Learning Struggles and How to deal with School

Hi Deb, There are a few things you can do First of ask your principal about a 504 plan for your daughter this is a plan that can get her extra help, cut the amount of work she has to do, give her extra time for test ect. Any child that has a medical condition that effects them and there abilty to do the required curriculum at school can qualify. I also know that for many childern the a brain disorder there memory can be effected sometimes its from the medication but it can also be from the fact that they use up so much energy controling there body that there is little brain power left to take care of the other things. You also might want to check that her medication is not effecting her vision which can cause the learning and memory process to become delayed. I know that my daughter tells me that with her medication it causes letters in words and numbers to become more jumpy and dance around. She already has visual percepual difficults but the E and the meds make it worse. If this is an issue the school can provide books on tape papers that have been blown up ect. Hope this is helpful if I can offer any more help let me know Pam

This is coming from someone older, who doesn't have kids but who did struggle through school lots as much due to seizure meds as it was due to a visual/spacial disorder which wasn't corrected until grade 7. Yet, still I graduated university. So, I'd say take the advise of others. See if there is a way that she can get some extra attention. More important, find out what your daughter likes & focus on that to build up self esteem. I know this may be too "boy-ish" but my cousin is in the same age bracket (gr.5 this year) & while he doesn't deal with seizures or anything when I see him over thanksgiving (in Canada that just went by) I always buy him a cool book or something. I know he's into bugs and creepy things, so that's what I got him this year. Get your daughter to read things she'll like. School doesn't always assign what you like. Also, and yes I know parents may smack me for this, but hey! Pick up a Nintendo GBA or DS. There are some great memory games there. Play 'em in short sequences and you learn, and they improve memory. Sedoko Jr. is one I bought my couz., I have the adults one. There's also a game called Big Brain Academy. I play that myself to help with memory. Even things like Super Mario. Something to be said for having to remember the steps in worlds 1, 2, 3.... Video games aren't all bad. If you disagree with that, find some great memory games. I also find now, and all through school I had to write things out more. Another suggestion in this day of technology. Find out the subjects she struggles with most. Math was my nightmare. See if she can have a digital recorder -- to record it & have you explain later on? They let recorders into university, why not grade 4. Maybe that's just the techie in me! In the back of your mind, always remember Lamictal is a powerful drug, as she adjusts to that, and the diagnosis life will get easier. Good Luck ~ EC