, April 2 from 7 -- 9 PM

Schedule:

Friday: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Sunday Non-denominational Service: 8:00 AM to 9:15

Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4 PM

Here's What We'll Be Learning -

*Basics of entrepreneurial education and philosophy
*Essentials for starting a home business
*How to set up blogs and web pages in 30 minutes or less
*Why an article a day will keep recession away and where to submit them
*How to have a membership site that isn't just another job
*What's the big deal about social sites?


Special Guest Experts Will Share Their Expertise!

John Hannah - Named by Sports Illustrated as The Best Offensive Linebacker of All Time

Jim Cockrum - eBay Expert and author of The Silent Sales Machine.

Jeff Herring - The Internet Article Guy

Zach McCullough - Co-creator of the Ask Database

Jennifer Navarette - Social Networking Expert

Drew Perry - eBay Real Estate Expert

Ken Pounders - Evangelist and my personal Levite

Don't Forget to Bring the Kids!

NOBODY invites teenagers to professional business conferences! Often, event planners turn young adults down because they are "kids." If they only knew what "kids" like that can do these days…

At Rhea's event, she invites teens to attend. After all, don't you wish someone had taught you how to use a computer when you were 15? (Like they HAD them way back then…)

So she always makes it possible to bring young adults.

Here's What's Different About THIS Event!

At most conferences, registration is per person.

But at the 2009 Protégé Retreat, one price admits The Whole Family!

Bring the babies, bring Grandma, bring the dog!

Well, maybe not the dog.

Because Rhea professionally records her events, she must maintain a professional atmosphere and so she asks that you not bring babies and toddlers into the ballroom during the sessions.

You are welcome, however, to bring your younger children as long as they can sit still and pay attention through 3 days of workshops.

Please have an attendant assigned to take them out of the session if necessary.

What We Believe About Children

I believe that families should learn and grow together. Even though there are times when adults need to attend sessions without the distractions of children, I believe children learn more than we realize when placed in the right environments and encouraged to pay attention.

Every attendee at this retreat will be expected to bring their own business cards for door prize drawings and networking with others. Yes, that includes kids of all ages.

(You can print your own at home or order 100 or so from VistaPrint.com.)

So What's the Family Registration Fee?

Where can you take your children to spend a fun-filled weekend learning how to build an online home business from Internet marketing experts who are family-friendly?

Other conferences offer charge between $497 and $2,000 for just ONE PERSON to attend.

The guest families who attend will pay $397.

But at this event, you and your spouse can bring all 10 kids plus Grandma for just one price.

As a Member of DealingWithLearningDisorders
Your Family Can Spend the Weekend
With Us for Just $297 per FAMILY!

So mark your calendar and plan to join us for one amazing weekend that WILL change your life! You'll literally never be the same again.

To make sure you don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event, register today.

If you miss this, you'll kick yourself when you hear others talking about this life-changing event.

P.S. Don't put this off. Space is limited and as soon as they fill the room, they're cutting off registration.

Sign up at www.DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

Welcome to the newsletter for Dealing With Learning Disorders.

Now that the new year is here I hope you all are back into your normal routines after the holidays.

We had a wonderful time relaxing, spending time with family, and enjoying each others company during the 15 days my husband had off work. I must say it was hard to get back into the normal schedule.

We did get to go to Kansas City for a few days to enjoy the lights, see family, visit the museums, and go ice skating.



Come to the discussion boards, introduce yourself there and tell us what's been happening with your family.


We've had some great things added to the site recently. Here are just a few.

Featured Articles

The Diagnosis of ADHD
Dr. Kenny Handelman-Featured Expert on the site

Essentially to get the diagnosis of ADHD you really need to see a professional who has expertise in assessing and diagnosing ADHD. It may be helpful to listen to (or read) educational products like this or go to web sites or get other information but to really get the diagnosis you're going to have to see a professional and have a thorough assessment.

Now let's go through the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. There are two main categories for the diagnosis: Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity.

Here are the DSM-IV criteria are for Inattention:

1. fails to give close attention to details and makes careless mistakes in school, work or other activities
2. often has difficulties sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
3. often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
4. often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores or other duties in the work place (and this is not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions)
5. often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
6. often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort like schoolwork or homework
7. often loses things necessary for tasks or activities like toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools
8. is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
9. is often forgetful in daily activities

Here are the DSM-IV criteria for Hyperactivity/Impulsivity:

1. often fidgets with hand or with feet or squirms in ones seat
2. often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations which remaining seated is expected i.e. church or family meals etc.
3. often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate. In adolescents or adults may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness, so they may not be so overtly hyperactive.
4. often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
5. is often on the go or acts as if driven by a motor
6. often talks excessively
7. often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
8. often has difficulty awaiting one's turn
9. often interrupts or intrudes on others - like butting into conversations or games


Could Dyslexia Be the Cause of Your Child's Reading Difficulty?

