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ADHD / ADD • Autism Spectrum • Dyslexia • Anxiety • Depression

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What are 5 Red Flags for Dyslexia?

November 14, 2014

FIVE EARLY RED FLAGS FOR DYSLEXIA

Parents are often told that you cannot diagnose a reading disability or dyslexia until the third grade. This is actually not the case, and the earlier you are able to detect a reading problem, the quicker you will be able to put intervention strategies into place. Here are some red flags to watch out for in the early years of reading acquisition:

1) When writing, they insert or delete letters. For example, when asked to write “born,” he or she may write, “boirn.”

2) They are not recognizing sight words that are common in their environment, such as the word STOP, and are rather trying to sound it out.

3) You notice that once you have taught them a word on one page of a book, they have “forgotten” it by the next page.

4) When reading aloud, they pronounce the first segment of the word and then make up a new word. For example, with the word, “fire,” they may say “find.”

5) Your child has difficulty hearing the different segments of a word to help them spell it out. For example, when asked to spell “tiger,” they may write “tire.”

Early detection of a reading disability is crucial. There are many types of dyslexia including phonological dyslexia, orthographic dyslexia, difficulty with heard sounds or auditory processing that impacts reading, or challenges with the written word and visual motor integration. By determining what type of reading challenges your child has, the appropriate intervention can be put into place.

If you would like to have your child evaluated or treated for dyslexia, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Northern Virginia office.

MindWell to present at Congressional Schools and Middleburg Academy

November 11, 2014

MindWell will be presenting to parents at two independent schools:

 

11-18-2014: Congressional School

Your Child’s Mind: Promoting Motivation, Grit, and Executive Functioning

11-19-2014: Middleburg Academy

How to parent your child in the age of cyberspace.

Contact us today to learn more about these two fantastic talks.

Community Service: Teacher Training

October 28, 2014

Dr. Guadagnoli will be offering teacher training at St. Veronica’s school to include teachers from all Catholic Schools in the Diocese.  She will be presenting on executive functioning. Executive functioning has become a “hot” topic lately.  She will work with teacher in helping them identify way to promote initiation, planning, and organization…all essential tools in becoming a successful student

Slow Down! The Occupational Hazards of being a multitasker.

October 20, 2014

I’m all for multitasking. I like to do three things at once….it’s the only way I can get my work done, attend to the household, take care of my family, and try to take care of myself. However,  I noticed a bruise on my shoulder the other day.  I thought for a second and realized that I had bumped my arm against a bike in our garage as I was walking out to the car.  Not a big deal, but then I also knew that I could have avoided it.  There was absolutely no need for me to be carrying my work bag, purse, mug of coffee, exercise bag, AND lunch at the same time.  Why not take two trips?  Because I didn’t want to waste time.  I probably gained 5 seconds but I also gained a bruise.

In a matter of one week, three friends got physically injured because they were trying to go too fast and “get things done.” One friend slipped and hurt her knees while trying to carry a too heavy laundry basket while running out to check the oven. Another friend scratched her cornea with a mascara brush because she was late for a business meeting and putting on her make up too fast.  Finally, my last friend got a concussion (A concussion!) when she was picking up clothes from off the floor to make sure the bathroom was neat for her daughter’s playdate.  She hit her head against the lip of the sink.

Any of those injuries could have happened to me.  It was a reminder to slow down.  Take my time. Do one thing at once.  As a woman, this can be particularly difficult but it is an important reminder. Be mindful.

 

Rachna Varia, PhD

How do we promote grit in our children?

October 8, 2014

Mother and daughter with a book

Your Child’s Mind: Promoting Motivation, Grit, and Executive Functioning

Rachna Varia, PhD and Kristi Guadagnoli, PsyD are co-founders of MindWell Psychology.  As both parents and psychologists, they understand how important it is to know and foster your child’s unique learning style.

Their talk will identify how our children learn and the importance of using natural strengths and developing strategies to improve on weaknesses.  In addition, they will discuss the role of executive functioning, or how a student can learn to learn.  Learning is an active process and many students have a more passive or disorganized approach.

  • What is the role of motivation and perseverance?
  • How can we teach and model the importance of grit or working hard?
  • How do we parent and teach our children without it becoming a power struggle?

Dr. Varia and Dr. Guadagnoli will be presenting the latest research, practical techniques, and real life examples in an interactive and informative manner.

The talk is open to the public and will be held at 7 PM at Oakwood School on Wednesday, October 8th.

Please register here: http://www.oakwoodschool.com/

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