Dr. Lorna Kaufman has written a book called Smart Kid, Can’t Read: Five Steps Any Parent Can Take to Get Help. Dr. Kaufman is both a reading expert and a developmental psychologist. She has served as president of the Massachusetts Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.
Her most important advice: “Get a comprehensive, diagnostic evaluation from an independent specialist–someone who will make recommendations based on your child’s individual needs. You must have an understanding of your child’s cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses.”
Step 1: Trust your judgment and act as soon you suspect there’s a problem with your child’s reading. Don’t wait. Catching and fixing reading problems early is the key.
Step 2: Find out precisely what your child needs. Make sure to get an independent expert diagnosis.
Step 3: Learn as much as you can about the reading the process. The more you know about The ABCs of reading, the more powerful an advocate you’ll be for your child.
Step 4: Know your legal rights. You’d be surprised how effective you can be when you know the special education laws that are on your side.
Step 5: Advocate for your child. From networking with other parents to organizing a team, Smart Kid, Can’t Read shows you what you must do and when you must do it.
Dr. Kaufman’s book offers easy-to-administer tests that parents can give their children to help decide whether a reading evaluation is warranted.