JoAnn Collins

According to Susan Barton of Bright Solutions for Dyslexia the word Dyslexia can be defined as this:

-Dys: Difficulty with -Lexia: Reading

Dyslexia is also described as: A specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding skills. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to the child's cognitive abilities, and the provision of effective classroom instruction.

Most special education personnel believe that Dyslexia occurs very rarely, and does not account for most children with Learning Disabilities. I disagree with that thought and believe that many children with Dyslexia go undiagnosed.

Susan Barton also states that some of the Warning Signs of Dyslexia are:

1. Delayed Speech

2. Late establishing a dominant hand

3. Trouble memorizing their address, phone number, or the alphabet.

4. Dysgraphia (inability to perform the act of writing

5. Extreme difficulty learning cursive writing

6. Slow choppy inaccurate reading

7. Terrible with spelling

To see the articles in full join: DealingWithLearningDisorders.com and get full access to the membership area where you will find all kinds of great resources.

Discussion Board News

In our “Discussion Board” we talk about many interesting topics every week.
Here we find a private place to share with others, make friends, and ask questions of the Featured Experts on the site.

This week some of the topics we covered were:

Places to get audio books, motivation for losing weight, finding healthy meal plans for the whole family, and the tragic death of John Travolta's son.

Come join us. You can try it out for only $1.00


Tip of the Week

Raising a special child takes 180% of parenting. Often a spouse or other siblings feel left out.

Consider the following:

1. Family Reward Chart. List several special things to do. When a reward is due, have the LD/ADD child pick from that list. (It could be as simple as a trip to the park.) When the family goes or does the special event, others in the family can compliment the special child because they are all rewarded. (Builds self esteem too!!)
2. Try to maintain family dinners as much as possible. Each one should tell what happened during the day.
3. Mom and Dad need to support one another. If one has given a rule or punishment, the other should support and enforce what has been said. NEVER allow the child to come between you and your spouse. If you disagree with what has been done, do it later when the child is not around.

Blessings to you all.
Robin
www.DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

Merry Christmas from Robin at Dealing With Learning Disorders.

Hope you all are getting ready to celebrate a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.

I love Christmas because of the special music, wonderful programs, tasty food, spending time with my family, having a break from school and work, and most of all we get to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. May you find Peace in Him this Christmas.

Thanks to all of you who participated in sending things for the care package to help the Lile's family. I gave the gifts to them this last week and they were so grateful. Blessings to you.

Many things are going on in our community at www.DealingWithLearningDisorders.com
We are here to help.


Featured Article

ADHD medications - Do they pose a risk to the heart?
Aslam M

The cardiac risks of the drugs used for treating ADHD have attracted interest recently following the recommendation by the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the FDA to include a black-box warning describing the cardiovascular risks of stimulant drugs used to treat this condition. However, this recommendation has subsequently been toned down by the Pediatric Advisory Committee of the FDA.

Why are these drugs supposed to cause heart problems?

These stimulant drugs belong to the class of sympathomimetic amines. Cardiovascular
effects of these compounds have been well studied. They act by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and increase heart rate and blood pressure significantly. One study with a commercially marketed formulation showed an increase in systolic BP by about 5 mm Hg in treated adults. Such a rise of BP, argues the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory committee, can cause definite adverse effects on long term therapy.


To see the full article sign up as a member for only $1 at: DealingWithLearningDisorders.com and get full access to all the other resources.


Discussion Group News

In our “Discussion Group” we talk about many interesting topics every week.
Here we find a private place to share with others, make friends, and ask questions of the Featured Experts on the site.

This week some of the topics we covered were:

Do your kids believe in Santa?, resources for art education, leadership roles, kids playing sports, and how important music is to children.

Come Join us! We would love to get to know you and your family!


Tip of the Week

Communicating with your child is very important. The clearer you can
communicate with children with learning disorders, the better your
relationship with them will be, the easier it will be for them to
remember instructions, and the stress level of both of you will
decrease.

1: Make sure you have facial contact with the child when communicating
with him.

2: Allow sufficient time for the child to process and respond to
the given task.

3: Remember to give one step at a time.

4: Give multiple forms of instructions, i.e., visual, auditory,
written (charts),tactile.

5: Alert the child to important information, i.e., this is important
please listen carefully.

Communication is the key to understanding.


Have a Merry Christmas!


Robin
www.DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

Welcome to this week's Dealing With Learning Disorders Newsletter.

