As a clinician, I became aware of nonverbal learning disability or NVLD in the 1990’s. At that time, little was known about NVLD and the impact it has on people’s lives. However, we now know that NVLD is unlike any…
Fight, Flight or Freeze- Anxiety Explained
Starting a new job, the first day of school, meeting new people, taking a test, or giving a presentation can cause anxiety. Anxiety is a normal reaction to life events. It is a feeling of fear about what is to…
The Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
When a student is identified as having “exceptional needs”, an intervention plan, commonly known as an individualized education plan (IEP) is usually developed and maintained for as long as the student requires it. The IEP is established for students who…
What Dyslexia Looks Like: an Experiment
Here is another great video that demonstrates what dyslexia might look like during a round robin reading activity. A short, but worthwhile video to watch as it helps us “see” what dyslexia can look like in a typical classroom. In…
Last One Picked, First One Picked On
The last of three videos by Mr. Richard Lavoie, an expert on special needs. In this video, Mr. Lavoie raises the issue of social skills. Children with special needs (learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) typically experience difficulty…
When the Chips are Down
When the Chips are Down is another outstanding video by Richard Lavoie. In this video, Mr. Lavoie discusses how to control undesirable behaviors, and advocates for a more positive approach. Richard Lavoie is an international expert on special needs and…
How Difficult Can It Be: A F.A.T. City Workshop
Rick Lavoie is an expert on special needs. This award winning video illustrates what learning disabilities can look like in a typical classroom environment. It also demonstrates what teachers should and should not do when faced with students who may…
Is Bill 101 Responsible for the Declining High School Graduation Rates?
Political interest in language is not a recent phenomenon. It dates back to Ancient Egypt. Psamtik, ruler of Ancient Egypt (664-610 BC) believed that the Egyptian language was the origin of all languages. In order to prove this, he conducted…
Straight Talk About Dyslexia
Dyslexia is too often misunderstood. Although “dyslexia” is recognized to be a form of a reading disability, many educators and even some professionals believe that mirror writing, or letter or word reversals is a common characteristic of dyslexia. Today, however,…
Visual Processing Challenges
When we think of vision, we think of seeing…. seeing clearly and with accuracy…that is 20/20 vision. But the ability to see is more than just vision. Our eyes capture the visual information in the world around us and…
Assumptions Regarding ADHD and Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are lifelong challenges. LD and ADHD are the result of neurological differences in brain structure that affects the ability to receive, process, store, retrieve and/or clearly communicate information. Causes of Learning…
The Bilingual Educational Advantage
Language Choice in the Province of Quebec One of the most important decisions parents face is deciding their children’s education. Making the right choice will likely put the child on a path towards lifelong learning and a promising future. However,…