School Psychology in the 21st Century

"the dyslexic brain, which processes information in a unique way, may impart particular strengths. Studies using cognitive testing and functional M.R.I.’s have demonstrated exceptional three-dimensional and spatial reasoning among dyslexic individuals, which may account for the many successful dyslexic engineers. Similar studies have shown increased creativity and big-picture thinking (or “gist-detection”) in dyslexics, which correlates with the surprising number of dyslexic entrepreneurs, novelists and filmmakers."

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I believe that scientific evidence and social observation will continue to show that defining dyslexia based solely on its weaknesses is inaccurate and unjust, and places too grim a burden on young people receiving the diagnosis."

Great article to wake up to.  Indeed, the strengths have ALWAYS been there.  The problem is, people with testing kits tend to use a form of confirmation bias by focusing on the weaknesses and building programs around "filling the gap".  These programs essentially point out the obvious to the child several times per hour .  How does one deal with having their weaknesses given the spotlight for years on end?  Who can do that?  How can they do that?  We continue to fill our rooms for "emotionally impaired" students who cannot read or write, wondering how to unpeel the layers after 10 years of toxic environments.  

We create toxic environments for these creative children when we do not identify and enthusiastically support their strengths.  

Most people who are good at divided attention COME trained for distractions.

13 apps perfect for students with special needs.  

Blog Viewer - National Association of School Psychologists

I have struggled with understanding ADHD for decades.  

On one hand, I feel young children with driven, physical behavior; lack of  impulse control and minimal  "mindfulness" are at serious risk for other mental health issues.  I also worry about life-quality risks because of the sheer number of times people have to intervene, redirect and often "punish".  I've witnessed, first-hand, how medication can decrease all of that to a very large degree.  

Still, I've also witnessed first hand how all of this can change over time.  Impulse control and  mindfulness can increase; the physically driven behavior can decrease.  

It is a conundrum.  Medication may increase things that are good for the child and decrease the things that are not so good for the child.  But at what cost?  It truly can change 'who they are'. There is a cost.  

Loving relationships that are tolerant and non-punitive will go a long way toward teaching the child skills they currently lack.  

It is important that they emerge in adolescence still able to like the person in the mirror.  

chuckle

Empathy is one of the most important traits for those working on behalf of others.  

Great reminders!  

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"And therein lies the problem: how can we help our children (and our spouses, friends and co-workers) achieve their goals without undermining their sense of personal accountability and motivation to achieve them?

The answer, research suggests, is that our help has to be responsive to the recipient’s circumstances: it must balance their need for support with their need for competence. We should restrain our urge to help unless the recipient truly needs it, and even then, we should calibrate it to complement rather than substitute for the recipient’s efforts."

One of my favorite mantras:  "Accept what's messed up and change how you are looking at it!"

new blog entry..........

Make connections. Good relationships with close family members, friends, or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience. Some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations, or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope. Assisting others in their time of need also can benefit the helper.

Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. You can't change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any subtle ways in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult situations.

Accept that change is a part of living. Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.

Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly -- even if it seems like a small accomplishment -- that enables you to move toward your goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, "What's one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?"

Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away.

Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have reported better relationships, greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life.

Nurture a positive view of yourself. Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience.

Keep things in perspective. Even when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.

Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.

Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.

Additional ways of strengthening resilience may be helpful. For example, some people write about their deepest thoughts and feelings related to trauma or other stressful events in their life. Meditation and spiritual practices help some people build connections and restore hope.