Beautiful! I wished more couples or single folks would adopt. There are a lot of children/babies just waiting for someone to LOVE them and give them so much love back!

to NatVess…your comment is completely wrong. I’m adopted and my parents knew nothing about my genetic heritage. There are many companies that wll do a simple DNA test to see which genetic profile a person most closely matches. I did that last year. Please don’t mistake being adopted with having not having a heritage. It’s very, very simple to discover what one’s heritage is.

I don’t think that’s always true, Nat. I’ve met a, few adopted kids where the genetic inheritance is known. it just depends in what process you take and other factors, I think.

She’s beautiful!

Such an adorable picture!! They both look so happy and content

I love that she adopted but for everyone that is saying (And I am not just talking the comments on this picture, there were a lot when it was announced that she had adopted in the first place) that more people should adopt it is not that simple. Adoption is such a long and costly process that most people can’t afford it or don’t want to/can’t wait the years it takes.

My husband and I would LOVE to adopt, and may still one day, but right now, while we are more than capable of supporting our daughter, we cannot afford the cost of adoption AND the cost of supporting another child. we also made the choice to start having kids young (We were both 24 when Elly was born) and if we were to only adopt we would not be able to do that.

Awwwwwww!! What a total cutie pie!! I hope Kristen was able to get a copy of this picture, it is adorable!!

@NatVess, my father-in-law was adopted and all they knew about his birth family was that they were italian but when my husband and I decided to have kids we wanted to know more so my husband talked to his doctor and they were able to take a DNA sample of him and his brother and send them away and we know where in Italy their family came from, a base medical history and were even given names of some really distant cousins.just because someone was adopted does not mean that they have no family history or genetic inheritance.

So there’s a magic test that will reveal all your genetic predispositions? Because that’s where I think Nat was going. My kids father never met his dad and I worry that they may have issues in the future that are unknown…like cancer or alzheimers.

I think “NatVess” was talking about genetic inheritance in regards to health and pre-disposed diseases. For example, not knowing if the child is pre-disposed for health issues like diabetes, asthma, cancer, arthritis, or heart disease. and mental/social health issues like Autism, Dyslexia, or anxiety/depression.

Some of you are so quick to judge a comment as negative. Also note…she never said “heritage”…she said inheritance. Read comments carefully and try to be objective about comments that are made.

Even if NatVess was talking about disease, it’s still sad that she says “the problem with” as if that should be a reason to not adopt children, because you never know if they could be faulty or something.

Kat, I can understand your concern, but the truth is that while some people are more likely than others to develop a disease because of genetic predisposition, it is not a certainty. it is just a reason why everyone should take the best care of themselves that they can – we are much more in control of our personal health than the media may have us think.

Kat, one of your children, or all, could die in a car accident next week. One of them could drown on a trip to the lake. even knowing the “genetic makeup” of your child does not assure nothing will happen. What do you think a person should do, interview prospective SOs to make certain there are no possibilities in your head that your child could have a problem? My first had a heart arrythmia out of nowhere, but we simply took him to the doctor and dealt with it. as an adult, he’s fine, but if he had continued to have issues, we would have dealt with that, too.

I also have 2 adopted children; one I know everything about, and met and spent time with even the GGPs. and one I know nothing about, including her birthday! she has been an amazing daughter, and tremendous friend, wife and mother. and frankly I would put her against anyone I know. none of us care at all about her “genetics”; I have a large family and just sayin’, my bio kids are not better than she is!! (They aren’t worse, either)

Knowing your “heritage” doesn’t prevent you from illnesses. Most illnesses and cancers aren’t genetic related. It’s pathetic that someone would post such a negative comment on a beautiful story. it speaks volumes about that person’s character.

It really irritates me when people say “Oh, I wish more people, single mothers would adopt” as opposed to having their own children. My husband and I have absolutely no desire to adopt and opted, rather, to have four beautiful children in a different way. and, no, there were no excuses. we could probably afford to adopt one, possibly two children, however, it just wasn’t “for us.” it does NOT make us bad people and I certainly shouldn’t feel bad for opting to give birth to my children rather than adopting them. I can not express how many times I have heard, “There are so many needy children out there and you’d rather get pregnant, lose your figure and have to give birth rather than adopt?” or have someone imply that my husband and I were selfish. Saying that you wish everyone would adopt is like saying you wish everyone would vote Republican or live in Utah. the simple fact of the matter is, adoption is not for everyone. My sister and her husband adopted three beautiful boys and it worked wonderfully with their family. I just do not appreciate the implication that I am a bad person because I did not and will not adopt even if I am “able” or “capable” of it.

@Sarah Breast/ovarian/prostate cancers & many others have been shown to be linked to genetics, to a degree. as well as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, sickle cell, heart disease, obesity & many others.

I don’t think Nat was trying to be nasty. just stating that sometimes, adopting is a genetic gamble.

