Much of my work here at the ApaCenter consists of helping students and their families cope with learning disabilities at school and at home. I conduct assessments to diagnose learning disabilities and provide a picture of a student’s strengths and weaknesses, I give recommendations for helping the student be more successful in school, and I …Read More
Learned Helplessness
Mar 16, 2012
In my work with children, teens, families, and schools, I often observe the phenomena of learned helplessness. Learned helplessness is when a child loses the confidence that he can solve a problem or perform a task successfully on his own and becomes overly dependent on the assistance of adults. You can recognize the signs of …Read More
Creating a Distraction-Free Environment
Apr 27, 2011
We at the ApaCenter often encourage students to study in a quiet, distraction-free environment in order to maximize their attention and learning. When trying to establish the best setting for you or your child to study, it may be helpful to consider the following questions: *Are there a lot of visual distracters such as clutter, …Read More
Levels of Learning
Apr 27, 2011
Many children, adolescents, and college students who come to the ApaCenter for help with learning have difficulty remembering the things they study. For some, lots of repetition can be helpful. For others, information into context and making is meaningful is the most helpful. Typically, repetition can allow us to learn and memorize simple information such …Read More
Reading Comprehension Tips
Feb 15, 2011
People of all ages experience trouble with reading comprehension. Sometimes this is due to difficulty with time management when reading, difficulty conceptualizing the information, or difficulty with attention. In either case, following these three steps: preview read, and recall, may help you or your child comprehend and retain written material more effectively. Preview Before you …Read More
Visual Versus Verbal Learning
Feb 15, 2011
I recently read an article in which Temple Grandin, the famous woman with Asperger Syndrome who was recently played by Claire Danes in an HBO movie, discussed how she thinks in pictures. She states that words are like a second language to her and that her natural mode of thinking is visual. Temple describes her …Read More
Increasing Academic Motivation – Creating an Atmosphere for Exploration and Change
Dec 19, 2010
I would like to build upon my previous blog on increasing students’ academic motivation. In my prior blog I discussed the principles of motivation the benefit of creating a nurturing learning environment. Now, I’d like to build on that idea by presenting ideas for creating an atmosphere for exploration and change. By creating such an …Read More
Math Fact App Recommendations
Sep 13, 2010
There are a number of excellent educational apps available for the iPhone, iTouch, and iPad. I am going to try to share some of my favorites with you on a regular basis. Today, I will start with math fact applications. Learning math facts can be tedious and particularly frustrating for some children. Practicing 10 minutes per …Read More
Central Auditory Processing Disorder Defined
Jan 1, 2010
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) is defined as difficulties in the processing of auditory information in the central nervous system, as demonstrated weaknesses in one or more of the following areas: Auditory Discrimination: The ability to notice, compare and distinguish the distinct and separate sounds in words. Auditory …Read More
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Compassion?
Dec 17, 2009
A recent article titled “More Compassion, Less Competition” by Richard Davidson presents the benefits of having a broader definition of education that focuses not only on academic growth but also overall emotional well being. Specifically, he argues that focusing heavily on competition and passing tests has resulted in teachers and students discriminating against those who …Read More