My daughter has been newly diagnosed with specific learning disabilities. Can you give me any help with how I can help her over the summer?

I have many children in my school who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate learning disabilities, including delayed speech, mild Autism, ADD & ADHD. You didn’t mention her specific disabilities, but phonics programs are very helpful for children who have difficulty with the normal learning curve.

Keeping in very close contact with your pediatrician will be very important for you as he/she will be able to keep you abreast of the latest medical ideas and information. Also the Internet and parental support groups will be VERY beneficial. Staying informed and educated is the best tool you can have.

That said, I can tell you that we have tremendous success with all of our children using a Phonics program. It is extremely easy to understand and is very parent friendly. If a phonics program isn’t affordable to you right how, there are many helps and resources at the local library and teachers/educational stores. Many companies offer what they call “summer bridge” programs to help children during the summer. These are pre-printed; grade specific programs that can be purchased at you local teacher’s supply store.