Actually there is a “magic test” that can at least give you an idea of your medical background. My brother-in-law was adopted and when he and his wife decided to start a family they contacted a company called 21 and me (It was actually on an episode of Anderson a while ago) and they were able to find out about any possible predispositions for a lot of medical issues. Like other people have said, it won’t stop his kids from being in a car accident tomorrow but he now has a much better family medical history then lots of people I know who were never adopted, myself included.

Very very cute picture!! Gemma is so adorable, I love how chubby her checks are

I get where Kat and Nat are coming from. while knowing your genetic histor can’t tell you for sure if you’re going to contract a disease, it CAN tell if you’re at risk for developing one. I think that’s what they’re referring to, and I can understand that. When you know that you or your kids might be genetically predisposed to something, then you can maybe take extra precautions to avoid it, or at the very least be better prepared to deal with a genetic (or partially genetic) condition.

Knowing that stuff can also greatly assist your doctor in caring for you and knowing what sorts of things to be on the look out for. For example, if you know you have a family history of breast cancer, then you and your doctor can opt to begin mammograms earlier than normal. but without that information, your doctor wouldn’t know to recommend that, nor would you know that beginning screenings earlier might help you.

Similarly, if your doctor knows you have a genetic predisposition to another type of cancer and you start displaying symptoms of that type cancer, she or he may screen you for that type of cancer earlier than she or he might have otherwise (one of the reasons cancer can be so difficult to detect is that a lot of cancers have symptoms that are the same or similar to those of other much less deadly diseases. So if your doctor doesn’t know you have a family history of a certain type of cancer and you have no other known risk factors for it, s/he may not think to check for it right away) thus catching it sooner.

All of that being said, however, I agree with the majority of the posters on this thread. Not knowing a child’s genetic history shouldn’t be a reason not to adopt. and Gemma is adorable!

I feel the need to speak out as an adoptee myself. I have some family history. I know that both sides are relatively healthy except for one documented case of epilepsy on one side of the family (I’m not sure of which one).

Also, “genetic inheritance” is pretty much BS at this point in time. There are VERY few closed adoptions going on right now in this day and age, and adoptive parents will often be in contact – and stay in contact – with the birth parents of their son or their daughter, which means that they will often know about their family history and whether cancer, Alzheimers, epilepsy, heart disease, or even ridiculously enough, STRETCH MARKS (!) or whatever else runs in the family.

I don’t think anyone knows if this adoption was open or closed. For all any one of us know, Kristin is in regular contact with Gemma’s birth mother OR birth parents, and sends them pictures and updates regularly. she may very well know what the medical history of her daughter is. but even if she doesn’t, and even if this was a closed adoption, that’s absolutely no reason not to open your home to a child who doesn’t have one.

What a doll! how old is she?

Also, the genetic heritage is a goofy reason to question adopting (imho – we all die anyway, and our lifestyle decisions play a major role in lifelong health) I am always glad to see adoption covered here.

I wonder if someone’s medical issues or predispositions make them any less lovable to those around them. it is careless to think that way since a biological child could have some strange medical condition that no other family member has had.

Also, adoption does not have to be costly. I have adopted 3 children, a sibling group, and it has not cost me a dime. Well, raising them is costly, but the adoption itself did not dent our pocket book AT ALL. the problem with adoption is everyone wants that “newborn” when there are so many kids that are slightly older who are looking for a “forever home”. we went through the “foster-to-adopt” system in our area and were blessed with a 3 year old, a 16 month old, and a newborn – and that was 7 years ago.

We had an instant family and I can NOT imagine life without them. we have opted not to have biological children and believe that we are not missing out on the “pregnancy” part. They know they are adopted, but not many people actually do. A family is what you make of it and will love you unconditionally – biologically related or not.

Gemma is adorable. about adoption, both my children are adopted. Adoption is a great thing. Yes, it can be expensive but it also can be very affordable especially if you can adopt African American males. unfortunately they do not get adopted as much as the the other races/sex. My daughter’s adoption took 14 months, but my son’s adoption was only a 6 month wait. If you can, please adopt. These are children that need a family.

mary – you have some MAJOR issues! and some bizarre friends. cuckoo! cuckoo!

“I can not express how many times I have heard, “There are so many needy children out there and you’d rather get pregnant, lose your figure and have to give birth rather than adopt?”

I know children that are adopted and biological children of parents, and so far the biological kids are having a lot of health problems and the adopted children aren’t. No one knows for sure what’s going to happen – adoption is a wonderful thing. It’s a selfless act that gives opportunities to children that might otherwise never have. What a wonderful thing Kristin did. good luck to both of them.

Love grows in your heart – not in your belly.

You grew in my heart – not in my belly.

@NatVess What a shame you choose to turn a beautiful moment between mother and daughter into something negative. I hope you address whatever issues you have because I think projecting your skewed opinions in such a passive aggressive way on a celebrity news website is pathetic.

That intensity — Rabil refers to himself as “cutthroat determined” — has informed his approach to lacrosse and is guiding his new effort to help young people with learning differences thrive through athletics, and to raise public awareness about the need for early diagnosis and intervention.

