jat wrote:
DW_a_mom wrote:
I thought I would share a conversation with my son that represents why writing remians critical, even when a child can keyboard: math. My son's geometry grade slipped this semester and the reason is that more arithmetic is involved, which he certainly knows how to do, but one must write down numbers and track the steps, and he can't read his own writing well enough or align the calculations well enough to build the calculations without making mistakes. This is very frustrating for him, because he is an honors math student and loves the subject, has no problem at all with understanding the material.
If a child has dysgraphia, which it sounds like your son has, there are technical assistance options to help with that, and he should be receiving those supports. One, that I know of and have heard very positive reports about, is effofex Math and Science. These programs are available for free (yes, free) to any child with a disability - all it takes is a letter on school stationery, saying that your child needs it. They are also used to schools that don't cooperate, and there is a work-around. The programs are designed for use by secondary students and above. For elementary school students whose writing cannot handle math, MathPad Plus (I think, I'm not sure) is the program I have heard recommended most. I have not had personal experience with any of these programs, but I've heard such good things about them. Also, the school should be providing support for any child who needs some kind of assistive technology, and that includes identifying, providing, and educating children on the use of programs they need to access the curriculum appropriately.
I'll look into that program. He has a net book accommodation at school and we thought that was doing the trick, given that he was straight A's first semester. This issue echoes elementary school but back then giving him extra time and some scribing did the trick, and eventually it seemed liked he had learned enough work arounds, so everyone moved on. He's been A's in math for years. It isn't exactly panic time, since we're only talking about a drop to a B, but it does point out that a need that should be addressed before it holds him back. It can be hard to see into the future, what all the issues will be, and it is a moving target ...
_________________
Mom to an amazing young adult AS son, plus an also amazing non-AS daughter. Most likely part of the "Broader Autism Phenotype" (some traits).
07 May 2012, 7:03 am