Hope you all are gearing up to have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

Find out how our community is helping a family who lost everything to fire.
What a wonderful way to be a blessing this Thanksgiving.



Featured Article

Music Therapy: Hope For Kids With Learning Challenges
Bette Miles-Holleman

Music, with its powerful effect to stimulate the brain by triggering memories and emotional responses, can also help special needs children physically, by improving relaxation, muscle coordination and range of motion.

Other benefits attributed to Music Therapy include:

Motivation for physical exercise

Independence and increased self esteem

Development of functional speech and communication skills

Improved interaction with others

Does music therapy sound like a good option for your child? Would you like more information? Check out my website and sign up as a member to freely access all of the articles and resources available to members.


Discussion Boards

Our “Discussion Board" introduces many interesting topics every week.
Here we find a private place to share with others, make friends, and ask questions of the Featured Experts on the site.


This week we discussed the traditions each family has for Thanksgiving. Ideas were shared on how to create a project that can be added to every year. And one mom shared on how she and her children got involved in a community food drive.


I shared how my family likes to string popcorn and cranberries on thread and put it on the trees so that the birds have a treat on thanksgiving. My kids love to watch the birds.


Come join us and share your experiences in the Forums.


Tip of the Week

Last week, we explained watching for the ways your child
learns best.

Another easy tactic for building your child's self confidence is to
let your child help with household chores. This can build
self-confidence and concrete skills.

Keep instructions simple, break down tasks into smaller steps, and
reward your child's efforts with praise. Once they master simple
skills, then add more complex parts to the chore.

Have them set the place mats and napkins on the table. After
they're getting the place mats and napkins relatively straight,
have them set the forks on the napkins and the plates on the place
mats. Continue with this pattern until they have mastered
setting the whole table.

Giving children chores gives them a sense of accomplishment and helps them know they are an important part of the family.


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Robin

To learn more about how you can help your child with learning
disorders visit:
www.dealingwithlearningdisorders.com

Want to help a family in need this Thanksgiving season?

Rhea Perry and I are starting a care package campaign for the Liles family whose house burned down this last week. They are friends of mine in our homeschooling group. They have 5 children. Last week their house caught on fire and they lost everything. They think it started from a furnace in the basement. They all got out safely, but they did lose pets. They have nothing left.

Read more here. http://tinyurl.com/64za5x

Welcome to this week's Dealing With Learning Disorders Newsletter.

Featured Article

How Brain SPECT Imaging Can Help with ADHD

Dr. Daniel Amen

ADHD: How Brain SPECT Imaging Can Help With clinical history, SPECT scans can help decide whether or not you have ADHD

* Help determine your type of ADHD to direct treatment
* See if the treatment is working at an optimal level
* See if there are other co-occurring conditions that need to be treated
* Decrease the emotional pain of stigma and increase compliance
* Help families see the biological nature of ADHD to better understand the illness.

6 Types

Here are the 6 different types of ADHD, each with different brain function issues and treatment protocols.

Type 1: Classic ADD

Type 2: Inattentive ADD

Type 3: Overfocused ADD

Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADHD

Type 5: Limbic ADD

Type 6: Ring of Fire ADD

Common Treatments for All Types

1. Take a 100% multiple vitamin everyday.

2. Adults, take 2,000 -- 4,000mg of high quality fish oil a day (1,000 -- 2,000mg for children).

3. Eliminate caffeine from your diet.

4. Intense aerobic exercise daily for 30-45 minutes.

5. Turn off the television and video games, or limit them to no more than 30 minutes a day.

6. Food is a drug. Most people with ADD do best with a higher protein, lower simple carbohydrate diet.

7. In dealing with kids, employees, even spouses -- NO YELLING!

8. Test ADD kids and adults for learning disabilities.

9. Apply for appropriate school or work accommodations.

10. Never give up seeking help.

Copyright Dr. Amen 2008

To learn more about the 6 different types of ADD be sure to sign up as a member at my website to freely access all of the articles and resources available to members.

Discussion Boards

There's really a lot of talking going on. The discussion boards are a great place to be. Come try it out.

This week we discussed the process of how we elect a president. I shared this video that explains this process in an easy to understand way.

We talked about ADHD and the use of Ritalin. We discussed the pros and cons of this medication.

Another topic we discussed was how each family deals with Halloween. Some moms shared how they handle all of the candy that is given and how it effects special needs diets for their kids. Ideas were shared on costumes for sensitive kids and others shared how they totally avoid Halloween.

Do you have great ideas to share? We would love for you to join us in the Discussion Boards.

Tip of the Week

This week, let's consider how to find the ways your child learns best.