“I want kids with learning differences to know that they can do great things,” said Rabil, who lives in Baltimore. “It may sound like a cliche, but I don’t look at my condition as a disability, but as something that made me work hard to get where I wanted to go.”

Learning disabilities are caused by differences in brain structure. Estimates vary on the percentage of Americans with a disability; government agencies cite 10 to 15 percent. The most common disability is dyslexia, an inherited disorder in which the brain does not properly recognize and process symbols, making it difficult to read and write. Those with auditory processing disorder can hear, but their brains do not properly process some sounds.

These disorders have nothing to do with a child’s vision or intelligence. there is no cure, but there are successful treatments. Katherine Schantz, principal of the private Lab School in Northwest Washington, one of the nation’s premier schools for children with learning disabilities, said that modern brain research can show how a brain has changed after specific interventions, helping target them to individuals.

Rabil, whose new foundation is starting a lacrosse program at the Lab School, knows he is one of the lucky ones. his sister, who attended Lab, has dyslexia, and his brother has auditory processing disorder. he received his diagnosis when he was young enough to avail himself of tutors, note-takers and other accommodations as he went through school, graduating from private DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville. An invaluable tool that helped him at Hopkins, he said, was the Kurzwell 3000, a program that scans a document, displays it and reads it aloud while highlighting the image of the print as it is being read.

Because the key to helping people learn to live and thrive with dyslexia is early detection and intervention — along with strong family support — Rabil plans to advocate with lawmakers in Maryland for universal dyslexia screening among school children. he is starting a lacrosse program at Lab and plans to raise funds for an annual scholarship there.

Philip Schultz wasn’t as lucky as Rabil. Schultz, of New York, did not learn he had dyslexia until he was in his 50s and his son, then in second grade, received a diagnosis.

As he heard the doctor describe his son’s symptoms, it sounded like his own life story. he remembers being put with other kids who had trouble learning at “the dummy table.” Held back twice and kicked out once for fighting with bullies, Schultz says he was “a big disappointment” to his parents.

But he persevered, becoming a writer who won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize in poetry. He’s authored eight books, the latest a memoir called “My Dyslexia.” his work ethic echoes Rabil’s: he writes slowly, and rewrites over and over and over.

Rabil and Schultz visited the Lab School last week as two of five honorees at the annual gala. Schultz, founder and director of the Writers Studio, a private school for fiction and poetry writing based in New York City, was most struck by the environment at the Lab School, where every student can understand what the rest are going through.

“I wonder what that would have been like, to have that kind of support, and what a difference it would have made,” he said.

Appleton man’s battle with dyspraxia

2:00pm Saturday 12th November 2011 in News

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THIS week is Dyspraxia Awareness Week.

Jonathan Levy, a 20-year-old living in Appleton, whose interests include football, politics and showbiz, has a mild form of the condition. This is his story…

“I HAVE a mild form of dyspraxia, a neurological condition which can make even the simplest tasks a struggle.

“Dyspraxia is thought to affect up to 10 per cent of the population and can run in families. Males are three times more likely to be affected than females.

“I’ve always been slower than most in reaching milestones such as learning to ride a bike.

“Upon reaching school age I avoided games, was unable to tie my shoelaces and stood out with my ‘chicken scratch’ handwriting.

“English and foreign languages were two of my strongest subjects but I struggled greatly with maths, science and anything practical.

“I got through GCSE maths with a D but despite private tuition and resits was unable to advance to a C. I still vow that one day I will.

“I enjoy socialising and have good friends but many people with dyspraxia have poor social skills and struggle to keep up with their peers.

“Teenage life can be particularly challenging as the high school language and chatter is often fast, witty and difficult to keep up with.

“This can be the time when friends desert you and bullying may creep in, as it becomes obvious that you are different.

“With awareness in autism and dyslexia increasing, I describe dyspraxia as the ‘forgotten cousin’.

“Dyspraxia overlaps with both conditions due to the implications it has for skills like reading and writing. Dyspraxia though, has its own symptoms.

“Children often encounter late development in motor skills like standing and walking then later, difficulties in running and catching a ball. I certainly encountered these difficulties.

“Adults may experience communication and motor difficulties such as learning to drive but, as with many medical conditions, it can affect different people in different ways.

“There is no known cause of dyspraxia nor is there a cure but when facing challenges such as following oral instructions or using office equipment I tell myself that I will succeed, I’ll just have to work much harder.

“My condition hasn’t stopped from me succeeding in exams and entering employment so I’m proud of what I can do and never talk myself down. Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is probably the most famous dyspraxic.”

l Dyspraxia Awareness Week runs until Saturday. if you think you or your child may have dyspraxia, visit dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk

Appleton man’s battle with dyspraxia

2:00pm Saturday 12th November 2011

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THIS week is Dyspraxia Awareness Week.

Jonathan Levy, a 20-year-old living in Appleton, whose interests include football, politics and showbiz, has a mild form of the condition. This is his story…

“I HAVE a mild form of dyspraxia, a neurological condition which can make even the simplest tasks a struggle.

