School Supports that Stick Summit
Parents, I’ll be speaking at Reframe Parenting’s, School Supports that Stick Summit October 27-30. My talk, Beyond “Bad at Math”: Math Learning Disabilities Explained, helps parents consider a possible cause of math struggles. At this FREE summit, there will be many other speakers, coaches, and professionals covering a variety of topics on establishing school supports for your student this season. Watch your inbox next week for a sign-up email.
“This is the most comprehensive book on dyscalculia. Butterworth’s extraordinary work sheds light and understanding on this little-known disability in a way that no other work has done.” (yours truly) My back cover quote sums up Butterworth’s book that provides a unique combination of the science, educational strategies, and personal stories of dyscalculia. I will be interviewing Brian on this second edition very soon, so watch my blog and newsletter for that conversation. Until then, get a copy of this book at your favorite local bookstore retailer.
Many of you have been following our family’s experience exploring how dyscalculia impacts driving and navigating the road.
People are usually surprised to hear how much dyscalculia impacts driving. But when you think about how dyscalculia impacts the ability to understand quantity, amounts, measurements, directional sense, as well as perform tasks such as quick estimation and calculation, it makes so much sense that it would also impact driving.
A recent challenge is changing lanes. This requires being able to correctly translate the flip-flop left-ride images in the mirrors, estimate distance through a mirror, and recognize and calculate the speed at which both cars are moving, to determine if there is enough space and time to change lanes.
It’s also been especially interesting for our family lately as now my youngest is learning to drive as well. Her experience has been so much easier than that of my older dyscalculic daughter, highlighting the real difference dyscalculia makes.
If you have a student who is getting ready for driver’s ed, and you’d like some help navigating this, reach out to me for a consult call to talk about how to understand what the difficulties are, what to communicate with instructors, and how you can be a supportive parent in the passenger seat.
I want to write more on this topic soon, but until then, you can also check out this blog on driving with dyscalculia.
A consult call is simply a safe place to talk about your personal situation and challenges with dyscalculia. I provide a listening ear, guidance, and support to help make your process easier and less stressful. Here are six examples of ways I can help you:
Confirm the Cause of Math Struggles: Through my targeted questions, your observations, and dyscalculia screening checklist, we can determine if the challenges are likely due to dyscalculia, dyslexia, or another reason. I can also review prior evaluation reports and give insights into what may have been overlooked, since many psychologists are still unfamiliar with dyscalculia.
Start Evaluation Process: If you want to pursue a school evaluation, I can help you use the correct language and help provide evidence for need, which is critical for public school evaluations. For private evaluations, I can guide you on what to ask for, where to find an evaluator, the process, and insurance considerations.
Write Teacher Emails: If you know the cause of your child’s math difficulties, together we can draft email communications with detailed information on how the learning disability impacts math learning and other subjects such as science, history, etc. I can provide you with info sheets to share with teachers as well.
Choose the Right Math Intervention Options: Students struggling in math due to dyscalculia or dyslexia need specific math interventions and teaching methods. I can help you become knowledgeable about the specific teaching strategies and materials needed so you can more confidently choose the right math intervention program, teacher, or tutor. We can also discuss options for specific math intervention at school, privately, at home, or online.
Choose 504 Accommodations for Dyscalculia: The accommodations suggested by schools for a math learning disability often lack a real understanding of dyscalculia. Together we can choose the best accommodation options for your unique child, as well as how to ensure their implementation in the classroom. This can also be a collaborative call with you and your student.
Get Support for Yourself: Maybe you don’t know what you need. You feel too overwhelmed. Talking through your feelings and experiences of raising a child with a confusing learning disability in a safe place with someone who understands can be immensely helpful. Getting support for ourselves is usually the best support we parents can give to our children.
More information at: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/consulting
The U.S. is facing massive cuts to education in funding, resources, training, and student supports. The president’s cuts in education have created gaping holes in the educational system. It’s been devastating to go backwards in the little progress we’ve been working so hard to make in education.
One thing we can do to change the tide is to make our voices heard. Besides signing petitions, we can also give voice to the personal impact these cuts are having on our personal lives.
The political situation has trickled down in a very real way as our daughter's school lost both the science and math teacher positions, teachers who mainly supported students with learning disabilities. This removal of a major learning disability support has been a stressful loss we are still trying to navigate.
