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If you are a teacher or parent, you may already know the value of audio books and stories that are able to be downloaded from the Internet. If you are the teacher or parent of one or more auditory learners, you probably consider audio books to be one of the most important resources you can provide for struggling readers. However, teachers and parents of children with special needs will very often look at audio books as priceless.

Student learning styles that benefit most from listening must be addressed in the classroom and at home. Doing so will help these students reach more of their academic goals in ALL content areas.

As promised in our last blog article, we wanted to provide our readers with a list of current online audio book and story resources for auditory learners as well as others who struggle with traditional reading or informational media. This would include children, teens and adults challenged with various types of dyslexia, ADHD, autism, low vision, stroke recovery, TBI issues or other conditions that can impact reading success. As always, we hope you will find these resources helpful for the individuals you serve or care for each day.

BEST Audio Books & Stories for Children

Random House Audio Listening Library (for Young Children---Pre-K - 2nd Grade)
Various platforms (some FREE)
FREE and individually-priced audio selections for very young listeners
http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/results.php?grade_range_in=0-2&sort=best_13wk_3month

Random House Audio Listening Library (for Middle School---Grades 3 – 6)
Various platforms (some FREE)
FREE and individually-priced audio selections for middle school listeners
http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/results.php?grade_range_in=3-6&sort=best_13wk_3month.

Audiobooks - Kids (FREE)-by Audiobook Pop! LLC
Platforms: for iPhone and iPad
The Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Velveteen Rabbit, Anderson's Fairy Tales, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Adventures of Reddy Fox
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audiobooks-kids-free/id537856546?mt=8

FREE Audio Stories for Kids (great for shorter attention spans or younger children)
Here is a list of audio stories created especially for children. Listen by clicking on the story title to visit the story’s page where you can read along by downloading the audio file provided.
http://lightupyourbrain.com/stories/

Books Should Be Free-for Children
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
Many FREE public domain audio books & e-books for children
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Children

BEST Audio Books for Teens

Random House Audio Listening Library (for Young Adult---7th Grade & up)
Various platforms (some FREE)
FREE and individually-priced audio selections for teen listeners
http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/results.php?grade_range_in=7-up&sort=best_13wk_3month

Books Should Be Free-for Teens & Young Adults
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
Many FREE public domain audio books & e-books for teens and young adults
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Teen_Young_adult

Books Should Be Free-Short Stories (great for shorter attention spans)
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
FREE public domain audio books & e-books for teens & young adults
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Short_stories

BEST Audio Books for Adults

Books Should Be Free-Non-fiction Selections
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
FREE public domain audio books & e-books for adults (some for teens & young adults)
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Non-fiction

Books Should Be Free-Top 100 Audio Book Selections
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
FREE public domain audio books & e-books for adults (some for teens & young adults)
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/Top_100

Audiobooks.com
40,000 mystery, romance, bestsellers and other selections via membership
FREE 7-day trial available
http://www.audiobooks.com/

BEST Audio Books for Everyone

Podiobooks (FREE)
Podiobooks has over 70,000 free audio books over every subject you can think of and includes audio books for adults and kids. Download the free audio books directly from the website or receive them like podcasts from an RSS feed. There is no need to register to get a free audio book from Podiobooks but if you do, and registration is free, you'll get a custom podcast feed that will make enjoying your book a whole lot easier.
http://freebies.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=freebies&cdn=hobbies&tm=96&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=3&bt=4&bts=22&zu=http%3A//www.podiobooks.com/

LibriVox (FREE)
For computers, iPods or other mobile devices, or to burn onto a CD
LibriVox has a huge selection of free audio books that are recordings of volunteers who have read chapters from books that are in the public domain. You can find a free audio book by searching by title, author, or status. You can also browse all the titles in the catalog or view only the most recent audio books. The free audio books can be downloaded directly from LibriVox or you can subscribe to them as podcasts.
http://librivox.org/

Project Gutenberg (FREE)
Project Gutenberg makes audio e-books available for some of the same great literature available in plain text. Listings are divided into two categories: Human-read and computer-generated audio books. These files can be very large, so are not well-suited for people using a modem or other low-speed connection.
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Gutenberg:The_Audio_Books_Project

AudioBooksForFree.com (FREE)
All types of literary genres including non-fiction are available here.
http://www.audiobooksforfree.com/home

Audible.com
Audible has a 30-day free trial going which means that you can download any audio book of your choice for free during that time. Audible has a great selection of audio books and you'll be able to find just about any audio book you are looking for, including best sellers and new releases.
http://www.audible.com/t1/30trial_at?source_code=COMGB900TWS022912&AID=1644783&PID=6448496

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: William Milner Photography: http://www.milner-photo.com/images/people/headphone_kid.jpg

As this year's back-to-school season gets underway, parents and their children are busy shopping for school supplies and other needed materials to help start the school year in the best way possible. If you are one of those families juggling school supply lists AND a budget that just won’t budge, we have something to offer here that will help contribute to your child’s success in school this year but won’t add a penny to your back-to-school bills.