Does he or she learn by hands-on practice, looking, or listening? Help your child learn through his or her areas of strength.

Consider reading The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias

It will save much frustration between you and your child if you can teach them they way they learn best.

--Robin

To learn more about how you can help your child with learning
disorders visit:
www.dealingwithlearningdisorders.com

Featured Article
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Problem: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of mental and physical defects which develops in some unborn babies when the mother drinks too much alcohol during pregnancy.

Possible FAS Symptoms:

* Growth deficiencies
* Facial abnormalities
* Organ deformities

Size of the Problem: Recent studies by researchers Ernest Abel and Robert Sokol suggest that the incidence of FAS can conservatively be estimated at 0.33 cases per 1,000 live births.

Recommendations: The Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse urges women who are pregnant or anticipating a pregnancy to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages.

To read the details of this article join DealingWithLearningDisorders.com where you can find all kinds of information and resources for helping your special needs children.


Discussion Boards

In honor of Down Syndrome awareness month, some parents shared about the joys, trials, and new meaning their child has brought to their lives.

We shared about unusual places that we have found our kids doing their schoolwork.
I shared a picture of my son doing school, outside in a cage my kids had made, with the rabbit, reading about Colonial Times. So funny.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/jojodicks/wesley1.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/jojodicks/Wesley2.jpg

Another mom told us that it was common to find her oldest son on the roof with a mattress doing schoolwork. Oh my!
This was a fun topic.

I love the discussion boards! It's a great place to receive tips, tidbits, make friends, and brag on our kids.
Come share with us!


Tip of the Week

It is very important is to praise your child when he or she does well.

Children that have trouble academically are often very good at a variety of other things.
Find out what your child really enjoys doing, such as dancing, working with children, playing soccer, or working with computers. Give your child plenty of opportunities to pursue his or her strengths and talents. There are so many successful people out there that may not have known what they were created to do and be if their parents and teachers wouldn't have helped them along the way.

Watch for next week's tip on finding the ways your child learns
best.

--Robin

To learn more about how you can help your child with learning
disorders visit:
www.dealingwithlearningdisorders.com

Welcome to this week's Dealing With Learning Disorders Newsletter.

Featured Article of the Week

ADHD and Ritalin- Pros and Cons

Ritalin is one of the medications commonly prescribed to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) as well as narcolepsy. It works as a basic mild stimulant to the central nervous system by increasing dopamine (a neurotransmitter) in the brain. This increase is associated with attention, movement, and to a small extent, pleasure. When a therapeutic level is reached, the patients hyperactivity decreases and they are able to cope with daily stresses as well as concentrate on tasks.

In this article I discuss a few of the pros and cons of taking Ritalin.

Pros:
1. When a therapeutic level is reached, the patients hyperactivity decreases and they are able to cope with daily stresses as well as concentrate on tasks.

2.In narcolepsy, Ritalin helps keep the brain stimulated so the patient is able to stay awake and focus on tasks at hand.

Cons:
1. Among the controversies surrounding Ritalin is the possibility of the ADHD adolescent patient becoming addicted to stimulants and other drugs later in life.

2. There can be unpleasant side effects to Ritalin, even when the taken as prescribed by both the ADHD or narcoleptic patient.

3. If Ritalin is abused in high doses (it is a stimulant) by the patient or someone else, effects similar to cocaine abuse can result.

Choosing to use Ritalin is a personal decision for each family, one that must be thought out, researched and prayed about. For some children this approach works well, for others it can be a horrible experience.

No one loves and knows your child like you do. May you find the wisdom to do what is right for your child.

Robin


Message Board

On our “Message Board” we talk about many interesting topics every week.
Here we find a private place to share with others, make friends, and ask questions of the Featured Experts on the site.

This week some of the topics we talked about were:

Flu vacccines, being left handed, Fireproof- The Movie, and I shared about a wonderful book series for boys who are reluctant readers.

Come see what we're talking about!


Tip of the Week

Ten Things Your ADD Child Wants You To Know

HELP ME TO FOCUS ... Please teach me through my sense of touch. I need "hands-on" and body movement.

I NEED TO KNOW WHAT COMES NEXT ... Please give me a structured environment where there is a dependable routine. Give me an advance warning if there will be changes.

WAIT FOR ME, I'M STILL THINKING ... Please allow me to go at my own pace. If I'm rushed, I get confused and upset.

I'M STUCK, I CAN'T DO IT! ... Please offer me options for problem solving. If the road is blocked, I need to know the detours.

IS IT RIGHT? I NEED TO KNOW NOW ... Please give me rich and immediate feedback on how I'm doing.

I DIDN'T KNOW I WASN'T IN MY SEAT! ... Please remind me to stop, think, and act.