“Dyspraxia is thought to affect up to 10 per cent of the population and can run in families. Males are three times more likely to be affected than females.

“I’ve always been slower than most in reaching milestones such as learning to ride a bike.

“Upon reaching school age I avoided games, was unable to tie my shoelaces and stood out with my ‘chicken scratch’ handwriting.

“English and foreign languages were two of my strongest subjects but I struggled greatly with maths, science and anything practical.

“I got through GCSE maths with a D but despite private tuition and resits was unable to advance to a C. I still vow that one day I will.

“I enjoy socialising and have good friends but many people with dyspraxia have poor social skills and struggle to keep up with their peers.

“Teenage life can be particularly challenging as the high school language and chatter is often fast, witty and difficult to keep up with.

“This can be the time when friends desert you and bullying may creep in, as it becomes obvious that you are different.

“With awareness in autism and dyslexia increasing, I describe dyspraxia as the ‘forgotten cousin’.

“Dyspraxia overlaps with both conditions due to the implications it has for skills like reading and writing. Dyspraxia though, has its own symptoms.

“Children often encounter late development in motor skills like standing and walking then later, difficulties in running and catching a ball. I certainly encountered these difficulties.

“Adults may experience communication and motor difficulties such as learning to drive but, as with many medical conditions, it can affect different people in different ways.

“There is no known cause of dyspraxia nor is there a cure but when facing challenges such as following oral instructions or using office equipment I tell myself that I will succeed, I’ll just have to work much harder.

“My condition hasn’t stopped from me succeeding in exams and entering employment so I’m proud of what I can do and never talk myself down. Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is probably the most famous dyspraxic.”

l Dyspraxia Awareness Week runs until Saturday. If you think you or your child may have dyspraxia, visit dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk

WHAT do the following have in common: Albert Einstein, Richard Branson, bill Gates, John Lennon, Muhammad Ali, Leonardo da Vinci, Kara Tointon, Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg? each one has achieved great success in their chosen field, despite having dyslexia.

This week is National Dyselxia Awareness Week and the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is spreading the word – don’t let dyslexia hold you back.

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects one in 10 people in the UK. Typically, Dyslexics have problems associated with reading, spelling, writing and numeracy. The challenge with dyslexia is that symptoms, such as Reading slowly or hesitantly, Letters changing shape or reversing and Difficulty remembering what has been just read can often be subtle and easily overlooked

While these problems are normally brought to attention at a young age, many people’s symptoms go undetected and untreated throughout adulthood.

“Many ‘dyslexic like’ symptoms can often go undetected or misdiagnosed, especially as it is easy to mistake a child who is experiencing these difficulties as having behavioural problems,” explained Romana Hashim, specialist optometrist and director at The Eye Academy in Guildford.

“Parents can also be frustrated at their child’s apparent dislike for reading and may assume that the child lacks interest rather than being uncomfortable reading.

“Younger children, in particular, find it hard to articulate their vision problems. they feel that what they are experiencing is the norm, after all, they do not know any different.”

While the introduction of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) and Educational Psychologists in schools has helped the diagnosis and support of children with dyslexia, Ms Hashim has concerns that individuals are being diagnosed with dyslexia prior to having a specialist vision assessment.

Romana added: “In my 12 years experience, I would say that around 80% of the children I see that present symptoms that can be associated with dyslexia, in fact have an underlying eye condition that may be significantly contributing to the severity of the dyslexia. these conditions can be effectively treated with vision therapy.

“It is important that any child that is experiencing problems undergoes a comprehensive vision assessment to rule out an underlying eye condition before being referred to an educational psychologist for further investigation and this is why we have formed a partnership with a number of schools in the area to provide a referral programme for testing and treatments.”

Following a detailed vision assessment with a specialist optometrist, sufferers can begin a course of treatment often including a series of exercises to strengthen weak eye muscles; the use of coloured filters and specialist prescription lenses that will significantly improve, or in some cases, completely alleviate the symptoms a person is suffering with. In-depth visual assessments are not normally available from high street opticians and specialist optometrists should be sought.

For more information on The Eye Academy visit theeyeacademy.com or call 01483 577 957.

A few years ago, Jordan Heald marched into the office of A Touch of Understanding and said she wanted to be a speaker for the organization.

The Granite Bay nonprofit’s Executive Director Leslie DeDora asked what she would speak about.

“I’ll never forget what she said,” DeDora said. “She said she has dyslexia and her younger sister does too, and she doesn’t want her to be teased the way she was. who can say no to that?”

Jordan joined the group’s Youth FORCE, which stands for Friends Offering Respect creating Empowerment, and visits schools to spread awareness about disabilities.

Now a freshman at Granite Bay High School, Jordan, 14, isn’t able to volunteer as much as she once did. But she still wants kids to know that it’s wrong to make fun of someone else because of a learning disability.

“I was made to feel bad inside because I wasn’t like them,” Jordan said. “But now I feel so confident. I don’t care what other people think.”

October marks National Dyslexia Awareness Month. one out of every 10 Americans struggles with dyslexia, according to the International Dyslexia Association.

