In January 2005, when we launched our newly designed website, visitors to the site and readers of the Bridgebuilder readers have responded! I am truly amazed! Your comments have helped us clarify the direction with the e-newsletter.
Dr. Gonzalo Bacigalupe http://www.faculty.umb.edu/gonzalo_bacigalupe/ UMASS Boston, Family Therapy Department and Bridges’ consultant suggested we should begin to categorize questions and comments. Thank you for the good idea! Beginning this month you will find Questions & Comments from Parents and Community Bridgebuilders. Parent and student identities are disguised.
From: MS, parent Subject: Request, Permission to Copy
I knew when I came across your Web site, it was something
to keep an eye on. Exceptional newsletter information. I’m looking
into the Take Charge!™ Curriculum Workbook. May I use some of
the facts from your site articles for my next IEP meeting? parent
of child with low-grade brain tumor and learning challenges
Comment
The information on Bridges’ website is for you! I’m glad
we are able to help you prepare for your child’s IEP meeting.
If you (or other readers) copy or distribute any information, please
credit Bridges Associates, Inc .www.bridgesassociates.com for general
content and Mary-Jane Beach for Take Charge™ curriculum. Simply
send a note to let us know what you used and how you used it. Take
Charge!™ is protected by trademark and should be referenced
as such.
From: JB, parent and counselor Subject: ADD
I am enjoying your e-newsletter - thanks for sending it my way. I'm
wondering if you have any good resources for me (websites, books,
etc.) on Attention Deficit Disorder without Hyperactivity. We are
leaning toward this diagnosis with my daughter and most of what I
am finding seems to focus on the behavioral issues that come along
with hyperactivity. That is not an issue for her. I'd appreciate any
thoughts you might have! Thanks for your time.
Comment
This reminds me that it is difficult to sift through all of the information
“out there”, and decide what is appropriate, helpful and
effective for your situation. While it is important to be aware of
information, it does not replace professional consultation to help
you decide what to do for your individual circumstances. I hope you
are building a “team” to help you and your daughter.
PS Your question also reminds me that we need to update our information and put together a new list of references and resources. In the meantime, we have a great library of resources in the office. If you like, call to arrange a time to look through the books, videos and audio cassette tapes and find something appropriate to your daughter’s situation. I suspect I will hear about resources from other readers.
From: KH, parent Comment/Question: Student with LD overseas
Hi. I have an 8 year old son who was recently diagnosed with Written
Language LD. We live in China, where he attends international school.
There are no LD services. We are from Massachusetts and come back
for 2 months every summer. Do you have any services that would allow
me to consult with a LD specialist who would be able to design an
education program that I could have implemented here in the fall?
Thank you,
Comment
Is the world getting smaller thanks to the internet? Through a series
of emails with this parent we were able to arrange a record review,
re-evaluation, development of an educational plan and follow up consultation.
From: CR, parent Comment/Question:
M y son is heading to high school in September. He's such a smart
kid but his homework and studying skills, or there lack of, are causing
tensions in the family. His father and I are concerned that the homework
demands in high school are going to grow and thus the tensions will
increase. We have the (very helpful!) handouts from our past meetings.
I was wondering if you could recommend any books that we could read
that would help us assist him, who, by the way, thinks there is no
problem.. Does this sound like other teenagers you know? Developing
better homework skills - there are so many books and experts - it
can be mind boggling. Well, I hope this e-mail is finding you well
and I look forward to any advice you can offer.
Comments
You are not alone! And you are so right - parent education and support
helps ease tensions at home. In terms of the homework issue, did you
get the article about homework when you signed up for the e-newsletter?
If so, did it help? If not, let me know. As you enter the final stretch
of the school year, and prepare for the transition to high school,
sit back and observe what happens at homework time and keep some notes
or a log of your observations and reactions. Ask your son and husband
to do the same. Then write back and we will have some information
to make a plan for the fall. Congratulations! You deserve an award
for your persistence. Hang in.
PS In response to this issue and requests for parent-student programs, we have decided to offer a workshop for parents and students together on Thursday evenings in August. Get Ready for School Develop Homework Routines and Find Balance in Life.
Featured in April 2005 Newsletter:
From: A.M., a parent Comment/Question: Confidence and socialization
My son will be 16 in April. He has a great deal of difficulty socially.
He has very low self-esteem and does not connect with others well.
I recently had him evaluated by a psychologist and it was confirmed
that his is struggling with not only ADD but also depression. He is
on a waiting list to get into a recommended psychiatrist's group.
I was wondering if you have any groups or activities for teenage boys.
I'd appreciate an email and, if appropriate, literature in the mail.
Thank you
Comment
This parent (through a series of emails) decided that the priority
was to establish treatment for her son and that it was too much to
think of introducing another group or “coach” at this
time. As a worried parent, it is tempting to arrange for lots of help
for a child. AM reviewed the priorities and figured out what was realistic
at the time. The first priority for this young man is a psychiatric
evaluation. There will be time to talk about developing friendships
and socializing when he is feeling better. Given the inquiries from
parents, I wonder if you are interested in a parent education course
and support group when things settle down at home.
From: Jane Adelizzi, Ph.D. Curry College
Mary Jane does a great job at transferring theory on brain processing
to practice - and makes it fun! This is a great program, the materials
and concept of which are a match for FAT City. Shouldn't we be offering
this on other sites in the future? Jane
Comments
Jane Adelizzi, Ph.D. Professor teaches the Post Master’s Certificate
in Educational Therapy Program at Curry College and she is the regional
coordinator for the Association of Educational Therapists. Thank you,
Jane, for helping to arrange the Educational Coaching Course this
summer.
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