Schoolwork - 10 year old

[Fel]

Can anyone help with this? My son is 10 with AS and attends mainstream. Fine with maths, science, history, etc but has to use a laptop as handwriting painfully slow and illegible and his spelling and general English is well below his age. He understands things, but just cannot seem to translate his thoughts into words to put on paper, even when he knows the subject inside out. His teachers and I have tried SO many things to encourage and teach him, but I think we need more specialist help or I just don't see how he is going to get through secondary school.

 

I get the feeling this is quite common with AS, so someone, somewhere, must have the expertise to help him develop some skills in this area. He could have gone to the grammar school if it were not for this (not that I would have sent him - I don't think it's the right place for him), but I would like him to be able to achieve at least some of his potential so he has more chance of an independent life when he leaves school.

 

Would this be something an Educational Psychologist could help with?

 

If anyone knows, I'd be grateful for the advice.

[Kazzen161]

I have two like this - the only thing that I have found that helps is Mind Maps, used as a planning tool and for making notes. The book (Mind Maps for Kids) is by Tony Buzan - but it is a skill that needs to be taught and practised.

 

No professionals have suggested anything.

 

Karen

[Fel]

Thanks Karen. I've looked that up and looks useful, so I'll give that a go.

[Elanor]

Hi Fel

 

We use mind maps - they really help to organise thoughts and to give structure to ideas, and to the eventual ouput. I shall look up the book that Karen suggested for some more tips.

 

Is this an area where occupational therapists, or speech therapists can help?

 

Elanor

[eddie]

there is a fantastic computer programme called inspirations, it is used to help children who cannot organise their thoughts, it can turn mind maps into linear notes, it has subject templates such as science experiments, it is fab.

[elainem]

this won't help at all, sorry, but is a subject that perplexes me too.

 

First, I would say def get Ed Psych on your case.

 

My 4.5 yr old undx ds had congnitve tests by Ed Psych. Now, up to date I always thought he was a bright fella and so does everyone else. But there is something about abstract concepts, reasoning, receptive language, spatial concepts and he is really poor.

 

It is to do with his thinking style and thought processes and they have to find appropriate ways to teach him.

 

When I find out more I will tell you! Good luck with your ds.

 

Elaine

[Kazzen161]

>>there is a fantastic computer programme called inspirations

 

where can you get this programme from eddie? It sounds good.

 

Karen

[eddie]

off the top of my head not sure, but i'll find out asap.

[bluejean-genie]

Hi Karen,

I think this is the web site you are looking for:

www.taglearning.com/index.php

Edited March 28, 2005 by bluejean-genie

[eddie]

i got it from inclusive technology, www.inclusive.co.uk if you look under catalogue and the dyslexia part you will find it. it is �59 not a bad price at moment!!!! they also do one for younger kids called kidspiration. you can also ask for a free demo

[Fel]

Thanks everyone. Looked at the inspiration which coincidentally a friend said her ed psych recommended for her son. Looks good.

[bid]

Oooh, what a brilliant site...I've added it to my favourites. It would be really useful for anyone thinking of home schooling.

 

It's also got Writing With Symbols 2000, but that's �160

 

Thanks for that!

 

Bid

[Kazzen161]

Thanks for that, I will have a look.

 

Karen