Recently, a discussion with Suzanne Poulin-Day concerning children with special learning needs brought forth some important points. Suzanne is a neuropsychologist and many homeschool families retain her services for screening and monitoring of children with learning difficulties. Suzanne does not necessarily want to increase her clientele since she is already quite busy, but her desire is to inform parents of recurrent situations that she has observed while working with parents and their children.
Some parents wait until someone else makes a comment about their child’s difficulties before taking remedial action.
Sometimes, parents will state that they don’t have enough money for this type of service; however, they will have other expenditures related to alternatives which specialists would not consider to be as effective.
At times, because of lack of conviction on the part of the parents, they will not persevere in following through on certain recommendations. Lack of knowledge is also a factor, making the parents feel that they are incapable of assisting their child.
Parents can deny the existence of a problem. Oftentimes, dyslexia and attention disorders are hereditary, which would explain such reactions. Parents will state that their child will somehow manage; after all, they themselves have made it through life so far.
Certain parents return for consultation two or three years later, saying, « Now, I understand…”. However, three years have just gone by where the child could have been provided with much-needed assistance.
Quite understandably, specialized services can be expensive. At ACPEQ, we suggest that parents start with a preliminary evaluation by a special education teacher in private practice. This initial screening is less costly and will help to direct parents towards further specialized services, if needed. At times, monitoring by the special education teacher a few times a year will be sufficient. Depending on geographical area, we may be able to refer you to such a specialist. Please inform us of any that you may know of that are homeschool friendly and who would be willing to offer their services to home-educating families.
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