Table of Contents

Introduction. 1. Information Processing. 2. Working Memory. 3. Dyslexia. 4. Dyspraxia. 5. Dyscalculia and Other Maths Difficulties. 6. Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD). 7. Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 8. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). 9. Specific Language Impairment. 10. Visual Processing Difficulty. 11. An Educational Psychologist's Assessment. 12. The WISCIV, Understanding Test Scores and Spikey Profiles. Part 2: The Parent Tool Kit - Tips for Teaching. 13. Teaching Tips. 14. Tips for Reading. 15. Tips for Spelling. 16. Tips for Writing. 17. Handwriting Tips. 18. Tips for Maths. 19. Tips to Help a Child Handle Life's Knocks and Setbacks. 20. Tips for Positive Liaison with School Staff. 21. Tips to Enhance Language. 22. Tips for Motivation. 23. Tips for Confident Learners. 24. Habits, Strategies and Study Skills. Appendix 1. Explanation of Ages and Key Stages. Appendix 2. Games and Activities for Parents and Children to Play. Glossary. References.

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A comprehensive guide to supporting the education of children with Specific Learning Difficulties

About the Author

Veronica Bidwell is an Educational Psychologist with expert knowledge of Specific Learning Difficulties. She has been involved in education for over 30 years working in mainstream and special schools. She has run a leading independent Educational Psychology Service and has assessed many hundreds of pupils and provided advice and support to pupils, parents and teachers. She is a regular speaker and has lead numerous workshops and training sessions. She has also contributed to Dystalk, the leading learning difficulty website offering a series of talks given by experts in their fields. Veronica lives in London, UK

Reviews

A treasure trove of useful information and practical advice for the parents of children with specific learning difficulties and anyone who teaches them. Difficult concepts are explained in ways that are easy to understand and chapters conclude with helpful key points. Filled to the brim with inspiring and interesting case studies that make it a fascinating read. It really is a must have.
*Claudine Goldingham BA LLB (Dist.), a dyslexic and mother of two dyslexic and dyspraxic girls*

This is a terrific book. Veronica Bidwell's long experience and widely-recognised expertise is readily evident. She is able to link these qualities with an up-to-date knowledge of the science of neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly to the extent to which various difficulties often exist alongside each other. This is complemented by her vivid case studies. There is much for parents in here, with practical advice which has been tested in the field. Yet this is more than a book just for parents. Those who teach children with specific learning difficulties will find this an illuminating read and I recommend it to them too.
*Professor Peter Hill MA MB BChir FRCP FRCPCH FRCPsych, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist*

Veronica Bidwell's inspirational "The Parents' Guide to Specific Learning Difficulties: Information, Advice and Practical Tips", which will doubtless become the bible for all, touches on a discipline which can, at times, seem over-complex and impenetrable - especially to troubled parents and teachers. Veronica brings her wit, charm and insight to her wealth of experience as an educational psychologist, working in mainstream and specialist schools. She has written what is essentially a textbook that is, not only accessible to all, but also a rollicking good read. I would chain this book to every parent's wrist.
*Jo Petty, Director, The Dyslexia Teaching Centre, Kensington, UK*

This is the go-to book for parents with children who have specific learning difficulties. The book explains the varying specific learning difficulties and tells parents how to help. It is informative, practical and accessible without being patronising. It works either as a cover to cover read or as a book to dip into. If parents could spend a week with an educational psychologist asking every question they could think of, the result might be this book!
*Jackie Murray, Principal Educational Psychologist, Fairley House School, UK*