Sharing your personal stories of impact with family, friends, and your congress members makes a difference in how people vote. Please check your upcoming ballot and vote for leadership and measures that care for the most vulnerable in our communities, that invest in education and research, and support all our students.
At this busy stage of my life, podcasts and audio books are my favorite way to learn and engage my mind. I listen on long walks or while prepping dinner. Listening to a great podcast makes most things more enjoyable.
That is why this guide is available in podcast format! I've specifically designed this for busy parents and teachers who want to learn more about how to teach math and support students with dyscalculia.
Normally this content would be covered in about 8 live Zoom consult calls. But this new format makes the learning accessible on your phone, and affordable!
This is a paid, no-ads, private podcast feed, with one-year access. Your payment for this resource enables me to keep doing the work of growing dyscalculia awareness, education, and supports.
Subscribe at: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/mathguide
Today I received this note from a reader in Europe: "I have just started to read your book and I wanted to thank you as I am beginning to see a little bit of hope." Have you read this book yet? It's a great dyscalculia resource for parents, teachers, family members, adults, and students. If reading isn't your thing, you can also listen to the Introduction and Chapter One on this podcast.
Stay tuned for next month's newsletter! To learn about other ways to engage, please check out my website, Discovering Dyscalculia.com
Your dyscalculia specialist and guide,
Laura Jackson
Discovering Dyscalculia website
Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter for dyscalculia awareness, education, and support here.
Each month as I sit down to write this newsletter, I envision this community, all with your unique stories, brought together through the shared experience of either being dyscalculic or supporting someone who is.
I am grateful to be on a similar journey with so many others who are passionate about raising awareness, education, and supports for dyscalculia. Thank you for being such an active and engaged member of this community.
In this Month's Issue:
Tearful 3rd Grader to High School Senior
She was in third grade when my daughter tearfully asked me, “Mommy, am I stupid?” Now she is a high school senior, excited about her college plans ahead.
It's been a journey, and it will continue to be a journey navigating life with dyscalculia.
Our current challenge this fall has been figuring out how to meet graduation and college entrance requirements, while also navigating the reality of her unique challenges.
It’s hard to live in the tension of knowing what your student needs and trying to make your way through a system that is not supportive or even aware of dyscalculia. In our case, it’s hard to explain to the school that taking Algebra II is not simply a matter of inconvenience, but requires a level of effort equivalent to “climbing Mount Everest.” (Reference to this blog post about U2 drummer, Larry Mullen on dyscalculia.)
But I don’t need to preach to the choir. You get it. You know what it’s like to navigate these challenges in a world that rarely recognizes dyscalculia's specific impacts.
In these complicated situations, there are never quick or easy solutions. It’s messy and requires a great deal of conversation, creative thinking, and long emails to the people in charge who don’t understand.
I share a bit of our current stage so that you know I am in it with you. I’m continually learning and growing in my understanding for what is needed to support my daughter, and how to shift my role as she grows older, to support her own navigating and self-advocating along the way.
It continues to be quite the adventure!
Teaching Strategies, Curriculum, Accommodations, and More!
Do you have questions about what teaching strategies to use, what books to follow, how to setup tutoring sessions, or what accommodations your dyscalculic student needs? If so, my new Audio Guide answers these questions about math education for dyscalculia and more. It is about 8 (wow!) consult calls worth of content and resources inside 12 easy-to-listen episodes. Listen on-the-go on your phone, via a private podcast feed. This resource is for parents, teachers, psychologists, school administrators, and tutors. https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/mathguide
Olympian Runner Shares about her Dyscalculia
I saw this short interview on the Dyscalculia Network’s website about Adelle Tracey, an Olympian runner with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Stories like this raise such great awareness for the everyday impact of dyscalculia.
DysCalculator Now Available for iPhones
A while back I shared about a new app, the DysCalculator, which is now available for iPhone devices! This calculator offers some unique features including: Numbers in number-line order. Visuals for calculations involving fractions. Time calculations help. The website includes helpful information on how to input data.
