When my first child, Tom, started to show signs that he had a learning difference at the age of 18 months, I jumped very quickly on it and did everything in my power to get him help. I did this not out of any special skill or talent but because I remembered very clearly what it felt like to be totally lost in a classroom. In 1971 I was in the first grade and miserable. I … [Read more...]
My Daughter is More Than a Word
When my son Tom was eight, he needed a tooth pulled. Or as the pediatric dentist we went to said, “wiggled out.” “Mom, that means he’s pulling my tooth out, yes?” “Yes, Tom.” Then the dentist went to give him a shot of “silly juice,” which would make his mouth feel “funny.” “Mom, that’s Novocaine, right? And, my mouth is going to feel numb, right?” “Yes, … [Read more...]