AM I ALMOST DONE? ... Please give me short work periods with short-term goals.

WHAT? ... Please don't say "I already told you that." Tell me again, in different words. Give me a signal. Draw me a symbol.

I KNOW IT'S ALL WRONG, ISN'T IT? ... Please give me praise for partial success. Reward me for self-improvement, not just for perfection.

BUT WHY DO I ALWAYS GET YELLED AT? ... Please catch me doing something right and praise me for the specific positive behavior. Remind me--and yourself--about my good points when I'm having a bad day.

{Author Unknown}

Be blessed this week with the children God has intrusted you with.
Robin Dicks

To find other helpful articles on children that learn differently go to DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

Welcome to this week's Dealing With Learning Disorders Newsletter.

This week's Featured Article is ADHD in Teens

In this article I touched on several key areas that affect teens with ADHD, which include:

1. ADHD may not be diagnosed until they are a teen.

2. ADHD teens can be less mature than other teens.

3. An ADHD teen can be easily distracted which can make driving especially dangerous.

4. ADHD teens may be more apt to try drugs or alcohol as a way to cope.


Some things that can help teens with ADHD are:

1. Home education.

2. Family counseling and communication.

3. Regular exercise.

4. A change in diet.

5. Encouraging the ADHD teen to communicate their condition to their friends.

6. Help them discover what they are passionate about, then support them in all they do to become successful in that area.

There is no one single solitary cure-all answer. And one-size-fits-all doesn't work with ADHD, or any teen for that matter. Tailoring a total treatment plan is something your doctor can do or he may refer you to an ADHD specialist.

Be patient and love your teen for who God create him to be.


Discussion Group News

In our “Discussion Group” we talk about many interesting topics every week.
Here we find a private place to share with others, make friends, and ask questions of the Featured Experts on the site.

This week some of the topics we talked about were:

1. ADHD Awareness Week
The free classes were posted so we could join in if we wanted.

2. One member shared with us all the cute puppies her family has been raising. She talked about how this has changed their schedule and how she really wants to get back to normal.

3. I shared this quote about having patience, something I aspire to have more of everyday.

Impatience stems almost solely from our exaggerated notions of what is due us. If we could but lower our estimation of the importance of our time, our plans, and our feelings, we would find ourselves almost automatically more patient.

Patience is a……positive trait. It is the ability to bear affliction, delay and interruption with calmness, perseverance and confidence in the goodness of God. It is inward peace as well as outward control. It is the submission of our schedules, our viewpoints and our dreams to the greater plan of God, with the conviction that He has a good reason for every delay He allows to come our way.

Come join us! See what all the talk's about.


Tip of the Week

One of the things I've learned that has been helpful to our family is to involve your child in helping
someone else.

Too often children with learning disabilities fall into the "poor me" syndrome. Parents can put a stop to this while boosting their child's self-confidence by giving him or her the opportunity to help someone else.

Children with learning disabilities can successfully tutor younger children, help the elderly, work in homeless shelters, and babysit for other moms. Even very young children can serve others successfully.

Help your child find what they can do to be a service to others and this will also be a blessing to them.

Until next week.

Robin Dicks
www.DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

Virtual ADHD Conference

Here's a message from Dr. Kenny that I thought some of you reading may be interested in.

On September 22nd, the first Virtual ADHD Conference will begin.

This outstanding event can help you to find solutions for child, teen or adult ADD/ADHD.

And I want you to take a look at this website today, because an 'early bird' discount is ending in just a few days...

Visit: www.adhdvirtualconference.com, and if you are
interested in this event at all, then lock in
your discount now.
The price goes up by $50 by the end of the week.

This conference includes 20 Experts in the field of ADHD who will cover many aspects of ADD - including:

* Medications for ADHD
* Alternatives for ADHD
* Brain Imaging (SPECT Scans)
* Careers and ADD
* Social Skills
* Parenting for ADHD kids
* And much more...

==~==~==~==~==~==~==~==~==~==~
www.ADHDVirtualConference.com <== Lock in your discount today
==~==~==~==~==~==~==~==~==~==

~ Some of the top experts in the field will be speaking, including: * Dr. Edward Hallowell * Sari Solden, MS * Dr. John Ratey * Dr. Daniel Amen * Dr. Patricia Quinn * And many other experts, including myself...

I look forward to "seeing" you there.

Best, Dr. Kenny

p.s. This is a great way to attend a full conference about ADD/ADHD without having to leave home and spend money on travel costs. And if you act today, you can save an additional $50 by acting early... p.p.s. this early bird discount ends at the end of the week - so take action now (while it's still fresh on your mind) www.adhdvirtualconference.com

Medical Integrity Inc.