This week, we have a list of study tips for you or your child that should certainly help start this year of study on the right foot. We hope you will consider adopting the study strategies listed here to enable your child to have a more successful school year for 2013-’14. Have a GREAT year!

BEST Study Environment

1. Study Space: Establish a quiet and structured space for daily study.

2. Desk & Chair: Locate or re-purpose a sturdy desk or table for your study space. It is an added bonus if this piece of furniture can provide a file or supply drawer. In addition, find a supportive but comfortable chair to meet your needs.

3. Bookshelf: Next to the desk (or table) and chair, set up a small shelf for your school text books so that they will be within reach.

4. Temperature & Lighting: Be sure that the temperature of the space where you plan to study is comfortable and adjustable for your varying needs. For some students, lower lighting and/or temperature may be more helpful than bright light and warmer temperatures.

BEST Study Strategies & Tools

1. Read Summary Questions FIRST: At the end of a section or unit of content, there is sometimes a set of questions that will emphasize the most important points of that section. Before you begin the actual reading of the section, read these questions FIRST. They will help direct and focus your thinking while you read that particular section.

2. Highlight Key Words and Phrases: Using a highlighting marker in your favorite color, mark important ideas in the text that you read. Be careful to limit this highlighting to ONLY those words that are important. Key words, main ideas and topic sentences are important. Highlighting every line of a paragraph will be self-defeating and not provide any study benefits to you.

3. Use Reading Focus Cards: To help you focus, concentrate and retain more information more easily, consider using study tools such as the Reading Focus Cards(Patent 7,565,759). These teacher-created and customizable reading tools isolate 1 or 2 lines of printed text and block out more surrounding text than other tools available. They can be especially helpful for children, teens and adults with ADHD, dyslexia and other issues that impact reading success. A choice of 3 colored filters (recommended by developmental optometrists) is included with the tools.

4. Make and Use Flashcards: Create sets of flashcards from 3” X 5” index cards (place each set in small box or on a large binder ring to flip for study of facts, dates, terms, new vocabulary or other important content). If writing these out seems like a daunting task, the flashcards can be computer-generated, saved and printed for your use instead.

5. Short Breaks: Take short breaks as needed during your study session, but remember that these should be just breaks, not distractions that lead to other activities.

Other Important Tips

Eat & Sleep: Getting the right amount of sleep and maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging when one is a committed student. Be sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep on school nights and eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and lean protein to help you be at your best each day. Remember to drink plenty of water rather than soft drinks throughout each day of the week.

Exercise: Be sure to include physical activity that promotes good muscle tone and aerobic benefits each day. This will help you feel ready to study and learn.

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: www.BrennanInnovators.com

Some students relax and recreate with their families during the holiday season. Others, especially struggling readers, may choose to use some of their holiday time to re-read or review challenging content and prepare for the next semester’s classes. As 2012 begins to wind down, we wanted to provide our student readers with some apps to help review and prepare in the best ways possible.

The following articles and lists of reading and writing iPad apps should be most helpful for this type of review and class preparation---and, we hope, motivating at the same time as we begin a new year. Happy New Year 2013 to ALL of our readers, writers and learners here!

BEST Reading & Writing iPad Apps

20 iPad Apps to Teach Elementary Reading---With these 20 apps, children can learn how to write letters, improve phonics fluency, and even write their own books. Read on to find the very best iPad apps for developing young readers
From TeachThought’s blog
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/20-ipad-apps-to-teach-elementary-reading/

50 Popular iPad Apps for Struggling Readers & Writers---Here we highlight just a few of the amazing apps out there that can help students with reading disabilities improve their skills not only in reading, writing, and spelling, but they can also get a boost in confidence and learn to see school as a fun, engaging activity rather than a struggle.
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/50-popular-ipad-apps-for-struggling-readers-writers/

32 iPad Apps for Better Writing---Some of the brightest of these tools can be found on the Apple iPad, and we’ve highlighted 32 of them here. Whether you’re looking for a place to scribble ideas, organize plot lines, or just find your zen before sitting down to write, these apps have got you covered. (Best for students from middle school through college and beyond)
by Terry Heick from TeachThought’s Blog
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/32-ipad-apps-for-better-writing/

Cause and Effect (iPad App)---e Skills Learning Minimod's Cause and Effect helps students build mastery in the essential reading comprehension skill of Cause and Effect. Cause and Effect requires the student to read a passage. Some of the passages ask the student to determine the Cause, while other passages ask the student to determine the Effect. This app is carefully aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
http://www.eskillslearning.net/products/showproduct.php?product=causeandeffect

25 Essential Apps for Mobile Learning---Educational apps for high school through college
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/25-essential-apps-for-mobile-learning/

Other Helpful Resources

12 Characteristics of an iPad-Ready Classroom---Here are 4 distinct areas of instruction and instructional design that can help frame the concept of iPad integration: Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Integration.
http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/12-characteristics-of-an-ipad-ready-classroom/

21 Reasons to Use Tablets in the 21st Century Classroom---Some educators are still skeptical. How can a piece of technology truly enhance the learning process, without causing distraction?
http://www.teachthought.com/technology/reasons-to-use-tablets-in-the-21st-century-classroom/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://www.wired.co.uk/topics/ipad

The most recent statistics regarding the prevalence of ASDs (autism spectrum disorders) in the U.S. and abroad that were published this past March are more than sobering.

