Book for raising and teaching neurodivergent children
Approximately twenty percent of children in America have a learning or attention difference, the most common being dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Researchers know that these specific learning differences are incredibly prevalent, but educators continue to rely on the same teaching methods that were only designed with the majority of students in mind, even though every child can benefit from alternative approaches. As a result of not giving children what they require in order to learn, they are forced to cope at school and are often just getting by. Not only will many children come to believe that they are not smart enough academically, they will likely be unaware of their true abilities.
Parents who feel the urge to homeschool often mistakenly attempt to replicate a classroom too closely. Like the wildflowers, children with learning differences flourish best in their most natural environments, in those unrefined places where they aren't forced to adapt to conditions that were never intended for them.
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Does your child exhibit...
Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to touch or movement? A child with SPD may be a "sensory avoider," withdrawing from touch, refusing to wear certain clothing, avoiding active games--or he may be a "sensory straggler," needing a jump start to get moving.
Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to sensations of sound, sight, taste, or smell? She may cover her ears or eyes, be a picky eater, or seem oblivious to sensory cues.
Cravings for sensation? The "sensory craver" never gets enough of certain sensations, e.g., messy play, spicy food, noisy action, and perpetual movement.
Poor sensory discrimination? The "sensory jumbler" may not sense the difference between objects or experiences--unaware of what she's holding unless she looks, and unable to sense when she's falling or how to catch herself.
Unusually high or low activity level? The child may be constantly on the go--wearing out everyone around him--or move slowly and tire easily, showing little interest in the world.
Problems with posture or motor coordination? The "sensory slumper" may slouch and move awkwardly, and the "sensory fumbler" may be clumsy or accident-prone.