I'm a gifted education teacher in Comox, British Columbia, Canada, who works with students in grades 4-7. I've always appreciated the support of my gifted colleagues world wide! I have a new student who we just screened for our district's Challenge program who I suspect is gifted but didn't screen well as he is also challenged with FASD, ADHD, sensory processing, OCD, plus learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia).
I'm completely overwhelmed as I know a little about some of these; but little to nothing about the context this child faces every day as he learns. I'm wondering if there might be others you could put me in touch with or make suggestions as to who I might contact with additional questions. Are their resources or websites that you might suggest as we create a learning plan? The parents are desperate for support and I really want to support them; but just need some advice and suggestions on where to begin.
Hi,
How wonderful that you are a teacher trying to support the student and parents!! And how excellent that you realize a child may be twice exceptional. Probably others can answer this better, but I think the first step would be to have the child tested by an expert in 2e kids. Hoagies' Gifted site lists a specialist in gifted kids BC here:
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/psychologists.htm#scannamely Susan Jackson at the Daimon Institute in White Rock. But I'm not sure about 2e-ness, so that would be something to ask. Plus, is that someplace the child could reasonably go for testing? Alternatively I know the Gifted Development Center in Colorado (with director Linda Silverman) is willing to do remote evaluations/consultations but I don't know the extent of that plus I did look into it once and it was pricey, but they do have some expertise in 2e. Best of luck and cheers to you for trying to help!! I can tell you that teachers like yourself who try to understand and help kids like this are worth their weight in gold to the kid and the parents as well.
Just wanted to say, THANK YOU FOR CARING! We need more teachers like you.
Wow! I was so happy to see your post. Your student and his parents are so fortunate to have a teacher like you working with him! As Dbat said you are indeed worth your weight in gold.
I suggest taking a look at the book "101 School Success Tools for Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties" from Prufrock Press.
http://www.prufrock.com/101-School-Success-Tools-for-Smart-Kids-With-Learning-Difficulties-P884.aspx We bought copies last year for our daughter's first grade teacher and special ed teacher. It can give you some very practical ideas on how to present material or frame assignments that may work better for him. When we first started on our 2E journey DH and I spoke with one of the authors who runs the largest public 2E program in the USA located in Montgomery County, Maryland. She was very helpful and I can only guess she would be happy to speak to you as well.
On behalf of all 2E parents - thank you. My DD has been diagnosed with all the LD issues you list and it is quite the challenge. I hope we will be lucky enough to find someone as supportive as you!
Wow! I also want to say "Thank you!" The Eides' are a great resource particularly in the area of giftedness with dyslexia. Their books are very good they also have a website (and a neurolearning center). Good luck to you and your student!