Here are just some of the statistics reported (Data to 2008 provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—March 29, 2012):

• About 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.

• ASDs are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

• ASDs are almost 5 times more common among boys (1 in 54) than among girls (1 in 252).

Reference: Information and statistics above courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html/. (Add’l. information with data chart for 2006-2008 can be viewed via this URL as well.)

In light of this most recent data, we wanted to provide an updated book list for our readers seeking current information on the topic. We hope this list will offer the information needed to help many on the autism spectrum. I wish to thank Mrs. Noelle Bearer Mador who created the document, Special Needs Books to Read, the basis for the following booklist for autism:

1. How to Teach Life Skills to Kids with Autism or Asperger's by Jennifer McIlwee Myers

2. 10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm

3. 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger's by Ellen Notbohm

4. Bright Not Broken by Diane M. Kennedy, Rebecca S. Banks, and Dr. Temple Grandin

5. Different Not Less by Dr. Temple Grandin

6. The Way I See It by Dr. Temple Grandin

7. Thinking in Pictures by Dr. Temple Grandin

8. Emergence: Labeled Autistic by Dr. Temple Grandin

9. Kids Beyond Limits by Anat Baniel

10. Be Different by John Elder Robison

11. Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Other ASDs by Chantal Sicile-Kira and Temple Grandin

12. Between Their World and Ours: Breakthroughs with Autistic Children [Hardcover] by Karen Zelan

Additional Data and Resources for Autism

Data for the prevalence of ASDs by state (from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network -2012) http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/documents/ADDM-2012-Community-Report.pdf

The 2012 data (from 2006 and 2008) in chart format
http://www.stellamarie.com/index.php/2012/03/29/autism-rates-per-state-2008

Austism Services Providers (listed by state)
http://special-learning.com/asp

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://clipart.mrdonn.org/emotions.html

It is more than obvious that our blog and website visitors are eagerly looking for resources to help with the challenges of dyslexia. Articles on the topic are the ones most readily sought on our sites for struggling readers of all ages.

This past spring, the words of one St. Louis clinical psychologist were all too accurate: “The schools are burying their heads in the sand, when it comes to dyslexia.” She was referring to the fact that when many teachers and most schools learn of a child’s dyslexia diagnosis, they very often believe that this condition is one that does not require their providing classroom accommodations for that child.

Although what can be written in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) varies from state to state, many times, dyslexia is not even addressed. However, sometimes, if this reading challenge called dyslexia is approached or presented as a reading disability or a processing disorder, THEN the schools may be more willing to work with parents.

In the meantime, we've once again put together here a collection of additional dyslexia resources for parents AND the teachers who wish to genuinely help their struggling learners with dyslexia. If just one teacher takes a look at what is offered here, it could translate into at least one step forward for one child. Let’s hope that more teachers and their schools become both interested AND motivated to DO something about and for these children--- very soon.

Genius Within---Innovative online training for adults that will transform your dyslexia and bring out your inner genius. FREE informative videos & an online Dyslexia Profile Test are included here.
http://www.geniuswithin.co.uk/index.php/site/whatisdislexia

Dyslexia: Types of Dyslexia-Video by expert Dr. Diane Sawyer who provides basic information about dyslexia, including the 4 different types of the condition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n95g4YiKiY&feature=fvwrel

Teaching Children with Dyslexia-What Accommodations Should My Child Have at School? A GOOD list of classroom accommodations specifically for dyslexia
http://athome.readinghorizons.com/research/accommodations.aspx

‘I AM DYSLEXIC’: A Short Documentary-Video with various individuals (of different ages) who have dyslexia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCf0JOhPV64&feature=related

decoding dyslexia (short)-Several segments from a 3-D animation of a TVNZ documentary entitled “Decoding Dyslexia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKekE10b82s&feature=related

Spelling Technique for Dyslexic-Video (parent) presentation of special technique based on the phonics of “i-g-h” to help those with dyslexia to spell with success
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CpZAH6elIc&feature=related

The Tutor Crowd - Blog and article containing the 10 Top Dyslexia Blogs for 2012
http://blog.thetutorcrowd.com/?p=55

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.clipartheaven.com/show/clipart/kids_stuff/images_%28a_-_f%29/children_with_picture_book-gif.html

This past week, our team of consultants at Brennan Innovators attended The St. Louis Autism Conference (June 5 & 6, organized and sponsored by Touchpoint Autism Services). As we talked with the parents and service providers who asked about our reading tools, we were reminded again and again that sensory resources are key in helping to first soothe and then teach important concepts to children and adults on the spectrum. In addition, the more senses that are incorporated into the teaching process, the greater the learning success and retention will be for the learner.

