AboutCatherine Whitcher, M.Ed Expertise IEP Planning & Goal Writing, Curriculum Implementation, Negotiation Strategies, Effective ways for Parents, Teachers & Service Providers to work together and achieve accoutability for a child's education.
Experience Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed, founder of Precision Education, Inc. holds multiple special education teaching certificates, has been featured on AutismOne radio show, published in The Autism Perspective and is Co-Author of Asperger's: The Positive Side. She is a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and Co-founder of the non-profit Disability Community Solutions.
Question My son has dysgraphia. He does NOT have dyslexia. In fact, he is 10 and has skipped a grade to entering 6th grade and tests out of reading tests- usually 8th or 10th grade, depending on where the test "ends". He loves to read. He cannot write a four word sentence. He cannot put a string of thoughts together on paper, but he can talk a blue streak in an adult conversation using proper diction and an enormous vocabulary. He can't spell boo. The problem I have is that when we tried to get an appropriate IEP, it seems that all of the modifications, etc. are geared toward ADHD and Dyslexia. He doesn't need someone to read him the directions. He doesn't need to sit close to the board or the teacher or whatever. He just needs someone to teach him how to write. I have worked on the neatness. It is OK (about where you would expect a third grader if you ignore the occasional capital letters in the middle of words and the kindergarten level spelling). The OT says it is not mechanical, which I believe. The problem is that he struggles for hours to put three horrible sentences on paper. What do I ask for to help him? It seems no one knows what to do with a dysgraphia kid if he doesn't have dyslexia!!!
Answer My first suggestion is to try Dragon Naturally Speaking software (about $80.00 at any office store). You talk to the computer and it dictates into microsoft word. Schools can use this software on any computer and it could increase his written output rapidly.
The school is obligated to pay for such assistive technology tools, but with summer here and the cost being relatively inexpensive, I suggest purchasing the software to get started.
Also, you can research who does the best assistive technology evaluations (in IL it is Dupage Easter Seals) to assist you in finding alternative ways for your son to obtain tools for written expression.
The software I described above will also work well in the college environment. You will need to continuously remind the team that you are looking for long-term solutions versus a quick fix to get through grade school.
