Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities: Strategies to Succeed in School and Life with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADHD, and Processing Disorders

by Daniel Franklin PhD, Louis Cozolino PhD (Foreword by)

Overview

Based in cutting-edge research in neuroscience, education, and the principles of attachment-based teaching, this important guide for parents offers tools and practices to help children transcend language-based learning difficulties, do better in school, and gain self-confidence and self-esteem.

If your child has a language-based learning difficulty—such as dyscalculia, dyslexia, and auditory processing disorder—they may have to work twice as hard to keep up with their peers in school. Your child may also have feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, or shame as a result of their learning differences. As a parent, it hurts to see your child struggle. But the good news is that there are proven-effective strategies you can learn to help your child be their best. This book will show you how.

Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities outlines an attachment-based approach to help your child succeed based in the latest research. This research indicates that a secure attachment relationship between you and your child actually optimizes their learning ability by enhancing motivation, regulating anxiety, and triggering neuroplasticity. In this book, you’ll discover why it’s so important to accurately assess your child, find new perspectives on LBLDs based on the most current studies, and discover tips and strategies for navigating school, home life, and your child’s future. Most importantly, you’ll learn how your own special bond with your child can help spark their interest in reading, writing, and math.

Every child is unique—and every child learns in his or her own way. With this groundbreaking guide, you’ll be able to help your child thrive, in school and life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684030989
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	07/01/2018
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	381,494
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Daniel Franklin, PhD, holds a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in reading, language, and learning disabilities, as well as a PhD in education from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has over thirty years of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, and consultant. Franklin is founder and president of Los Angeles, CA-based Franklin Educational Services, Inc., which provides individualized school support services for students of all ages and needs.

Louis Cozolino, PhD, is professor of psychology at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and author of The Social Neuroscience of Education.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Introduction 1

Part I An Overview of Language-Based Learning Difficulties

Chapter 1 What Is a Language-Based Learning Difficulty? 9

An Overview of Language-Based Learning Difficulties 13

Your Child's Learning Environment 16

Chapter 2 Correctly Assessing Your Child 19

Levels of Support in Public Schools 21

Private Assessments 29

Chapter 3 A Kinder Way to Support Your Child 37

Your Relationship With Your Child Is More Important Than Schoolwork 40

Collaboration Is Not "Enabling" 41

The Role of Bypass Strategies 42

Subshill Coupling: The Underlying Problem 45

Part II Succeeding at School

Chapter 4 Forming a Strong Bond with Your Child 51

Step 1 Identify the Problem 52

Step 2 Break the Cycle of Negative Feedback 54

Step 3 Promote Emotional Regulation 55

Step 4 Embrace the Value of Play 58

Step 5 Adjust Homework and How Much You Help 60

Step 6 Intervene During a Crisis 62

Step 7 Stay Patient and Positive 64

Chapter 5 Navigating School 69

Establishing Good Relationships with Teachers and Administrators 69

Establishing Good Habits in the Classroom 73

Reconsidering How You Value Grades and Independent Learning 75

Strategies for Promoting Active Learning 77

Knowing When to Bring in a Tutor 82

Chapter 6 Dyslexia: Unable to Read in a Reading World 85

Creating a Culture of Language in Your Home 86

How to Correct Reading Mistakes 89

How to Encourage a Reluctant Reader 90

How to Provide Reading Instruction to a Child with Dyslexia 92

How to Develop Your Child's Vocabulary 99

How to Teach Advanced Reading Skills 100

How to Manage the Reading Demands of Homework 104

Chapter 7 Dysgraphia: Unable to Write in a Writing World 109

Creating a Culture of Writing in Your Home 110

How to Develop Foundational Writing Skills 113

How to Collaborate on Writing Assignments 116

How to Write with Your Child 119

Chapter 8 Dyscalculia: Unable to Compute in a STEM World 125

Creating a Culture of Math in Your Home 126

How to Make Math Enjoyable 127

How to Introduce Metacognition (Thinking About Thinking) 130

How to Supplement Math 132

How to Help with Math Homework 134

How to Manage Math Anxiety 138

Chapter 9 Information Processing and Memory 141

Nuts and Bolts of Memory 143

Strategies to Help Your Child Process and Remember 146

Why We Forget 152

Chapter 10 Managing ADHD and Executive Functioning Deficits 155

Getting (and Staying) Organized 157

Getting Started on Homework 158

Sustained Attention 159

Regulating Emotion During Homework 160

Chapter 11 Working with Your 11th or 12th Grader 165

Managing Upper-Grade Demands 166

The Importance of a Positive Mindset 170

Part III Succeeding at Life

Chapter 12 Navigating Life Outside of School 179

Promoting Social Skills 179

Managing Anxiety and Stress 189

Developing a Healthy Lifestyle 191

Promoting Financial Responsibility 193

Making the Most of Summer Vacation 194

Chapter 13 Cultivating Independence After High School 199

Academic Options After High School 200

Part-Time or Full-Time Work 204

Independent Living 205

Acknowledgments 207

Further Reading 211

References 217

Interviews

Franklin resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Editorial Reviews