Last December, we published a blog article here entitled Help for Struggling Readers with Sensory Needs. Since then, there have been a large number of visitors to that particular post. This past week, many conference attendees requested sensory resources and tools to aid them in their methods of instruction and care. We referred them to our December post. However, we thought that in our blog this week, we would continue the discussion and provide additional sensory resources for the attendees and for our readers here.

The list to follow below here will provide just of few of the current online resources for sensory readers and learners. Please take advantage of them and feel free to let us know of others you have discovered. We’ll add them to our list!

Here are the sensory resources we have to offer this week:

FREE Sensory Resources (from Child 1st Publications)--Presents a powerful, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading - specifically for right brained learners including visual and kinesthetic learners and those with special needs.
http://www.child-1st.com/new_site/FreeStuff.html

Dyslexia and Multi-Sensory Reading Techniques--Students with dyslexia often learn best when taught using a multi-sensory approach.
http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/84889.aspx

10 Apps for Learners Who Struggle with Reading and/or Writing--(from Paul Hamilton)
http://paulhami.edublogs.org/2012/02/21/10-apps-for-learners-who-struggle-with-reading-andor-writing/

Sensory Integration Resources--Numerous articles are listed here to help your child with sensory integration issues, including an interview with Carol Kranowitz, author of The Out of Sync Child.
http://www.comeunity.com/disability/sensory_integration/

More Sensory Information and Resources--General information and links of all types related to sensory integration are provided for parents (and teachers) on this website.
http://www.sensoryresources.com/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.123rf.com/clipart-vector/sensory_perception.html

With more than 500,000 apps now in the Apple Apps Store and the current frenzy to purchase the newest iPad 3, it should be easy to see why we have given considerable attention in recent weeks to Apple’s apps.

At the Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo this week in Manchester, MO, however, we received quite a few requests for Android educational apps. We thought it was about time to present some of these educational resources for Android users, too.

Here then is a short list of URLS for lists of some Android educational apps (one list is extensive):

1. 101 Best Android Apps in Education (general education)
http://101bestandroidapps.com/category/education/

2. 7 Special Needs Apps in the Google Android Markethttp://blog.friendshipcircle.org/2011/03/09/7-special-needs-apps-in-the-google-android-market/

3. Special Education Android Apps (some pricey/some FREE)
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/special+education

We hope this short list will give you a few good places to start. Enjoy your investigation of these apps. As always, please feel free to let us know of others not listed here for the Android platform that provide good educational content. We’ll appreciate it!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

There is a need for many parents and teachers of struggling learners to have a “ready list” of apps when special learning challenges present themselves. Last December, we posted an article with our first list of special needs apps. Many of our readers have mentioned their appreciation for this list and continue to use its apps daily. You can still access the first list from that article.

As spring quickly approaches, we thought this would be a good time to offer these parents and teachers (with very little time of their own) a new list or basket of good, general apps for special needs.

We hope you will find this second list to be helpful, too. Please feel free to tell us about other apps not listed in the comment boxes to follow. We’ll be glad to post them, too!

10 Free iPad Apps for Children with Special Needs---by Jack Kieffer
http://www.autismpluggedin.com/2011/09/10-free-ipad-apps-for-children-with-special-needs.html

iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs---by Jackie Kaufenberg
http://blog.easystand.com/2010/05/ipad-apps-for-kids-with-special-needs/

iPad Apps and Accessories for Special Needs-by Eric Sailers (subscription required for download)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/39018411/iPad-Apps-and-Accessories-for-Special-Needs

Google Doc of iPad Apps for Special Ed ---iPod/iPad APPs for Special Education and Remediation + Feedback
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApbJodHQoJq3dE9xaVZ5TVc4UFktVUJaaW1Nc2FRSGc&hl=en#gid=0

Special Needs Apps---Created by the developers at Moms With Apps to assist children and families. Apps list is updated periodically.
http://momswithapps.com/apps-for-special-needs/

Other Helpful Resources for Special Needs Families

The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project---Helping families with disabled kids FREE medical supplies & equipment
http://www.themorganproject.org/?gclid=CMCy7f3T7K4CFQpjTAodJk8nJA

SEN Teacher---Provides cost-free teaching & learning resources for students with special needs and learning disabilities. Many resources here may also be of use to educators of primary and elementary students and homeschooling families.
http://www.senteacher.org/

