Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 1/21/2008

Question
My son has had hearing problems his whole life which has led to speech problems.  He has been part of the school district Hearing program since he was 3 years old which has included services from the state and from  the school system.  He also has DD (Developmental Delay) so he was not given ritalin until he was 9 years old.  Now in school he receives about 2.5 hours per day of 1:1 care from about 6 different teachers for hearing, speech, reading and social services.  I am concerned about him because he can not read.  He tries and since starting the medication about 3 months ago he has learned about 20 words, but has a hard  time keeping that word knowledge in his brain for more then about 2-3 days.  My biggest concern for him is that he will not learn how to read or know how to read in a way that he will be able to excel at life.   What I want to know is if you know any ways that he can learn how to read that will be able to stay in his brain.  We have used all of the reading learning tools with him and he has had one on one tutoring only through the school system.  I am a single mother that can not afford the $125.00/hr tutoring seasons.  Also is it really hard for children with these disabilities and with ADD/HA to make friends?  

Mounds View, MN

Answer
Dear Heather,

Thanks for asking me your questions.

When you say that your child has a developmental delay, that doesn't give me enough information. Cerebral palsy, autism, and mental retardation are all considered developmental delays. Children with each of these problems might have problems making friends and learning to read - but it would depend on the child's IQ and other conditions before I could recommend strategies to help with the social skills needed for making friends.

Is he learning words by sight or by phonics - sounding the words out? Has the speech teacher tried the LIPS - program? It is by a company called Lindamood-Bell.  I have used it with a 5th grade child with High functioning autism.  

Does he wear hearing aids or have a hearing loss? Kids with hearing problems often have a hard time learning to read. Kids with developmental disabilities often require 'over-learning.'  They need to go over things over and over again. You can also try some sites Hubbard's cupboard or starfall.com.

Has the school tried the Edmark program for reading?

What state do you live in?  Does your son receive any help at home or in the community?

Feel free to get back to me with a private message about those questions and I could address those other issues more fully and give you some other suggestions.  

I'd like to help more. Please write back again.

Christine