I recommend checking out the free web-based version online first, then consider purchasing the app on your phone. Note: There is a free app by the same name, which is NOT the same kind of calculator. Look for the logo of Dyscalculator (shown in this email. It is the one that has a $9.99 fee to download.) Learn more at: https://dyscalculator.app/
Group for Dyscalculia Adults
In my dyscalculia work over the years, I’ve noticed there are very few safe places for dyscalculic adults to share their unique struggles of dyscalculia and be received with understanding and genuine curiosity about their experience.
This year, I would love to start a support and listening group just for dyscalculic adults. The purpose of this group is to provide listening support and empathetic understanding to this challenging aspect of life. The group will meet weekly to connect and share the stories, experiences, and impact of life with dyscalculia.
I will co-lead this with my husband, Sean, who is a licensed psychotherapist with over twenty years in private practice, working with individuals and leading therapeutic groups like this. If you are interested in joining a group like this, please reach out to me directly for more information.
New Product and Services Page
There is a new page on my website listing the ways you can work with me or purchase the products I've created! I will continue to add services and new products here. Thank you for supporting my ongoing study, writing, and advocacy work for individuals with dyscalculia. The sale of these products and services enable me to keep doing this meaningful work! https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/products
Beginning Guidance
This week I just re-listened to the first chapter of my book, all about the signs and symptoms of dyscalculia. It's so good! If you are beginning your dyscalculia journey and you have questions about identifying dyscalculia, how to be evaluated, and initial supports, then grab a copy of this book! It's short, full of relatable stories, and will leave you feeling more knowledgeable about dyscalculia. Or listen to the Introduction and Chapter One on this podcast. https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/book
Stay tuned for next month's newsletter! To learn about other ways to engage, please check out my website, blog, resources, and consulting services.
Your dyscalculia specialist and guide, Laura Jackson
Discovering Dyscalculia website
Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter for dyscalculia awareness, education, and support here.
This summer I have been writing and recording a brand new resource, specifically for educators and parents. It is finally finished, and I am so excited to share it with you!
This new resource is an Audio Guide to Math Education for Dyscalculia. It answers the most-frequently asked questions about math education and supports for dyscalculia in the classroom.
In today’s podcast, I would love to share the first episode of the Audio Guide with you. You will be listening to episode 1, which is the Introduction and Start Here section of the guide.
https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/mathguide for more information and access to your guide.
Discovering Dyscalculia website
Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter for dyscalculia awareness, education, and support here.
This is a reading of my Discovering Dyscalculia monthly newsletter for June.
Dyscalculia Calendar Post and PDF Download
Summer Read, Discovering Dyscalculia
Discovering Dyscalculia website
Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter for dyscalculia awareness, education, and support here.
U2’s drummer, Larry Mullen Jr., shared publicly about his recent dyscalculia diagnosis in The Times article last year. This news created quite the buzz in the dyscalculic community. It’s rare a celebrity shares openly about their personal experience with a learning disability, especially dyscalculia.
Blog Post on dyscalculia and music: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/blog/how-dyscalculia-impacts-music
Dyscalculia Monthly Newsletter
Discovering Dyscalculia website
Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter for Dyscalculia Awareness, Education, and Support here.
An audio version of my recent newsletter where I discuss: Why Extra Time is Not a Helpful Accommodation, a Fun Math Game for Number Sense, and Trouble with Directional Sense.
Laura's Monthly Dyscalculia Newsletter
Most popular blog post - Trouble with Directional Sense
The Book: Discovering Dyscalculia
Personalized help with school accommodations
Discovering Dyscalculia website
Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter for Dyscalculia Awareness, Education, and Support here.
In this episode I share my thoughts about the impact the president's order to close the Department of Education will have on our students with physical, mental, or learning disabilities.
Blog Post: Devastating Impact of Closing the Department of Education
The blog post also includes two links for further reading about this executive order and history of the IDEA.
Discovering Dyscalculia website
Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter for Dyscalculia Awareness, Education, and Support here.
In this monthly newsletter:
School Supports for Dyscalculia
Very Bad At Math by Hope Larson
Explore Number-Sense this Summer
Discovering Dyscalculia: One family's journey with a math disability
In this episode I share why calendars are difficult for dyscalculics. I also share a modified calendar my dyscalculic daughter designed to address some of the issues with traditional calendars.
Purchase your own calendar for dyscalculia here. My daughter receives full proceeds for creating it.