Dyslexia is considered an “invisible disability,” unlike blindness or an amputation. When A Touch of Understanding gives class presentations, they teach students about visible and invisible disabilities at the same time.

They want to show how a dyslexic person can’t just easily read a book any more than a paralyzed person can just hop out of a wheelchair and walk around.

“it is not a matter of will,” DeDora said.

Dyslexia is a brain-based learning disability that impairs a person’s ability to read, write, spell and sometimes speak, according to the National Institutes of Health. A person with dyslexia has trouble translating messages received from the eyes or ears into understandable language.

Cases can range from mild to severe and include three types: trauma dyslexia when there is injury to the brain, primary dyslexia when there is a dysfunction of the left side of the brain and developmental dyslexia, which typically diminishes as the child matures.

Symptoms include difficulties with word recognition, mixing up similar words and poor spelling and decoding abilities.

Dyslexic people don’t read backwards, although spelling can look jumbled because they have trouble remembering letter symbols for sounds and forming memories for words.

A Touch of Understanding volunteers demonstrate dyslexia at a “frustration station” — where people attempt to write letters and trace around shapes by looking at a mirror and not at the paper. It’s not easy.

“we give students an idea of what it might be like to have that challenge,” DeDora said. “But you’re just as intelligent as before you sat down at the mirror.”

Dyslexia occurs in people of all intellectual levels. People with dyslexia may be gifted in areas that don’t require strong language skills, such as art, computer science, design, drama, electronics, math, music and sports.

A list of prominent dyslexic people includes John Lennon, Ansel Adams, Jay Leno, Erin Brockovich, Nobel Peace Prize winners, politicians and astrophysicists. Jordan was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was in third grade.

“My first reaction was, ‘Let’s get her fixed,’” said her mom, Lavena Heald.

Her daughter was bullied and didn’t have any friends as a child. DeDora said some kids with dyslexia may feel misunderstood or ostracized. some might overcompensate by becoming the class clown, or sit silently in the back of the classroom.

“They are thought to be less intelligent and that’s more of a burden to bear than the disability itself,” DeDora said.

Jordan was carted off to tutoring. She tried homeschooling, then a charter school and then back to a public school — Cavitt Junior High School, where she made the group of friends she still has today.

Through the years, she experienced much frustration. it was hard figuring out words. She took a long time reading directions on school assignments. She reads at a lower grade level than her peers.

Dyslexia runs in families and Jordan’s younger sister, Marissa, 10, also has the disability. Their dad Steve does, too.

And instead of trying to “fix” Jordan, her parents decided to encourage the areas where she shines.

“Let’s work on everything she’s really good at,” Lavena Heald said. “it just changed her … to over-the-top confidence.”

Jordan is a talented musician. She writes her own country music and performs cover songs at gigs around town. She plays the guitar, which she learned visually by watching her teacher. She’s also practicing the piano.

“She can’t read music,” Lavena Heald said. “But she can jam on the guitar.”

Sena Christian can be reached at . Follow her on Twitter at SenaC_RsvPT.———-Problems experienced by dyslexics:

• Learning to speak• Learning letters and their sounds• Organizing written and spoken language• Memorizing number facts• Reading quickly enough to comprehend• Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments• Spelling• Learning a foreign language• Correctly doing math operationsSource: International Dyslexia Association———-For more information on A Touch of Understanding’s Youth FORCE (Friends Offering Respect creating Empowerment), visit touchofunderstanding.org or call (916) 791-4146.

Vale Dyspraxia Support Group appeals for volunteer leaders

4:30pm Sunday 21st August 2011

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THE Vale Dyspraxia Support Group is appealing for volunteers to come forward to run the organisation.

The Barry family members who have run the group for the last seven years are moving out of the area, and they are desperate for someone to take over the reins.

VDSG provides support and advice for parents, carers, families and others that are affected by dyspraxia.

they currently provide members with monthly meetings, an advice line, and links to a range of other organisations.

they also arrange social activities including 10-pin bowling, cinema trips, boat trips and visits to the likes of Techniquest.

“We are considering moving to Oxford and we are not going to be able carry on with the group if we move there,” said one of the co-ordinators.

“After seven and a half years the group could do with some fresh leadership too.

“We are asking for people to come forward, for us to find out a little bit more about them, and see if people in the meetings feel happy for them to lead the group and take it forward from us.”

Dyspraxia is a condition where the normal process of development of physical actions that require co-ordination is delayed or disturbed.

Typically a child with dyspraxia has difficulty with their gross motor skills, including activities such as throwing, catching and running, as well as fine motor skills, such as handwriting.

Dyspraxia is part of a group of conditions that include dyslexia and ADHD, with many children having symptoms of one or more of these conditions.

if you have an interest in helping young people with dyspraxia and its associated conditions, email valedyspraxia@aol.com or ring 01446 738945.

You can also visit the website at vdsg.org.uk

Read these News stories

Vale Dyspraxia Support Group appeals for volunteer leaders

4:30pm Sunday 21st August 2011

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• Comments(0)

THE Vale Dyspraxia Support Group is appealing for volunteers to come forward to run the organisation.