Do2learn---Provides thousands pages of social skills and behavioral regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and games, communication cards, academic material, and transition guides for employment and life skills. To make the experience as pleasant and easy as possible, we display no ads nor require that you login to access our website.
http://www.do2learn.com/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.squidoo.com/free-easter-clip-art-images
NOTE: SmartAppsforKids.com is conducting a giveaway of 4 iPads beginning 3/19/12! Check it out! http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2012/03/win-one-of-four-ipads.html

Many of the keyword searches that bring visitors to our blog and websites revolve around the term “struggling readers” (really?) We felt it was about time to provide a list of good apps for teachers, parents and others who work tirelessly with children and teens challenged with reading. We hope these apps will “fill the bill” for those who come to us looking for solutions to help the many struggling readers everywhere.

A very comprehensive list of apps to help struggling readers
http://web.jordan.k12.ut.us/hpeak/Site/Apps_for_Struggling_Readers_files/AppsforEarlyLiteracy%20final.pdf

iPad Apps for Learning to Read – A Surprising Benefit (from RockNLearn.com)
http://rocknlearn.com/blog/2011/01/27/ipad-apps-for-learning-to-read-%E2%80%93-a-surprising-benefit/

Phonics and reading app for older, struggling readers—Phonics and Reading Lite (FREE version)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phonics-and-reading-lite/id477048847?ls=1&mt=8

Phonics and reading app for older, struggling readers—Phonics and Reading (FULL version of above app---$19.99 to download)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phonics-reading-mcguffey/id477046803?mt=8

Recommended iPad Book Apps for Older & Reluctant Readers Ages 8-12
http://digital-storytime.com/wp/?p=897

App Store - Reading Machine – Full Install ($1.99 to download) This app looks so simple, and it is. However, it is incredibly powerful, effective, and works wonders with struggling readers.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id368974482?mt=8

Special Note: The Reading Focus Cards work well to provide even better focus and greater concentration with iPads, Kindles, Nooks, and other related tech devices. Just remember to use a non-scratch film to protect the tech screens with this application.

Happy Reading, EVERYONE!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/clip/classhands.html

What do you do when you've just received a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD for your child? Is it an automatic indication that your child will not experience success in school? Does it mean that your youngster will have fewer opportunities in life? Not at all! There is much that you can do to ensure that your child challenged with AD/HD can become as successful as any of his classmates. However, he will need your consistent support and resources you can help to offer him.

First of all, try to focus on the strengths of your child challenged with ADD. Children and adults with ADD or ADHD (AD/HD) will ALWAYS have strengths (notice the plural here!) If the ADD energies can be channeled with appropriate strategies, they will further deliver on those strengths. It's all about having either a "glass half-full or half-empty" ADDitude.

Secondly, there are strategies and resources available that can actually be very helpful as well as organizations that can be very supportive. Here is our most current list of great resources for AD/HD:

Resources for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD):

• http://www.chadd.org/ For parents of children and adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) ---National Resource Center on AD/HD with info, resources, and support

• http://www.additudemag.com/ Website of ADDitude Magazine, premier publication about AD/HD

• http://www.russellbarkley.org/adhd-research.htm Official website of Professor Russell Barkley, providing fact sheets, resources and other information relating to AD/HD

• http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/children_who_cant_pay_attention/attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder Downloadable article with facts, resources, & other info on AD/HD for families

• http://www.ldanatl.org/ Learning Disabilities Association of America---National organization providing info, resources and support for LDs

Advocacy Resources (for All Special Needs):

• http://www.wrightslaw.com/ Wrightslaw: Special Education Law and Advocacy

• http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Services+in+School+for+Children+with+Special+Needs:+What+Parents+Need+to+Know§ion=Facts+for+Families Services (in school) for children with special needs (from the American Academy of Pediatrics)

For more information, please visit:

www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897 For phone support and consultation

The holiday season is winding down, and the new year is about to begin. The presents have been put away, returned, or exchanged. However, if you were fortunate enough to receive an iPad or the like for Christmas, have you begun to take full advantage of it? Are you needing more information and resources to make that happen? Let's see if we can help you here.

First of all, we have been receiving quite a number of calls from parents and teachers telling us that they are using our Reading Focus Cards with their new iPads and Kindles. Of course, we are recommending a protective film for the tech devices' screens with this application.

Secondly, if you are a parent or a teacher of a child with special needs, you are in luck today. I have been busy this past week researching the BEST apps for your new tech devices---specifically, apps for children and teens with special needs.

To follow here, you will find the apps that will be worth your time to investigate. Most of them have been chosen by professionals in the field of special needs. I only bring them directly to you here. Please let me know of your experiences with any one or more of them. It will be very valuable to receive your input! This is my humble gift to you for the new year. Happy New Year 2012 to all my readers here and the children you help!

