Blog
Must See the Neurologist
Even though schools will tell parents that they need to see a neurologist to diagnose dyslexia, the following are essentials that must be considered in an assessment: Reading aloud from a graded word list to determine word identification skills and how automatically...
Weight Lifting
As the current “new abnormal” continues, virtually all children are receiving instruction on-line, there are a few old school considerations to keep in mind. Much of the “instruction” described to me by the parents with whom I consult with (on-line), represents a...
Back in the Zone (of No Zone)
Today I chatted with parents about their 10 year old fifth grade child, Lianna. Since kindergarten they have watched her struggle. They saw other children in Lianna’s peer group progressing, while she seemed stuck, barely moving forward. Even though they would...
Accommodations: Avoiding “Rubber-Stamping”
When a children have a learning disability like dyslexia, typically this impacts their reading fluency, spelling and writing. For those who have been “diagnosed” as ADHD/ADD their central features are distractability, inattentiveness and impulsivity. Quite often...
Accommodations “R” Us
Recently, we talked about the mythologies associated with the 504 Plan, trying to put some of these to rest (https://shutdownlearner.com/504-you/) This week we extend the discussion by talking about the realities of accommodations and modifications. Keep in mind the...
504 & You
Parents will come to me seeking a 504 Plan for their child. It is my sense that the 504 Plan, while now part of casual language, is not fully understood and is fraught with a great deal of “on-the-street” mythology. You know how it goes, your friend or neighbor...
More on “The Diagnosis”
In this business of consulting with parents about their children's struggles over the years, I have many standard lines that I find myself using over and over. One of them is that what I do is, “not like real medicine.” My point is not to be self-deprecating, but to...
Reading Horizons Q&A Webinar: Helping Children During These Times
This week we were honored to be asked to take part in a Q & A webinar sponsored by Reading Horizons. Donell Pons, a reading/learning specialist based in Utah, and I kick it around in this informal chat. Hope you enjoy: Here's the link: Reading Horizons...
Challenging Times – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick discusses why structure and rules are so important for children, especially during these challenging times.
Chronic and Persistent – Two Minute Tidbit Tips
In today's Two Minute Tidbit Tip, Dr. Selznick explains why we should view helping students with serious reading disabilities as a long-term process, not something that can be resolved quickly and easily.
During These Times
During these difficult times and the uncharted waters that we find ourselves, there are endless streams of articles on what to do with your children to help them through. So, why not throw our hat in the ring. Claiming no particular expertise on children and...