Blog
Venting My Spleen (Once Again)
Those of you following this blog for some time know there are some recurring themes in these posts. Frequently, the blogs are my outlet for getting things off my chest that frequently come up in my interactions with parents. If you’re a relative newcomer, I will...
“Tell It To Me Straight, Doc…”
With about 500 blog posts under our belt, we look for inspiration where we can find it. Those of you who follow this blog, know that we strive to talk in “down-to-earth, plain language,” which is the overriding, mission of the website (www.shutdownlearner.com), the...
Challenging Our Assumptions
No matter how many kids I’ve seen over the years, I am continually struck by the assumptions made about children and how wrong they may be. Typical assumptions that are heard all the time include: “He’s just not trying hard enough.” “You just don’t care. You need to...
Sentimental Hoarding
Over the years I have been somewhat plagued by what I call a Sentimental Hoarding Disorder (SHD). My SHD mostly involves some form of paper. Certain items could never be thrown out and have been kept for many years. So, for example, if there was an article or a...
RIP Heroic “Salmon Swimmers”
“Salmon must swim upstream against the current or flow of the stream.” Over the years, I have been sensitive to the impact that mentors or other inspirational figures have had on shaping me. I have been particularly drawn to the “salmon...
“Land of Low Frustration Tolerance” – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick talks about the hallmark features of low frustration tolerance.
Talking Reversals & #Dyslexia (That again!!!)
With about 460 or so blog posts in I know I am going to repeat myself. I think it's ok, though, as I keep hearing the same themes brought to me to me by parents and professionals about topics around dyslexia, reading struggles, ADD and anything related to the topic...
“Bound By Law”
Quite often (even in these Covid times) I hear misinformation and misunderstanding from professionals and parents alike regarding children's issues and the school’s response. Maybe it’s my advancing years, but I find my crankiness meter rising as I hear the...
Travels Inside a Boy’s Head – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick gives his audience a glimpse inside the head of a boy struggling with a learning disability.
“Writing Issues: Open Ended Writing” – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick discusses the issues children with learning disabilities have with open-ended writing prompts.
“To Complain About the School, Press 1”
Recently an email came to us from the Maroochydore High School in Queensland, Australia. Included in the email was an audio phone message. The school staff had voted unanimously to record the message on the school’s answering machine. The message came about because...