The Barry family members who have run the group for the last seven years are moving out of the area, and they are desperate for someone to take over the reins.

VDSG provides support and advice for parents, carers, families and others that are affected by dyspraxia.

They currently provide members with monthly meetings, an advice line, and links to a range of other organisations.

They also arrange social activities including 10-pin bowling, cinema trips, boat trips and visits to the likes of Techniquest.

“We are considering moving to Oxford and we are not going to be able carry on with the group if we move there,” said one of the co-ordinators.

“After seven and a half years the group could do with some fresh leadership too.

“We are asking for people to come forward, for us to find out a little bit more about them, and see if people in the meetings feel happy for them to lead the group and take it forward from us.”

Dyspraxia is a condition where the normal process of development of physical actions that require co-ordination is delayed or disturbed.

Typically a child with dyspraxia has difficulty with their gross motor skills, including activities such as throwing, catching and running, as well as fine motor skills, such as handwriting.

Dyspraxia is part of a group of conditions that include dyslexia and ADHD, with many children having symptoms of one or more of these conditions.

if you have an interest in helping young people with dyspraxia and its associated conditions, email or ring 01446 738945.

You can also visit the website at vdsg.org.uk

Read these News stories

Vale Dyspraxia Support Group appeals for volunteer leaders

4:30pm Sunday 21st August 2011

• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

THE Vale Dyspraxia Support Group is appealing for volunteers to come forward to run the organisation.

the Barry family members who have run the group for the last seven years are moving out of the area, and they are desperate for someone to take over the reins.

VDSG provides support and advice for parents, carers, families and others that are affected by dyspraxia.

They currently provide members with monthly meetings, an advice line, and links to a range of other organisations.

They also arrange social activities including 10-pin bowling, cinema trips, boat trips and visits to the likes of Techniquest.

“We are considering moving to Oxford and we are not going to be able carry on with the group if we move there,” said one of the co-ordinators.

“After seven and a half years the group could do with some fresh leadership too.

“We are asking for people to come forward, for us to find out a little bit more about them, and see if people in the meetings feel happy for them to lead the group and take it forward from us.”

Dyspraxia is a condition where the normal process of development of physical actions that require co-ordination is delayed or disturbed.

Typically a child with dyspraxia has difficulty with their gross motor skills, including activities such as throwing, catching and running, as well as fine motor skills, such as handwriting.

Dyspraxia is part of a group of conditions that include dyslexia and ADHD, with many children having symptoms of one or more of these conditions.

if you have an interest in helping young people with dyspraxia and its associated conditions, email or ring 01446 738945.

you can also visit the website at vdsg.org.uk

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I Think My Daughter has numerical dyslexia. Shes 12 Years Old and She still Finds it Extremely Hard to Add up Simple Sums Like 15 and 15! She Finds it Hard to Remember Number Sequences and things she learnt In School. She's really intelligent where things like Art and English Are Concerned, But Scene As Shes So good at Writing, when it Comes to Numbers She even writes Them backwards! I'm Dyslexic and so is my son and we both have ADHD too accompanied by it. does anybody know whether its worth a test because the tests are a lot of money. and Also what are the actual symptoms and is there some sort of cure of something to keep it under wraps, because sometimes she comes home upset not being able to do the things that other children can and she says that she's so embarassed when teachers ask her questions out loud that she just simply cant do, Please can somebody help? Im quite worried!

i have the same thing what i do is that i sit up front during math class and have a notetaker for me then after class i go over the math with my teacher (i'm in college and never have gotten past pre-algebra before) my mom's worried too wants me to go to the tutorial center every day even on weekends but it's not open on weekends. i also ask friends to help me with the math.

hello i have the same problem and last year i was finaly statemented dyslexic, i also have dyscalculier (number dyslexia) and dyspaxia(coordination) there is numerouse things u could try to help it it. i myself am undergoing the dore programme the best thing to do is get a test done to get it diagnosed then fgo from there

There are assessment centres where your child will be tested to see how things are going. however, you have to weigh up the options of 'labeling' your child with the stigma of having something wrong with them, but on the other hand, the child may feel significantly less stressed when they find out why they are experiencing these difficulties. Also you dont want your child to think… I cant do that, I have a problem with Maths, and be put off applying for jobs or even going out with friends; for example shopping, because it uses Maths. your decision!

Look up the computer at the
DORE PROGRAMME.
Excellent outfit.