1011 Upper Middle Rd. E.
Suite 1425
Oakville, ON
L6H5Z9
CA

Welcome to this week's Dealing With Learning Disorders Newsletter.

Featured Article

This week in Part II of Cindi Erickson's series of articles, My Life With ADD she writes about how she struggled in elementary school with having ADD and being in a classroom that taught two grades levels at a time.

She tells about how, because of having dyslexia and ADD, she was always distracted and wound up listening to the teacher teach the 'other class', instead of working on her own work.

She writes...

Thank God (literally) for giving me a very understanding, patient, and loving teacher who was willing to work with me and help me find ways to deal with my learning challenges.

Though it's been many years since I sat in Miss. Clarke's third grade class, I often think of her to this day. She was truly one of my biggest inspirations and encouragers who helped me learn that even though I had challenges in the way I learned, there were many ways to overcome and/or work with those obstacles and learn in spite of my physical and mental differences. Miss. Clarke truly was one of my 'Balcony People'!

Who is your balcony person? Are you a Balcony Person in your child(ren)'s life? If not, let me encourage you to start today. They'll thank you for a lifetime for being there for them, for teaching them how to overcome those hurdles that challenge them, and for encouraging them and standing by them when the rest of world may have turned their backs on them or made fun of them because of their differences.


Message Board News

This week Dr. Kenny Handelman shared with us a comment on an article he read about Micheal Phelps.

Here is some of what he said...

It was reported that his 3rd grade teacher recently wrote a letter to Mrs. Phelps - prior to the Olympics - to touch base with her about Michael. She remembered how Michael had struggled in school and had trouble focusing.
The teacher said - 'maybe Michael had trouble focusing because he didn't have a big enough goal to focus on'.
I thought this was profound, and it gave me goosebumps.
This comment likely applies to many kids/teens and adults with ADD/ADHD LDs. If the goal isn't compelling enough, they may just not have any interest in pursuing it.
So, let's help our kids find goals which are 'big enough' to interest and motivate them.

Come join us in our private community and share your thoughts on our message boards.


Tip of the Week

In addition to supporting your child's learning process at home, it is important to be involved with their learning in the public sphere as well.

If you child attends public school, it is important to meet with school personnel and develop an educational plan to address your child's needs.

Plan what accommodations your child needs in the classroom, and don't forget to talk about assistive technology!

Structure is key for reducing the stress level for children with learning disorders. Providing structure as best as possible within your family will help children know what to expect.

Structuring the entire family along with your LD/ADD child will provide the child with the guidance he needs.

To learn more on how to help your child who learns differently visit
DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

Catch ya next week.

Robin Dicks

Welcome to this week's Dealing With Learning Disorders Newsletter.

Featured Article

This week our Featured Expert Cindi Erickson shares about her life with ADD.

Here is some of what she wrote:

ADD may seem like a curse to some, but it really is a tremendous 'syndrome' to have. Just think, the world is your oyster and you just can't find enough hours in a day to take it all in!

All of us have some 'imperfection' that challenges us to overcome our particular 'hurdle' and learn how to function with and in spite of our 'thorn in the flesh'. Paul said, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh..." (2 Corinthians 12:7) ADD/ADHD happens to be one of those 'invisible' thorns in the flesh.

Sure, the symptoms are very visible. We're constantly on the go, excessively daydream, and often have problems with following instructions and/or finishing work. But, the 'syndrome' itself is invisible.

My son (also a fellow ADD'er) and I often talk about what our brains 'do'. The creative ideas and thoughts that rush through our minds, the 'bunny foo-foos' that overcome us during conversations. We feel blessed to have ADD. We don't know how we would function if we didn't have the cacophony of sounds, thoughts, and yes, sometimes vocal chatter, in our brains. It must be awfully lonely to be 'normal'! Thank God I'm not!

This article can be found in detail at My Life With ADD


Featured Videos

This week I posted the video interviews that I did with Featured Expert Blair Hill, on his life with Asperger's Syndrome. He talks about how his family was diagnosed and how he has learned to cope. You can see an Part I here on my YouTube channel. Part II and III are on the inside of the site. If you want to see more go here.


General Topics Discussions

This week in the we talked about a new book that is getting ready to be released by our Featured Expert, 15 year old Jennifer Smith. The book is called Dyslexia Wonders.

We talked about what we will would be doing for the Labor Day holiday and how we can make memories for our family.

Some of us shared our excitement for McCain's choice for Vice President, Sarah Palin, and how it might affect this country if McCain is chosen for president. She is mother of 5, pro-life, and has a down syndrome baby.