Best 5 iPad Apps for Dyslexia (posted by Drs. Fernette and Brock Eide--July 26, 2011) http://dyslexicadvantage.com/profiles/blogs/ipad-apps-dyslexia

Top Word-Processor App (iPad writing tool) http://www.funeducationalapps.com/2011/11/textkraft-english-top-smart-text-processor-for-ipad.html

Apps Index from A to Z--for Children with Special Needs (+ reviews and demos from Dr. Gary Brown) http://a4cwsn.com/apps/apps-a-z/

List of Top 10 Apps for Children of ALL Abilities (for iPads, iPhones, and others from Ms. Meg Wilson) http://edreach.us/2011/11/23/giving-thanks-for-apps-that-assist/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897
Clip art courtesy of: http://freewareme.com/725-apple-ipad-photos-and-images.html

In our last article here, we discussed strategies for a struggling reader with sensory needs. In this week's article, we will continue to address these needs but from the standpoint of resources for the parents and teachers of these readers and learners.

The following is a current list of links that should provide information on assistive technology, educational resources, more strategies and tips, and additional information to help sensory learners. If our readers have additional resources to offer for these learners, please feel free to post them in the comments boxes below to share with others here. As always, thank you in advance for your valuable input!

Resources for Sensory Learning Styles

Kinesthetic techniques and strategies
1. http://math.about.com/b/2007/07/19/why-wont-they-learn-their-timestables-what-can-i-do.htm Math resources for younger learners
2. http://edufire.com/content/articles/87-study-tips-for-kinesthetic-learners Study tips for kinesthetic learners

Visual graphic organizers
1. http://freeology.com/graphicorgs/ (free)
2. http://edhelper.com/teachers/graphic_organizers.htm (free)
3. http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/ (free)

Audio-books
1. http://www.audible.com (subscription-based)
2. http://librivox.org/ (free)
3. http://www.booksontape.com/ 1,000s of unabridged books on tape, CD, or in a downloadable format (A Division of Random House)

Recipes for making tactile other multi-sensory learning materials
1. Finger Paint Gel http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/fingerpaint.htm
2. Puffy Paint http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/puffypaint.htm
3. Fun Putty http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/multisensoryput.htm
4. Crafting Dough http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/craftingdough.htm
5. Multi-sensory Letters, Numbers, and Shapes http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/infancyandearlychildhood/ht/lettersandshape.htm

Assistive technology resources for all sensory learners
1. http://assistivetech-4alllearners.wikispaces.com/Supporting+Physical_Sensory+Computer+Access Lists of strategies/modifications and low-high tech tools to support computer access, vision, and hearing (courtesy of the Assistive Technology Training Project, developed by the Southwest Human Development AT Program in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Education).
2. www.FocusandRead.com/products Reading tools with visual and tactile features that appeal to sensory learners
3. http://www.atanswers.com/resourcesNew.htm Resources for special needs sensory learners

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897

Some of the resources here were provided courtesy of www.About.com.
Clip art courtesy of: http://www.kidscount1234.com/hartmann.html

This week I would like to post some questions that have been asked this week either online, during phone consultations or in-person conferences. To answer, I will provide 1 or more related links for each of the questions. Please feel free to post your comments, additional questions, and other related links that you feel might also be helpful to our readers! Thank you in advance for your good input!

1. Where can I find websites and resources for my child to work with math to any level he chooses?

Three of the best math resources for this purpose would be:

http://www.math.com/ From basic arithmetic to college calculus and beyond!

http://www.khanacademy.org/ High school and college math lessons on video!

http://www.mathforum.com/ This site includes Ask Dr. Math, Problems of the Week, discussion groups and much more.

2. Where can I locate a list of good classic novels that young girls could read?

The following books are available via: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/classics-for-girls-barnes-noble/1014634443#Details

Lewis Carroll
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Through the Looking-Glass

Edith Nesbit
The Enchanted Castle
Five Children and It

Louisa May Alcott
Little Women

J. M. Barrie
Peter Pan

Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden

Kenneth Grahame
The Wind in the Willows

by L. Frank Baum
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

3. Where can I find focusing tools to help beginning readers?

http://www.FocusandRead.com/ Product website for the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions created by an experienced teacher for struggling readers

http://www.BrennanInnovators.com Professional website with special needs reading info, support, and resources for parents, teachers and administrators

4. What resources and links are available for helping 9-10 year-old struggling readers?

http://www.lexile.com/using-lexile/lexile-at-home/how-to-help-a-struggling-reader/ How to help struggling readers

https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=d6f6qnd_0r9j5wbwf Excellent PowerPoint to help struggling readers based on Dr. Sharon H. Faber’s How to Teach Reading When You’re Not a Reading Teacher

5. How do you know the exact reading skills a struggling reader should learn?

http://www.benchmarkeducation.com/educational-leader/reading/supporting-struggling-readers.html Comprehensive list of reading skills needed for elementary grades with best practices

http://www.squidoo.com/improve-childs-reading-skills Top 10 Ways to Improve Reading Skills & Other Activities

Do you have a question that could help a struggling reader in you life? Please post in the comment box below here.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897

Clip art---Courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/search?q=FREE+jpg+clipart+images&hl=en&biw=1261&bih=626&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=SKO1TuHuBYGesQL2iNH1Aw&sqi=2&ved=0CFkQsAQ"

Part 3---Two Options to Consider

Regardless of the age of an individual with dyslexia or other reading challenges, it is important to consider obtaining an official diagnosis.

