Our Educational Therapists Chong Lee and Hani Zohra Muhamad delivered a talk on the SpLD Landscape to 17 interested participants at Jurong Point Learning Centre. The presentation gave an overview of the types of SpLD such as, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Sensory Integration, ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

The common difficulties in executive functioning, working memory, sequencing, poor motor skills was discussed and many examples were provided to illustrate the affects of these issues in learning.

Hani used the Acronym “ MATCH “ to illustrate ways to help the child to learn.

Modify the task:

Begin from a level he is able to cope and work from there. Use a paper window cut out to block out the rest of work this will help them to focus on the task in a fun way.Alter Expectations:

We should be realistic in our child’s capability, strengths and weaknesses. Have them set some goals of what they would like to achieve.

Teach Strategies:

Spelling words that are multi-syllabic like altogether, experience, adventure, solitude can be broken down into easier chunks. Cut the words into separate syllables

Change the Environment:

Eliminate distractions like TV. Find the optimum time they learn, eg., evening time may be the best time they can study so make this time work for them.

Home:

• Set up routine: For younger students, use a timer for 20-30mins with a break. Set rules at home, study time v’s relaxation time. Clear and concise rules: Tell child what he is expected to do each time when he comes back from school. Revise certain topic or do certain pages before you return from work.
• Food management: Well balanced diet will help the child.
• Exercise: To contribute to their overall well being.
• Stress management: Most children face a lot of stress in school, we can support them in our ways example, accompanying them by being there for them when they are staying up to do homework.

During the Q & A session, some of the subjects touched on: What is ASD? Private tutor strategies?

What to do with ADHD and a child’s reluctance to do homework?

Hani mentioned that a child with ADHD will respond well to an immediate reward system. Break up activities into smaller chunks and give small rewards , this will give them a sense of accomplishment and success.

For a child who talks a lot, a suggestion was to limit the number of questions that he can ask or number of times he can answer.

For a child with sensory integration issues and will only eat or not eat a certain type of food, one could get him interested in food by including them process of preparing food, for example, jelly making or cooking. Peer influences also help to encourage him to try different foods.

Bottom line message to all parents is to….

“Catch what the child is doing right and amplify it”.

This article was first published in FACETS.

About the Author

Fanny Foo