I love our private community where we can feel safe to talk about things that matter without feeling like the whole world is watching us.

Come join us!


Tip of the Week


Finding a system for chores is different for every family, and with
a child who has learning disabilities, it can be difficult.

While teaching a child a new chore, we tend to be more patient than
after he's been doing it for a while. Try to keep in mind, for some
children with learning disorders, some things can seem very easy for
them for the first day, and the next day you may have to teach them
from the beginning again.

Here is a way to teach a new chore, and to keep them able to do the
chore.

List chores appropriate for age and ability. Gradually work your way
up the list.
Start with short work periods, i.e., 10-20 minutes in length.
Increase the time as his/her interest grows.
Present the task in short directions and have the child repeat them.

Compliment on the job done. Try very hard not to redo it.
If the bed is not made the way you would have done it, then he did
it the way he knew best. Turn it into a teaching lesson and say,
"I like the way you did your best to make your bed, especially how
you pulled the bed spread up and tucked it in. Another good thing to
do is to lay the pillow straight, see?"

Always be prepared to redirect the child. Never take for granted
that the child remembers, but try not to hang over him while he is
doing the responsibility.

Do not allow your child to gain control of any situation.
You are to structure the tasks. If he throws a "fit" when given
responsibilities (that are appropriate for age and ability),
then he should be told,"When you are finished you may start with
your responsibilities."

Always encourage and be positive about learning new things. Don't
become impatient if it takes him longer than you think it should
to master a new skill.

Next week watch for part two of this message on responsibilities.

Have a great week!

--Robin Dicks

To learn more about how you can help your child with learning
disorders visit: DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

First Day of School for 2008-2009

Well our first day of school was suppose to start at 9:00 am today.

Of course I got called into work at 6:44 am. I work for juvenile intake for my county. When there is a child in need of care or a child arrested they call me and I go into the sheriff's dept. and process the kids information, put it into the computer and then access where the child needs to be released to.

So anyway, I got called in for one teenager and while process that kid they brought me two more that I needed to process. I was there until 12:45. Not what I had planned for the day.
I had planned to be done with school by then. So we just had to be flexible and do school this afternoon. We finished at 5:45.

Usually on the first day of school I take pictures of each of the kids and we all go out to eat and have ice cream at the same restaurant each year. That didn't happen today, but we'll do those things tomorrow and just pretend it's the first day.

I think we're going to love our new curriculum. I ordered it on Tuesday around midnight and I received it on Sat. That was fast shipping.

Here's to a great year of learning and growing together as a family.

Last minute change!

Well I totally, at the last minute, changed our curriculum for school this year and ordered it last night.

We've been doing My Father's World and for the last two years for Bible, Science and History. We've been studying Ancient History. My plan was to continue with what we didn't get finished last year.

But after looking more and praying about it, I decided that we need to skip to My Father's World American/US History- Reformation to 1850. My kids (the two youngest) need to learn more about each state and about the times from Columbus on. I think this will be a refreshing change. I will also be adding in some Beyond Five In A Row Unit Studies here and there.

So that was a big expense that we hadn't budget for! Now I'm hoping that it comes in the mail at lightning speed. We are starting school on Tuesday.

How's that for a change of plans?

Just rambling.

I'm getting back into the swing of things after coming home from our trip. I've been very busy on the computer putting what I learned into action. Check out my YouTube videos on the right sidebar.

We will be starting school next Tuesday, so we'll be even busier then we are now. My 16 year old started her first college class last week at the junior college right behind our house. I love that she is getting high school and college credit both for taking this class and I LOVE that someone else is teacher her writing. She's taking English Comp I. She's a reluctant writer (kind of like her mom) but I know she will do fine. I keep telling her that she will appreciate me someday for encouraging her to do this. :)

With the holiday weekend coming up we are going to have one last outing before school starts. We're will be going camping at our county lake. Each year our town does a fireworks display over the lake. It is so beautiful! We'll go a few days before, get our camping spot, and then invite friends and family out to watch the fireworks with us. It will be a wonderful way to celebrate Labor Day.

I'd love to hear what your family will be doing to celebrate the holiday? You can leave a comment below. Take care. Robin

Welcom to this weeks DWLD newsletter.

This weeks Featured Article is...

'The Truth About A Child's Compulsive Lying'
Dr. T. Quek writes...

Children lie. That is a fact most parents would attest to. They don't seem to need instruction on lying; they don't need encouragement to do so. They just do. Children exaggerate, twist the truth, hide the facts, manufacture stories, and deny the obvious.

Before we consider why children lie, it is essential to recognize that lying may be an early indicator of a more severe problem. Compulsive lying has often been indicated in the early stages of children suffering from social behaviour disorders, primarily that of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Conduct Disorder.

