Monday, January 2, 2012

My Dyslexic Daughter(s???)

I think I always knew Rebecca was Dyslexic.  When we got the results from her diagnostic testing four years ago, I cried for days - not because she was severely dyslexic and moderately dysgraphic, but because I felt some kind of relief that I wasn't crazy.  It was easy to accept her diagnosis because I already knew what I needed to do.  I could handle advocating for one dyslexic child.  But two?  I think my youngest  is Dyslexic.  I've had my suspicions for awhile now, but not the same way I knew about Rebecca.  Drew shows many signs of being dyslexic.  She is in the second grade and is struggling to read.  She is below grade level by at least one full grade.  Spelling is a challenge, she reverses and transverses letters often.  She doesn't seem to hear some sounds in words and adds random letters to a word when sounding it out (she adds the letter 'Y' to the end of nearly every word).  But unlike Rebecca, she is very good at math, has a strong working memory, and fantastic coordination and balance.  

So, here is the thing.  I am in a daily argument with myself about what to do.  I am dragging my feet with Drew and I am not sure why.  I'm not sure what direction to take with her.  Do I get her tested?  It is very expensive and the test itself didn't do anything for Rebecca.  The school basically threw it aside and refused to do their own testing for years as she wasn't far enough behind.  Dyslexia isn't considered a specific learning disability in California, so the test is just a piece of paper and peace of mind for me.  Maybe a private assessment isn't the way to go this time around.  But then, how do I know I am doing the right thing for her if I am not sure what the "problem" is. (**By the way, I do NOT see dyslexia as a problem - I just couldn't think of another way to word that.  After working with Rebecca for a year at home, I sometimes wish I had a little dyslexia in me :)**)  Do I just move forward under the assumption that Drew is dyslexic?  Do I keep her in public school longer to see if she improves?  She has an amazing teacher.  But Rebecca had the same amazing teacher and I regret not pulling her sooner than the fourth grade.  Here is my chance to get an earlier start with Drew.  So what's stopping me?   I am not sure she will like being at home.  Rebecca is the one who asked to learn at home.  Drew is very social and head strong.  But she also has a strong desire to learn - maybe even more so than Rebecca.  Is keeping her in public school a selfish decision on my part?  Home schooling one child is challenge enough.  I am just getting into a routine that works for Rebecca and me.  Adding another child into the mix would change everything - like starting from scratch.  I just don't know what to do...


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