Check out this YouTube Video showing how the calendar is better designed for dyscalculic minds.
This was a reading from my most recent monthly newsletter.
Don't miss my next dyscalculia monthly newsletter for the latest in dyscalculia awareness, education, and support!
This episode is my January Newsletter read aloud so you can listen on the go.
Sign up for my monthly newsletter for the latest on dyscalculia awareness, education, and support.
Links mentioned:
Music and dyscalculia interview
In this episode I sit down with you to read aloud Chapter 1 of my book, Discovering Dyscalculia. I tell the story of first learning about my daughter's math learning disability, and give personal examples of the signs and symptoms of dyscalculia.
Read the back cover reviews by Professor Brian Butterworth from the University College London, Cat Eadle at The Dyscalculia Network, and others on my website discoveringdyscalculia.com/book
Discovering Dyscalculia was published in 2022 by GHF Press.
Get updates on dyscalculia resources in my monthly newsletter: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/community Written for parents, educators, adults, and students.
In this episode I sit down with you to read the Introduction to my book, Discovering Dyscalculia: one family's journey with a math disability.
Download the Introduction and First Chapter for free at: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/book
Get updates on dyscalculia resources in my monthly newsletter: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/community Written for parents, educators, adults, and students.
Discovering Dyscalculia website
Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter for Dyscalculia Awareness, Education, and Support here.
In this quick three-minute episode Laura M Jackson answers the questions, "What is dyscalculia?", "Is dyscalculia a type of math learning disability?", and "How do you say Dyscalculia?"
Phonetic spelling: DIS - KAL - KYOO (or COO) - LEE - AH
Emphasis on middle KYOO/COO (not CAL or AH)
Dr. Brennan Whitley in her book suggests that it helps to know that the -CULIA part rhymes with JULIA.
Get updates on dyscalculia resources in my monthly newsletter: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/community Written for parents, educators, adults, and students.
Links mentioned in newsletter:
October 2024 Newsletter Archive
Dyscalculia Zine Art by Teen - blog post with pictures
Get updates on dyscalculia resources in my FREE monthly newsletter: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/community Written for parents, educators, adults, and students.
In this Audio Newsletter I write about: History Class + Dyscalculia, Favorite Resources for Dyscalculic Adults, and DysCalculator App, and Number-Sense Support.
Links from the newsletter:
The Dyscalculia Network adults with dyscalculia page
Math in Real Life video series for adults
DiscoveringDyscalculia YouTube Channel
DysCalculator Webinar and Web-App
Get updates on dyscalculia resources in my FREE monthly newsletter: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/community Written for parents, educators, adults, and students.
Dr. Brennan Whitley is author of the new children’s book The Dafoompah and Me: A Story for Children with Dyscalculia, a psychologist with an assessment practice in CA, and a dyscalculic adult. I know you will enjoy this interview!
Dr. Brennan's book and website: www.spring-psychology.com
Get updates on dyscalculia resources in my FREE monthly newsletter: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/community Written for parents, educators, adults, and students.
This is an interview with my friend who learned she was dyscalculic as an adult in her 30’s. She also raised two dyscalculic daughters. We talk about music and dyscalculia, how we all learn differently, strengths-based workplaces and schools, and how healing comes through understanding ourselves better and celebrating each other's strengths.
The YouTube video interview is on my YouTube Channel here.
Sign up for my monthly newsletter! For parents, educators, adults, and students.
This is the final day in my email series for Dyscalculia Day, wrapping up this series on the importance of establishing a framework for three main areas of support for our students.
Get updates on dyscalculia resources in my FREE monthly newsletter: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/community Written for parents, educators, adults, and students.
This is Part 4 on a special Dyscalculia Day series on a specific framework for dyscalculia support with supports in Education.
Links of resources mentioned in the episode.
Free Parent Guide includes tips for getting started with supports for education.
Get updates on dyscalculia resources in my FREE monthly newsletter: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/community Written for parents, educators, adults, and students.
This is Part 3 on a special Dyscalculia Day series on a specific framework for dyscalculia supports, all about your child’s “Team.”
Get updates on dyscalculia resources in my FREE monthly newsletter: https://discoveringdyscalculia.com/community Written for parents, educators, adults, and students.