Recognizing that there are "special needs", however, only allows the parent to seek more help. There are still some fundamental reasons why children lie compulsively.

1. Fear. Fear is a common motivator for lying.

2. Habit. Lying can also become a habit formed through constant practice.

3. Modelling. Lying is a commonplace behaviour, and children are subject to lies all the time.

4. Overprediction. Children also lie because they overpredict a reaction.

Do I Punish Lying?

When we get to the "bottom line", many parents want to know if they should punish a child for lying, and if so how.

Consider some important issues regarding punishment and lying:

1. Punishment without loving and careful instruction is a useless tool, and one that often leads to excessiveness and abuse.

2. Seek the deeper motivation for the lie and work at the source rather than the symptom.

3. Use punishment as the last option, not the first reaction.

Above all, recognize that the purpose and desire of every parent is to encourage honesty. That is a characteristic, not just a behaviour. When all is said and done, we want our children to love the truth, not to fear it; and to hate lies, not merely the punishment that lying brings.

To see the details of this article click here


Forum News

Our “Discussion Forum” introduces many interesting topics every week.
Here we find a private place to share with others, make friends, and ask questions of the Featured Experts on the site.

This week Cheryl shared with us a site that offers free live teleseminars and audio classes dealing with helping parents of children with ADD/ADHD.
She wrote: "Although directed to ADD children I 'm sure all parents can benefit from it."
Find the site at www.addclasses.com

Several people talked about being encouraged by watching the Olympics, knowing that Michael Phelps has ADD, and seeing him succeed. I posted an article about him that was in the New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/sports/olympics/10Rparent.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Here's what Marilyn had to say.
Oh I LOVED LOVED LOVED the last line of that article!
Most people focused on what Michael couldn't do. His mother focused on what he could do.
That's our job: get to know our child, get to know his gifts and nurture his gifts.

Come join us in the discussion forums. You can try it out for only $1.00


Tip of the Week

Here are some ways to organize your child's room so that he can become more independent.

Color code drawers and hangers in his room.
For example, red hangers for shirts, drawers with the red dot for underwear. Then make a chart so he can follow the colors and hang it on his wall. Then you can tell him "Get a pair of underwear from the red drawer, a shirt from the red hanger, and a pair of pants from the blue drawer."

Letting your child with make his own choices gives him a feeling of self confidence and shows your trust in him. Try not to be negative when his choices aren't appropriate. And be very positive and encouraging when he makes a good choice.

Put a chart with words and pictures in the bathroom for times and chores. An example would be brushing his teeth with toothpaste (be explicit) at 7:30.

Put a chart of chores and times for everybody in the kitchen or in a family area. It will help your family be more organized as well as make your child remember his responsibilities.


Learn more on how to help your child with learning difficulties at
DealingWithLearningDisorders.com

Feel free to leave comments.

Talk with you next week. Robin Dicks

Site Owner of the Year!

Congratulations to our dear Robin Dicks who won SafeGate's Site Owner of the Year!!

At our annual Entrepreneur Days conference in Atlanta this past weekend, I presented her with a beautiful crystal trophy and a check for $1000!

She deserved it! Although it's been challenging, she hasn't given up and has done a great job getting the site DealingWithLearningDisorders up and going.

She is creating a community of folks who can encourage each other to deal lovingly with their children.

Yahoo! Isn't this fun!

Rhea!
who is sooooooo proud of Robin

See the video here.

It was so thrilling to win this award! I was sooooo surprised! Thanks Rhea!

This conference was such a great learning opportunity. It is so unique to attend a conference where children are encouraged to be a part and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Here is a list of some of the speakers that were there at what they talked about. They were all fabulous!

*Bill Walsh - International Entrepreneur Teaches You And YOUR Family
*Don Crowther - Social Sites / Social Networking For Business and Personal
*Drew Perry - Sell Your Home on eBay; Real Estate on eBay
*Scott Schilling - Learn Stock Market Investing -- It's A Life Skill That Can Bring Dividends All Your Life
*Greg Cesar - Driving Tons Of Traffic To Your Website With Google AdWords
*Kerim Emre - eBay Online Auction Expert
*Larry Goins - Creating Your Own Ultimate Buying and Selling Real Estate machine
*Brendon Burchard - Corporate and Non-Profit Partnerships
*Mike Stewart - Marketing With Online Audio And Video

If you have children that are struggling academically, plan to go to this conference next year. Kids learn, right along with their parents, ways to become successful on the Internet. They learn how to work from home and do things most school don't teach, real world education.

Until next Tuesday. Blessings on you! Robin