Sue Whitney, Research Editor, Wrightslaw

Unfortunately, I often run across schools using Response to Intervention data as the only measure to determine ongoing eligibility.  Most children make progress via RtI and then school claims they are no longer eligible under an SLD reading disability. (Cari Levin, LCSW)

Sue makes the following points: 

• In order to change or deny eligibility, the school must conduct a comprehensive evaluation in all areas of suspected disability.
• Grades are subjective, and can't be used as only measure of eligibility.
• Did the school conduct a Diagnostic Reading Assessment?
• Familiarize yourself with the legal definition of reading

To read Sue's complete comments, click HERE

Offered by Kait Feriante, certified Wilson tutor and learning behavior specialist at Wee Speech.

60-90 minute sessions, 2-3 times a week, $80 per session

When: June 29th - August 28th, flexible scheduling Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Location: Wee Speech 8833 Gross Point Rd., Skokie

Read flyer for more information HERE

From One Place for Special Needs

Find age-appropriate friends who live in your area

"With summer coming, I can't stress enough to add your child's information to our peer match program.  Parents are already contacting each other to schedule play dates.  But it can only happen if you spread the word to your local organizations and therapy centers.   Search or add a peer on our home page."

Go to their peer directory and search / sign up HERE

Written By Jules Csillag

This is a comprehensive and informative article describing the diagnostic process, characteristics of dyslexia and information parents can use when advocating for appropriate reading and writing interventions at school.

There are also links to various additional articles about dyslexia including a complete list of dyslexia signs in children and adults put out by the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity.

Click HERE to read more

From ADDitude Magazine online  

According to the article:
"The problem: Children with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) are often labeled or called aggressive, bullies, violent, or defiant because of their impulsive physical and social interactions. Even though these children can be caring and sensitive, their good qualities are often overshadowed by their impulsivity."

To read more, click HERE 

By Rachel Ehmke, Senior Writer, Child Mind Institute

"If your child has been newly diagnosed with autism, one thing that can be a challenge is telling your parents and extended family."

"Autism is something that more and more people are aware of, but there's still a lot of misinformation. Your family members might not know what it means, or they might have a limited or skewed understanding of what it looks like. They might have a stereotype of what autism is that doesn't fit your child.

They also may have an understandable, if misguided, urge to resist the diagnosis. It's not unusual to be told by your relatives that you are overreacting, or that it's a mistake to give everyone who's a little different a diagnosis."

To read more, click HERE

Join our new private Facebook group

Evanston CASE Parent Connections

Share resources, ask questions and express your concerns with others who "get it".

This online group supplements our in-person Parent Connections support group meetings. We have found that it is difficult for people to get to a meeting and we hope that this forum will be more accessible when you need it.

You may be asked to provide some basic identifying information (we will keep it confidential) to ensure that only parents/family members of children/teens in Evanston are accessing the group. Membership is growing quickly. Join the conversation.

Contact us at mail@evanstoncase.org to sign up to join the conversation.