Children who struggle with language-related learning issues, and their families, face the daunting prospect of navigating an education system that is not aligned to their unique neurobiological profiles. In this gem of a book, Franklin arms parents with the knowledge and strategies they need to support and advocate for their unique child—not just in learning to read or calculate but in developing to their full potential as a whole and happy human being. There are no quick fixes or magic beans here—the information presented amounts to a practical, reliable, and sensitively written guide.”
—Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, PhD, professor of education at the University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education, associate professor of psychology at USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute, and author of Emotions, Learning, and the Brain

Mary Helen Immordino-Yang

Daniel Franklin provides practical steps to help children with language-based learning disabilities succeed not only at school, but also at life. His helpful advice is accessible, clear, and instructive; at the same time, it is supportive and empathetic. This book is essential for parents who struggle with how best to equip their children with the skills they need to navigate educational challenges. Franklin also teaches parents how to foster positivity and confidence in their children.”
—Judy Ho, PhD, clinical psychologist; two-time board diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology and the National Board of Forensic Evaluators; tenured associate professor of psychology at Pepperdine University; and frequent expert psychologist on leading television networks, including CNN, CBS, and FOX

Judy Ho

This is a truly human book for parents overwhelmed by the world of experts, incomprehensible advice, and reports they don’t understand. Franklin writes, ‘Your relationship is more important than schoolwork.’ Imagine! If parents learn nothing more than this, they will have learned the essence of how to help their struggling child. This comprehensive book is a marvel that will help struggling parents breathe a whole lot easier.”
—Dorothy Ungerleider, MA, board-certified educational therapist, founder of the Association of Educational Therapists, and author of Reading, Writing, and Rage and Educational Therapy in Action

Dorothy Ungerleider

Parents of children with special needs are on a journey they didn’t ask to take. There are many books that provide an aerial photograph of this voyage. Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities stands head and shoulders above the rest by offering a road map, a compass, a walking stick, and some snacks along the way. Daniel Franklin’s experience, wisdom, and sensitivity shine through on every page. He can lead a concerned parent from feeling that ‘my child is a problem’ to the profound understanding that ‘my child has a problem—and I can help.’”
—Richard D. Lavoie, MA, MEd, author of The Motivation Breakthrough and It’s So Much Work to Be Your Friend

Richard D. Lavoie

Daniel Franklin, a respected educational therapist, has written a thoughtful and empathetic book translating his experience helping many boys and girls into a practical guide. His advice takes into consideration first and foremost the child’s feelings and preferences, and works to bring parents and their struggling child onto the same plane. He understands and emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention, and that there are no magic bullets, but that practice and more practice pay off. Franklin emanates positivity and patience, stressing kindness to children who have been exposed to more than their share of shaming and corrective input from adults.”
—Sally E. Shaywitz, MD, professor of learning development, cofounder and codirector of The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, and author of Overcoming Dyslexia

Sally E. Shaywitz

This book is an outstanding resource not only for parents of children with language-based learning difficulties, but also for parents more generally. Written in a highly accessible way, it provides a warm, positive, and encouraging approach for supporting children through strong relationships between parents and children, and between families and educators.”
—Amanda Datnow, PhD, professor of education at the University of California, San Diego

Amanda Datnow

Daniel Franklin has written a truly remarkable book about children with language-based learning disabilities. His work contains not only clear descriptions of different problems faced by children and adolescents with learning problems, but also realistic strategies for addressing these problems. I was especially impressed with Franklin’s understanding of and empathy for children who struggle with learning, as well as for their parents, teachers, and other professionals who work with them. I found Franklin to be skilled at presenting the importance of helping youngsters to become more independent without prematurely removing the support that they require to navigate life’s challenges. This book will serve as a major resource for parents and professionals—to be read and reread.”
—Robert Brooks, PhD, faculty at Harvard Medical School (part-time), and coauthor of Raising Resilient Children and The Power of Resilience

Robert Brooks

Daniel Franklin’s remarkable book offers parents a wealth of strategies they can use to support their struggling children. Franklin’s suggestions are easy to implement, and create a common language for parents and professionals. His compassionate approach will inspire and empower families, and provide students with hope and optimism. This is a must-read for anyone helping a child navigate the challenges of school and life.”
—Richard L. Goldman, MEd, teacher, administrator, and college professor with over forty years’ experience in language-based learning disabilities and educational consulting

Richard L. Goldman

Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities is a great resource for parents and education professionals. Franklin provides the understanding (and tools) necessary for parents to more effectively meet the learning needs of their children. The other great accomplishment of this book is its focus on education as a means to an end—that a positive educational experience can help children grow into adults who are successful and who thrive in their life pursuits.”
—Michael E. Spagna, PhD, provost and vice president of academic affairs at California State University, Dominguez Hills

Michael E. Spagna