Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Spring 2016 | Page 22

Non-verbal learning challenges often go unrecog- nized. Left undiagnosed and unsupported, these children are at risk to develop depression, social withdrawal and anxiety disorders. These children are often miss-labelled as having a “problem” or as having “behaviour issues.” Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit Children with visual perceptual or visual motor chal- lenges struggle to understand the information they see. This disorder also affects their ability to draw or copy. They miss subtle differences in shapes and printed letters, lose their place frequently, struggle cutting with scissors, or hold a pencil too tightly. Dyspraxia/Verbal Dyspraxia dren with non-verbal learning challenges may also have dif- ficulty changing from one activity to another and going from one location to another. They need to use their memory, concentration and all of their energy to get through regular day to day activities. New, and social situations, may present further problems. ACCEPTING new PATIENTS PEDIATRIC SERVICES Neonatal Care General Pediatric Care (Birth to 21 yrs) Routine Immunizations School Physicals and Adolescent Care No Referrals Needed      Dr. Ayesha Peets Talbot, MD DABIM FAAP ADULT SERVICES     Internal Medicine Consultations Specializing in Chronic Disease Management: Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol Specializing in Obesity and Weight-Loss Management Adult Appointments by Referral only C ALL TODAY PH : FAX : [phone] Consultant Physician, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Board Certifi ed in Internal Medicine & Pediatrics Member of Society of Bariatric Physicians Ocean Rock Wellness Ltd. Charities House 25 Point Finger Rd, Paget, DV 04 Bermuda www.drpeetstalbot.com | www.oceanrockwellness.com 20 Dr Aye-BDA parent ad vertical_07.indd 1 Dyspraxia refers to problems with movement and coordi- nation. This may be with fine motor skills like cutting with scissors or writing, or with gross motor skills like running and jumping. For children with dyspraxia it’s hard for their brain to plan and coordinate movement. They may also find it difficult to imitate sequences of movement. Dyspraxia can also make it hard for the brain to communi- cate with oral-motor muscles - the face and tongue - which affects movements necessary for speech. Signs that may indicate dyspraxia include problems with physical abilities that require hand-eye coordination, like holding a pencil, buttoning a shirt, or catching a ball. Executive Functioning Executive functioning refers to self-regulating skills. These are skills we use every day to do things like plan ahead, stay organized, solve problems and focus on important tasks. Children with weak executive functioning skills have trouble planning, organizing and managing their time. If your child struggles with issues such as being organized, has poor time management, is unable to complete tasks, is unable to make plans and follow through with them, has problems organizing thoughts or understanding and following verbal directions, they may have an executive functioning challenge. If you’re concerned that your child may have a learn- ing challenge, speak with their teacher, and doctor for an evaluation. We all want our children to be bright, happy and academically successful. When there’s a problem, it’s hard to face. No parent wants to see their child suffer. It’s important to remember your child is just as smart as their classmates - they just need to be taught in ways that are tai- lored to their unique learning style. A learning disability is a lifelong challenge. With early intervention and support, you’re paving the way for their future success. Contact these organizations for further information and/or diagnostic testing: ABC Speech-Language-Pathology & Educational Therapy Services, 296-8255. The Reading Clinic, 292-3938. The Depart- ment of Health’s Speech Language Services Clinic, 278-6429 or 278-4900. Solstice, 292-3456. Also Britanni Cann-Fubler, MRCSLT [email protected]. 11/10/15 6:46 PM