Dyslexia was first described by Hinshelwood in 1896. Orton originally hypothesized that dyslexia results from a dysfunction in visual memory and visual perception due to a delayment in maturation. most dyslexics also display poor writing ability. Dyslexia is a classical primary reading disorder and should be differentiated from secondary disorders such as mental retardation, educational or environmental deprivation, or physical/organic diseases. the disorder results as a combination of genetic and environmental causes, which can induce variations in the behavioral, cognitive, and physiological measures related to reading disability. Dyslexia was previously called congenital word blindness. Dyslexia is a reading disorder, not caused by lowered motivation, inadequate learning opportunity or any overt neurological disability. Reading is a complex process which involves multiple systems to process the information cognitively and physiologically. In simple terms reading typically begins with a visual sensation stimuli and processing the text via the visual pathway in the brain (from the retina in the eye, the impulse goes in the brain to the lateral geniculate nuclei and primary visual cortex, the occipital lobe, located in the back of the head, which functions to process and integrate incoming visormation). Input information from vision is probably integrated with other neuronal systems that include language-specific rules, learned information and symbolic images into components of language thinking related to reading. Reading-related thinking is correlated with high activity in the left-hemisphere cortical regions, and language processing centers in the brain. Additionally, learning to read is also related to the learning process, which is mediated by the cerebellum and on relay feedback mechanisms between related areas of the brain.

Deficits in reading may stem from disruptions of simple sensory impairments to more complex problems involving thinking related to language. there are several subtypes of dyslexias and they can be categorized as either central or peripheral dyslexias (of which there are two, attentional dyslexia and neglect dyslexia), which result from impairment to brain processes that are capable of converting letters on the page into visual word forms. there are two types of peripheral dyslexias called attentional dyslexia, and neglect dyslexia. the attentional dyslexia subtype is a rare disorder of attention control, typically correlated with damage to the left parietal lobe (located on the sides of the head). the attentional dyslexia causes an impairment of reading words in sentences, since the defect causes many words to be visible at the same time. Neglect dyslexia is usually due to brain damage, and causes an impairment of reading because the affected person misidentifies letters in certain spatial regions of either a word or a group of words. the defect for neglect dyslexia subtype is associated with the right parietal lobe. Neglect dyslexia can be further divided into left neglect dyslexia and right neglect dyslexia. In the left neglect dyslexia subtype, the affected person experiences difficulty reading initial letters of the word, which may cause a letter(s) to be substituted, omitted or added. the right neglect dyslexia subtype causes a patient to have letter errors at the end of the word.

Letter-by-letter reading (LBL, pure alexia, or pure word blindness) is another form of peripheral dyslexia causing patients to have very slow reading performance with large effects on word length and response time. there is damage to the prestriate cortex of the occipital cortex and most patients also have a dense right visual field deficit. the damage impairs the word-form system in an abnormal way so that written words seem as random letter strings.

Central dyslexias are typically caused by disruption to neuronal processes correlated with sound analysis and meaning of written words. there are two major subtypes of central dyslexias which either impair semantic reading or nonsemantic reading. Semantic reading dyslexia is also referred to as deep and phonologic dyslexia. Semantic reading is due to extensive damage to the left hemisphere which results in a deficit whereby patients can only assemble the pronunciation of a word by first assessing its meaning. Affected individuals also make visual errors when reading. Nonsemantic reading, due to damage of the left temporal lobe causes patients to have difficulty reading exception words (i.e. shove), but can read correctly words that are common and similar (i.e. love).

Demographics

It is thought that dyslexia is the most common neurobehavioral disorder affecting children. the prevalence (existing cases) ranges from 5-10% of school-aged children (school and clinic identified) in the United States. however, these rates may be significantly more (up to 17.5%) in unselected populations. Research indicates that dyslexia is a chronic and persistent disorder. Evidence concerning gender predilection remains controversial. Dyslexia may also co-occur with another disorder called attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, 40% comorbidity). Dyslexia affects approximately 80% of children identified as manifesting a learning disorder.

Causes and symptoms

Persons affected with dyslexia have dysfunction developing an awareness of spoken and written words and segmenting smaller units of sound that are essential in an alphabetic language like English. Patients lose the ability to link and map printed symbols (letters) to sound.

Dyslexia runs in families. Studies demonstrate concordance rates of 68% for monozygotic twins and 37% for dizygote twins (Colorado Twin Study of Reading Disability). however, the genetic transmission is not simple and does not follow classical knowledge of trait heritability. Findings suggest that several genetic factors determine reading ability and the interactions of some or all factors determine the ultimate ability to read.

Evidence from neurobiological research utilizing high resolution imaging techniques, and brain measurement studies indicate differences in left temporo-parieto-occipital brain regions in dyslexic patients when compared to nonimpaired readers. furthermore, evidence using functional brain imaging techniques in adult and children with dyslexia demonstrates a failure of normal left hemisphere posterior brain systems during reading with increased brain activation in frontal regions. This data indicates that impairment of posterior reading systems results in a disruption of the smoothly functioning and integrated reading system seen in nonimpaired persons. the impairment of posterior reading systems causes dyslexic persons to shift to ancillary neuronal systems to compensate for the deficit. it is the impairment in the posterior reading systems that prevents the development of skilled reading. Postmortem studies (confirmed in live subjects using MRI imaging) indicate a lack of symmetry in language-associated regions in the brain. the abnormal symmetry is associated with the common linguistic deficits that are characteristic of dyslexia.