In the case of children and teens, some school districts use a relatively new process called Response to Intervention (RTI) to identify children with learning disabilities. For students who do not go through this RTI process, an evaluation to formally diagnose dyslexia is needed. Such an evaluation traditionally has included intellectual and academic achievement testing, as well as an assessment of the critical underlying language skills that are closely linked to dyslexia. For children, this may be accomplished through one’s school district; however, the wait time could be significant depending on available services in each district.

Another option is to seek such an evaluation through private testing. A developmental optometrist is an excellent medical professional to conduct such an evaluation. The “upside” with this option is that wait time can be significantly less. In addition, such an evaluation is available for either children or adults. However, this option can be quite expensive and often is not covered under traditional healthcare insurance plans.

Resources for Dyslexia

http://www.dyslexiasw.com/advice/help-andamp-advice-for-teachers/teaching-strategies-for-dyslexic-children Teaching Strategies to help Children

http://dyslexia.yale.edu/Stu_whatisdyslexia.html?gclid=CP2_q5e58qoCFUQCQAodgBiDOQ A supportive resource for parents, educators and others who want to know more about dyslexia.

http://www.smartkidswithld.org/ld-basics/signs-symptoms/dyslexia-article Signs and symptoms of dyslexia

http://www.BrennanInnovators.com/ Website for learning challenges offers a feature to change the background color of every page on the site. This changing of color can help with visual stress and some dyslexic symptoms.

http://www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages

http://www.fabresearch.org/473 Information on a possible link between Omega 3 fatty acids and dyslexia, AD/HD, dyspraxia, autism, and other challenges. Also, info on Dr. Alex Richardson (University of Oxford) and additional links to related articles. (professional articles here)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-146303/Could-test-spell-end-dyslexia.html#ixzz1W9EasK4z Could a simple breath test identify children with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder and behavioral problems before they start school? (mainstream media article)

Next week's article (Part 4) will be entitled What to Do While Waiting for an Official Diagnosis?

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/book_clipart.shtml

You have made the all-important decision to homeschool your child with special needs. Now what do you do to prepare---to prepare for SUCCESS with homeschooling?

First, you will need support from other family members. It will be important that others in your family affirm you in your decision and offer reinforcement when needed. Secondly, local homeschooling co-ops or groups will provide vital support and networking opportunities. Ask other homeschooling parents in your area about such groups and then look into the activities and programs that each offers. You might be surprised to learn what social as well as academic opportunities they offer local families. All of this support will be particularly important as you plan and work to address your child’s special needs.

Finally, good special needs resources available online can make a significant difference in your homeschooling experience---and your level of SUCCESS. We have provided just a few here to get you started and perhaps even inspired to begin on a good note! Please let us know what you think and feel free to send us YOUR favorite homeschooling support resources. We look forward to hearing from you!

http://www.specialneedshomeschool.com/ Practical support and information for homeschooling parents and grandparents created and maintained by a dedicated and experienced homeschooling parent

http://www.specialneedshomeschool.com/resources.html Special needs resource page for site above here

http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/special.htm Site with numerous resources for homeschooling children with special needs

http://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/ Parents can offer their special needs children individualized education, flexibility, encouragement, and support with the resources and information from this site. Legal information and provisions for all 50 states are also included here.

To access Part 2 of this blog article, simply visit http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2011/07/homeschooling-challenged-learner-free.html

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

You are the advocate and mediator for your child when interacting with his healthcare professionals, his teachers and school. At home, you are the one who provides the security of structure and comfort through therapeutic activities or the use of soothing, sensory experiences. You need support. Support that helps with the security and sensory needs of your child can mean the difference between a peaceful day --- and one that is not.

One solution is the Reading Focus Card, a reading tool that provides both visual and tactile appeal for sensory issues. At the same time, the reading aid can help your child remain engaged in reading with more focus, better concentration, and comprehension.

At the 2010 U.S. Asperger’s and Autism World Conference in St. Louis, MO, parents, educators, and leaders of numerous organizations witnessed firsthand the advantages of using the Reading Focus Cards for those on the spectrum. On the first day of the conference, all available Reading Focus Cards were purchased and orders were taken on the two remaining conference days.

If you would like to know more about how the Reading Focus Cards can help your child---and you, please contact the teacher, Joan Brennan, who created the tool for her students who need it. Her email address is joan@focusandread.com.

