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Center For Neuro Development |
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PO Box 99369 Lakewood, Washington 98496-0369 Phone (253) 581-1588 |
PO Box 9346 Phone (719) 423-6463 |
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Keys for unlocking ADHD, LD, Autism and More! |
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| E-Mail: maggie@centerforneurodevelopment.com | Web Site:
www.centerforneurodevelopment.com www.homeschoolhelps.com www.specialhelps.com www.academynorthwest.org |
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Unlocking Learning Potential July, 2009
Summer at the Center
Except for short times here and there, we are HERE for you this summer. While we all like to “take the summer off” there is only one sector in society that really does that – school. In life we usually take shorter times off. For individuals of all ages who have learning challenges, “taking the summer off” can be devastating. Have you ever noticed that the first six weeks of school is just review? If you take shorter times off, not as much time is needed for review. Summer is an excellent time to have evaluations and get started on an Individualized Neurodevelopmental Plan. We have a 3-day a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Brain Training Session beginning on July 14 and lasting through August 21. This 6-week program is ideal to jumpstart learning. If you cannot do all 6 weeks, you can pay by the week. Contact us to find out how to get started – maggie@centerforneurodevelopment.com (253) 581-1588
ADD: A Neurodevelopmental Approach Kay Ness, ICAN Certified Neurodevelopmentalist
Attention Deficit Disorder is a common diagnosis of school age children. With the prevalence of this diagnosis, approximately 5 to 10% of the school-aged children according to the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, it is important that parents understand exactly what this label is, what it means, how it is determined and alternatives that are available for their children.
ADD is defined as "a persistent and frequent pattern of developmentally inappropriate inattention and impulsively, with or without hyperactivity." The DSM-IV criteria for ADD include nine signs of inattention, six signs of hyperactivity, and three signs of impulsivity. All signs do not have to be present for a child to receive the diagnosis of this permanent mental disability. It is important to note the subjectivity of this diagnosis: there are no objective medical tests, no brain scans, no blood tests, no scientifically objective criteria to establish that anyone has this permanent psychological disorder. The Merck Manual states, "diagnosis is difficult. No particular organic signs or set of neurological indicators is specific, and no specific test has been validated." Diagnosis is based on observation by parents, psychological professionals and teachers who complete a checklist. Based on a checklist, an individual is labeled with a mental disorder. So, the parent is confronted by a situation where their child has been saddled with a label based on symptoms.
There is Life after “Learning Disabilities” Part 2
Many parents wonder how their child with learning struggles will do in the future – there can be a bright future. Last month you read the story of a mom and now you can read her son’s college essay. (If you missed that issue, link to it from our home page: www.centerforneurodevelopment.com) Today J is in a college and doing well. How have hardships or challenges you have faced in your life influenced your decision to apply to a military Academy? What have you learned from these experiences?
For the past 15 years, I have started my day looking at the words “Beat Navy”. A black and gold sweat towel hangs on my bedroom wall with these words. My Father gave this towel to me when I was a little boy. “Beat Navy” is a phrase I heard over and over again from my family – my Dad, my uncle and my brother – all West Point grads. It was spoken with such meaning and passion. It was almost as if they were in love with the phrase. Why is “Beat Navy” such a significant phrase? I believe I have learned the answer, which is portrayed in the following story.
“Mrs. B., J. is a very nice boy, however, he has many problems. He doesn’t focus during class time, he struggles with his peers, and he is loud and distracting. We just don’t ever see J. amounting to much in life or going very far.” My first grade teacher to my mother said this during a parent-teacher conference. This was how my teachers and classmates saw me from kindergarten through the second grade. I was labeled a problem child with learning disabilities and was written-off by most everyone except my family.
I did have a variety of issues such as dyslexia, hypersensitive hearing and memory problems. Though everyone wanted to know “why”, the real matter was “now what?” Odds seemed to be against me. However, my loving parents took me out of grade school after the 2nd grade to be home-schooled because they knew we could beat these problems. My wonderful mother knew of my potential and was determined to fix her son and prove all of the non-believers wrong. Though it took years, guidance from expensive experts, and lots of patience and love, we succeeded.
I returned to a regular school environment for the 6th grade. As a high school student, I used this experience of being labeled a failure to fuel my attitude and desire to be best - in academics, athletics and school leadership. Now, I’m a straight A student, member of the National Honor Society, captain of high school sport teams and student government officer. I beat the odds, I “Beat Navy”.
Today, I understand that these words have such powerful meaning. These words are part of and reflect upon the passion, spirit, and service of the cadets preparing to serve their country at West Point. I credit my difficult school years for making me a perseverant and dedicated young man, ready to do my best all the time. I am ready to join the elite group of men and women who attend the United Sates Military Academy. I know West Point will be the perfect place for me to demonstrate my development and potential as a leader and servant soldier. |
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