The specific signs of dyslexia in both adults and school-aged children are similar. Patients exhibit inaccurate and labored decoding, word recognition, and text reading. They also exhibit difficulties in spelling and remain slow readers. Typical early symptoms can include difficulty playing rhyming games and problems with learning numbers and letters. Children often avoid reading independently and are unusually happy at the opportunity for parents to read to them.

Diagnosis

All cases and ages are diagnosed clinically by a combination of careful medical history, observation and psychological testing. there is no one test that is sufficient to render a definitive diagnosis. Rather, the diagnosis is made based on the results of all the clinical data attained. Dyslexia can be distinguished from other learning disorders by identifying the phonologic deficit. Family history and collateral data obtained from school and test results are essential. Tests to determine attention, memory, intelligence and math and language skills may be administered to establish the diagnosis.

Treatment team

The treatment team can consist of a neurologist, a pediatrician, and special education instructors. A clinical psychologist can perform psychological assessments (psychometric testing) to help establish the diagnosis. School and/or college counselors also comprise part of an effective and integrated treatment team.

Treatment

The management for dyslexic patients is lifelong. Early identification and intervention (remediation) of reading deficits involves specialist education. Intervention programs must systematically and explicitly teach phonics ensuring a clear understanding of how letters are linked to sounds (phonemes) and spelling. Typically individualized teaching is recommended to provide a balanced remedial program providing systematic instruction on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary fluency and comprehension strategies. A well-integrated treatment program also includes opportunities for writing, reading, and discussing literature. A well-executed treatment program considers each component of the reading process to improve phonemic awareness and the ability to manipulate speech sounds.

Treatment for older persons (high school, college, and graduate school) is accommodation rather than remediation. College students require extra time with examination and reading/writing assignments. Other accommodations include recorded books, tape recorders in the classroom, tutorial services, alternatives to multiple choice questions and computer availability with spelling checkers.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Rehabilitation for dyslexics is a lifelong process. Early intervention in younger patients consists of a highly structured, integrated, systematic and explicit treatment program. A balanced treatment program should include the meaning and phonetic approaches to reading to ultimately improve language development (since dyslexia is a language-based disorder.) the program should allow for personalized instruction. Older persons require accommodation in college and at work versus remediation.

Clinical trials

There are two current clinical research trials entitled: Comprehensive Program to Improve Reading and Writing Skills in At-Risk and Dyslexic Children; and Using MRI to Evaluate Instructional Programs for Children with Developmental Dyslexia. Information can be obtained from ClinicalTrails.com.

Prognosis

Dyslexia is a lifelong disorder, but improvement is possible. Multiple learning disabilities can be expected, since the brain connections for reading, spelling, listening, speaking, and writing are part of the linguistic system. the prognosis can ultimately depend on associated comorbidities (other disorders associated with the primary disorder), early detection and intervention, and an intensive and comprehensive treatment plan.

Special concerns

Early recognition, intervention, and family members are important. Remediation programs must be delivered by highly-trained specialists, and treatment should be individualized.

Resources

BOOKS

Behrman, Richard, E., et al., eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2004.

PERIODICALS

Brow, W. E., A. L. Reiss, and S. Eliez. "Preliminary evidence of widespread morphological variations of the brain in dyslexia." Neurology 56, no. 6 (March 2001).

Bub, Danial. "Alexia and related reading disorders." Neurological clinics 21, no. 2 (May 2003).

Francks, C., and L. Macphie. "the genetic basis of dyslexia." the Lancet Neurology 1, no. 8 (December 2002).

Olitsky, Scott E. "Reading disorders in children." Pediatric Clinics of North America 50, no. 1 (February 2003).

Wood, F., and E. L. Grigorenko. "Emerging Issues in the Genetics of Dyslexia: A Methodological Preview." Journal of Learning Disabilities 34, no. 6 (November-December 2001).

WEBSITES

Dyslexia. dyslexia.com.

The International Dyslexia Association. interdys.org.

Can you talk to her teacher?
I understand you are worried but some children are great at English and poo at Maths, and vice versa.
With all due respect your family seems to live by labels, maybe your daughter is being affected by your attitude?
Try to relax a bit more and maybe your daughter will relax too.
As far as I understand it ADHD is not hereditary, a good teacher will help if your daughter is dyslexic.
Wish you all well. x

i got numerical dyslexia and i surprisingly did really good in math well harder math at least i would mix up munbers like 3452 i would mix up the numbers my dad has the same problem and he's a very successful buisnessman. it jus takes a lil more time to do math and stuff but it was jus frustrating at times

I am mainly numerically dyslexic. I am from Scotland, alos where we have the NHS (lol).

But there is no known cuare, I was diagnosed when in my twenties (2' 0'zs)

That took me twenty minutes to come up with that.

I was good at chemical equasions and algebra and trig because it was symbol based, maybe if you asked her tiachers to do that
for maths, it will make more sense, ie. objects being used for in place of numbers ie. two bottle milk-one bottle milk=one bottle milk etc. you percieve it a different wy eyc.

Sorry I dont hv time to spell check it, when I do it is moore confusink.

Louie xx