For testimonials on the Reading Focus Cards, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/rfc-testimonials.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

Do you have a child challenged with autism? Do you teach a teen on the spectrum? Perhaps you have a young adult or other family member with Asperger’s who is “aging out of the system”. What resources are available to help them---and you?

We certainly know that you need vital support to help your child, student or young adult with ASD. So often, services are either very expensive if paid privately or there is a long, long waiting list for public services. While you are waiting, what help is available in the meantime?

We have gathered together here some resources that we hope will assist you with your “awesome” task of taking care of your family member or student(s). We hope these links below here will support you and give you the encouragement to “keep on keeping on” with the great work that you do!

Resource Links for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

http://www.autismspeaks.org/ Site with current articles/resources supporting the autism community

http://www.touchpointautism.org/ This Midwest-based, non-profit organization provides excellent support to families affected by autism.
Beginning July 15, 2011, TouchPoint Autism Services will accept medical insurance for autism-related services from the carriers cited below here. The organization is actively working to secure contracts with additional carriers and will announce those options as soon as they are available.

 Healthcare USA
 HealthLink
 Anthem
 Tricare

http://www.autism-society.org Improving the lives of all affected by autism with support and resources

http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/cardpubs/factsheet/Engsheets/EngFactsheets5.pdf What is Asperger Syndrome? Center for Autism & Related Disabilities Fact Sheet (from CARD)

http://www.autismbuddy.com/ Aims to provide a FREE, user-friendly website that provides high-quality printables and resources for teachers and parents for use with children having special educational needs

http://www.FocusandRead.com For focus and reading tools with sensory appeal that help children and adults with reading challenges

http://kidcompanions.com/ Site that provides accessories for a growing special needs child. Youth affected by Sensory Processing Disorder -SPD, Autism Spectrum Disorder -ASD, Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD, etc., can still benefit from developmental tools. However, age appropriate tools can be even harder to find. This resource can help. Site also provides a very supportive blog!

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm Autism fact sheet and additional resource links provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

http://pediatricneurology.com/autism.htm#SemanticPragmatic%20Communication%20Disorder A plethora of many links for special needs, particularly for those individuals on the autism spectrum

http://www.tech4autism.com/How_this_technology_appl.php A list of excellent tech resources for parents and teachers of children with autism (list created by and courtesy of Michael Leventhal)

http://boards.webmd.com/webx?14@@.89653322 (Online) Autism Support Group

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTmEkNgPWL8 Seattle Children's Autism Blog---Oral Health Tips for Children on the Spectrum

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/

Happy New Year to all! As we turn another page on the calendar, it seems appropriate to provide you with some free resources that just might help your struggling learners have a great start to their new year, too.

So, here is a list of links that cover a variety of issues for challenged readers and learners. It is hoped that these resources will help them as well as their teachers and parents.

Please let me know how these various resources help your student(s), child(ren), or you. Feel free to contact me at joan@brennaninnovators.com. I will welcome your comments!

http://www.senteacher.org/Print/ Many FREE resources for teachers can be found here. There are numerous downloads and printables for immediate classroom use!

http://www.autismbuddy.com/ Aims to provide a FREE user-friendly website that provides high quality printables and resources for teachers and parents for use with children with special educational needs

http://www.watchknow.org/ Free educational videos categorized by age of viewer and content area

http://www.additudemag.com/adhdblogs/4/7181.html Comic Books ADHD Children Will Love to Read (and Learn from, Too)

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/6608.html ADHD Adults Raising ADHD Children: Parenting Strategies

http://www.addresources.org/adhd_friends.php A wonderful and extensive list of ADD/ADHD resources!

http://www.addresources.org/adhd_reading.php ADHD reading materials

http://www.foniks.org/ Learn to read, write, spell & speak English with phonics & Instant Sound. The layout is in a step-by-step format, complete with hearing the sounds (turn your sound “on”!) and printables.

http://www.smarttutor.com/home/reading_menu.asp Free reading lessons and educational activities for K-5

http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/phonics/ Learn to Read: Free Phonics games, worksheets and flashcards

http://connectability.ca/visuals-engine/ Create visual supports for your child with FREE online templates!

http://www.ldresources.com/ A collection of resources on various aspects of learning disabilities with comments from community members.

http://www.ldonline.org/ One of the world’s leading websites for learning disabilities and ADHD

http://www.ldonline.org/parents “Parent page” of above website

http://www.virtualnerd.com Assistance with math and science content and challenges

http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/7059.html Safe Driving for ADD/ADHD Teen Drivers

http://www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that help children and adults with reading challenges

http://www.BrennanInnovators.com For info and support about reading challenges, ADHD, dyslexia and other issues

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For ADHD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For ADHD info and support
314-892-3897

Graphic courtesy of: http://www.school-clip-art.com/