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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

We had such an overwhelming response to last week’s post on Struggling Readers + Pinterest = Solutions that we have decided this week to give similar attention and “focus” to dyslexia (please pardon the pun here!)

More Pinterest pinners are aware of the needs of those challenged with dyslexia than you might think. They know that these struggling readers often describe text as “shadowing”, “waving out”, or moving in some other way.

There are other experiences these readers report, too. Often, a developmental optometrist can be the preferred medical professional to test, evaluate, diagnose and prescribe the appropriate therapy or treatment for an individual challenged with these symptoms.

In the meantime, such a reader may very well be served by a collection of resources to bridge that time between scheduling an appointment and the first visit for evaluation. So once again, here we are with Pinterest, helping to provide a collection of “boards” containing resources and information about this vision-related reading challenge called dyslexia. Hope you find them to be helpful to someone you know with such symptoms!

Pinterest Boards with Dyslexia Resources

1. From Wendy Farrell---Board entitled “Dyslexia”
http://pinterest.com/farrellfam/dyslexia/

2. From Alison Seuter---Board entitled “Homeschooling ~ Dyslexia”
http://pinterest.com/aseuter/homeschooling-dyslexia/

3. From Tiffany Vokes--- Board entitled “dyslexia”
http://pinterest.com/tavokes/dyslexia/

4. From Karen Huppertz---Board entitled “Dyslexia Info and Tools”
http://pinterest.com/karenhupp/dyslexia-info-tools/

5. From this blog’s author---Board entitled “Dyslexia Resources and Support”
http://pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/

Once again, happy “pinning”--- and 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

In the aftermath of the holiday gift-giving of so many tech devices, we have been receiving more calls and email requests than usual over the past month for educational and organizational apps, particularly those for AD/HD.

In response to these requests, we have gathered here a collection of app lists helpful for the AD/HD community with credits to Mr. Mark Kawate, ADDitude Magazine, and the editors of the Reader’s Digest, respectively. We hope these organizational and educational resources will provide you or someone you know challenged with AD/HD the needed assistance to make each day just a little bit better.

We would like to hear from our readers, too. If you know of another great AD/HD app not included in the lists below, please tell us and our readers in the comment boxes below. We will certainly appreciate your input!

Our readers are also telling us that their Reading Focus Cards work very well when used with their e-tablets (for iPads, etc.---the longer Reading Focus Card) and e-readers (for the Kindle, Nook, etc.---the smaller Reading Focus Card). This is an excellent way to get more focus on 1 or 2 lines of text on a webpage AND block out more surrounding text. We recommend that when doing this, the reader also use a scratch-proof, film shield to protect the tech device’s screen.

So, without further ado, here are 4 lists of the BEST apps we know of at this writing for children and/or adults challenged with the symptoms of AD/HD:

http://www.appsforadhd.com/appsforadhd/5bestiosapps.html The 5 Best iPhone/iPad Apps for ADHD-by Mark Kawate

http://www.appsforadhd.com/appsforadhd/top6free.html The Top 6 FREE iPhone/iPad Apps for ADHD-by Mark Kawate

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8698.html To-Do List Apps for ADHD Kids and Adults from ADDitudeMag.com

http://www.rd.com/health/adhd-and-ipads-5-apps-to-make-life-easier/ ADHD and iPads: 5 Apps to Make Life Easier by Reader's Digest Editors

www.smartyearsapps.com A family of apps for ALL learners (courtesy of Ms. Rosie Simms---thank you!)

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

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/

In 2005, mental health experts determined that approximately 3.5 million school-aged children in the U.S. had been diagnosed with some form of attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD, now often represented by “AD/HD”). It is estimated that this number has grown exponentially each year since that determination was made.

All too often, the first thing considered when trying to manage attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (AD/HD) is the “M” word---medication. Yes, sometimes medications are indicated for a particular child or adult. However, in many cases, it is often a good idea to first try non-invasive and/or more natural approaches to help manage the symptoms of AD/HD.

There are quite a few websites available to help with information and resources for various approaches. I have assembled here a few of these resources (almost all FREE) that might offer some assistance in dealing with everyday tasks, school, home life, relationships and other things. I hope you find them helpful for your child, teen, or you.

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/7507.html Summer Activities for ADHD Kids, Preteens Combine FUN and structure to give AD/HD children the best summer ever!

http://www.childrensvision.com/reading.htm Important information about WHY your child may be struggling with reading

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8698.html Let these apps, available for the iPod Touch, the iPhone, and the iPad, make short work of your, or your child's, to-do list.

http://www.brennaninnovators.com/strategies.html FREE strategies and tips to help with attention issues at school or when doing homework at home. Also, check out the “background color changer” feature on this website. Eliminating the white background on a page of text can help a struggling reader with AD/HD.

http://www.additudemag.com/resources/printables.html FREE printable resources for ADHD/ADD; Downloadable (Adobe PDF) handouts about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) symptoms, medication, treatment, school, help, info, parenting, teen driving, and organization resources and advice for adults and parents of children AD/HD, etc.

www.chadd.org National organization with information and support for children and adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD)

www.ADHDSupport.com (Sponsored by Shire US, Inc.) ADHD Support, Help for AD/HD

www.ADDConsults.com ADD Consults, This is the place to find ADHD Professionals, Resources, Consulting Services, and Products

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD

http://www.adhd1.net/ Help for Families of Children with AD/HD -Samuel R. Caron, Ph.D.

For more information:

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/

We at Brennan Innovators, LLC are more than pleased that our product, the Reading Focus Card Combo Pack (Patent 7,565,759), recently received the outstanding Kidlutions Seal of Approval. On April 25, 2011, the Reading Focus Card Combo Pack of sensory-appealing focus tools for struggling readers was distinguished with this award. The Kidlutions Seal of Approval is only awarded to products that solve problems for children, parents, educators and others as well as change lives!

We are very proud and grateful to receive this award. We wish to thank Ms. Wendy Young, LMSW, BCD, and her team of mom-reviewers for evaluating the Reading Focus Cards and for making the decision to award this Kidlutions Seal of Approval to our product for struggling readers.

We invite you to read the blog article written by Ms. Young at http://kidlutionssfk.blogspot.com/2011/04/reading-focus-card-changes-lives.html. Feel free to enter your own comments if you, your child, or someone you know has benefited from using our Reading Focus Cards. We will appreciate your comments!

To read testimonials from teachers, parents and students who have used the Reading Focus Cards, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/rfc%20testimonials.

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