Recommended books and resources

These are 2 excellent books for understanding working memory.
Working memory difficulties have a huge impact on dyslexic children, yet many parents and teachers do not really understand what it really is. These books offer some interesting insights and practical advice for supporting children with working memory difficulties.

Tracy Packiam Alloway has been involved extensive research into the area of Working memory, for further reading go to www.tracyalloway.com

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Dyspraxia is an area which many people do not really understand. Although it there can often be an overlap with dyslexia there are many unique and challenging difficulties associated with dyspraxia.
Victoira Briggs does an excellent job of describing through first hand experiences what it is like to be dyspraxic.  She highlights the social difficulties and anxiety with many people to do not appreciate.
A very interesting and informative read.

Also connect with Dyspraxia Foundation for a wealth of practical advice and support for parents, children and educationalists.
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Realising that your child may be dyslexic can be daunting as a parent, this book will help you make sense of this difficulty and know how to move forward.

"This book will show you how to ensure your child's success at school and in life. It provides a complete guide for parents and teachers to help children with learning difficulties in particular, dyslexia. ‘Helping Children With Dyslexia’ has helped thousands of families to navigate and overcome the barriers preventing their child from doing well at school. It provides the latest research and strategies from some of the worlds leading dyslexia experts as well as advice from parents who have children with learning difficulties. You will learn how to tell if your child is dyslexic, find the right school for your child, choose the right remedial programs, identify their strengths, build their confidence and work with the education system to help them achieve learning success." Amazon UK

Liz Dunoon has an excellent website Dyslexia Daily with advice and resources for parents and teachers.
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Following on from my article about visual difficulties here is an excellent guide for teachers and Inclusion specialists who want to understand 'Visual Perception' better.

It is a very clear and practical book with checklists to identify the full range of visual perceptual difficulties and 'Target Ladders' to help plan effective support or interventions.

Available at www. amazon.co.uk
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One of my favourite resources are Stile trays. In most of the schools I have worked in I have found that they are an under used resource. Mainly because many teachers do not know what they are for or how they work.

Stile trays are very appealing to children of all ages and abilities. Here's why.....

• they feel like a game or a puzzle rather than work
• there is no writing involved, a huge relief for dyslexic students
• there is a clear beginning and end, great for autistic students
• they are short activities
• they focus on one skill at a time
• they can be completed independently and are self checking - this is very rewarding for a student who always needs help
• they cover a wide range of topics and cater for different ability levels

There are Starter Stiles designed for 4 to 7 year olds

And there are original Stile trays for 7 -12 year olds (but they could be used with older students if appropriate)

Available from LDA   www.ldalearning.com or www.findel-education.co.uk

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"Our brightest, most creative children and adults are often being misdiagnosed with behavioral and emotional disorders such as ADHD, Oppositional-Defiant Disorder, Bipolar, OCD, or Aspergers. Many receive unneeded medication and inappropriate counseling as a result. Physicians, psychologists, and counselors are unaware of characteristics of gifted children and adults that mimic pathological diagnoses. Six nationally prominent health care professionals describe ways parents and professionals can distinguish between gifted behaviors and pathological behaviors. These authors have brought to light a widespread and serious problem, the wasting of lives from the misdiagnosis of gifted children and adults and the inappropriate treatment that often follows." Jack G. Wiggins, Ph. D., Former President, American Psychological Association

This excellent book really gives food for thought. Many people are unaware that gifted children can have learning difficulties or that many of the recognised characteristics of gifted children can be misinterpreted as learning difficulties. Even health professionals and teachers can end up focusing on the child's behaviour rather than the reason for the behaviour.  Misdiagnosis can be very damaging for a child as the 'treatment' they receive is not only ineffective but can distract from the real issues. A child's strengths and giftedness can be completely missed while everyone focuses on a child's weaknesses.  This can lead to frustration, isolation and depression.

Parents may find specific chapters useful in answering questions about their own children.  Often friends, family or teachers may suggest that a child has AHDH or is autistic without seeing the whole picture.

All teachers should read this book to fully understand the range of children in their classes and so they can support them and their families appropriately.