Overcoming Learning Difficulties

Even the intelligent child can have learning problems. Fifteen to twenty percent of school children puzzle their parents. They do not learn as well as expected, and have unexpected behaviour problems. These children are often described this way: "Should do better"; "Can't sit still"; "The class clown"; "Rebellious"; "Not trying"; "Dumb". Parents instinctively know there is a problem, but don't know how to solve it. This book was written for keen parents and for all professionals who are needed to help the intelligent child who is not coping in the classroom. It will help with diagnosis and presents an extensive program of graded activities which are easy to follow. Full of practical suggestions and sequences of activities, covering a wide range of areas, it is ideal for planning both therapy and home programes.

About the Author :
Barbara Pheloung, B.A., Dip.Ed.(Spec.Ed.), was a resource teacher, born in Canada, who spent over 35 years specialising in working in the field of special education in Australia. In 1987 she set up a specialised treatment centre in Manly, Australia, known as 'The Beach House'. This was a private centre for those with Learning Difficulties and Hyperactivity in which Teachers, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and a Physical Education Teacher worked together sharing their expertise. Barbara's team proved that by working together, starting with the professional who met the most basic needs of a particular child, results could be quick and permanent. The success of The Beach House also demonstrated that similar centres could be set up in any community and with a minimum of financial support. Barbara went on to become a pioneer in the field of learning difficulties; authoring four books, producing two educational DVDs and working with thousands of students, parents and teachers across the world. She and her associates refined and perfected a sequential movement program that can be done with an individual, a small group or with a whole class and requires little in terms of training or equipment. The movement sequences seem to act as a 'neurological kick-start', helping children to reach learning readiness and removing the obstacles that had blocked them in the past. In 2004 Barbara was nominated for Australian of the Year. Jill King, MAPA, has closely studied and practiced in the field of children's learning difficulties since 1979 when one of her own children (who is now university trained) was found to have learning difficulties. Jill has worked with LD children in multidisciplinary centres and in schools. As both a paediatric physiotherapist and qualified Feldenkrais practioner, she has acquired a special insight into the LD problem.

Review :
"This book helps classroom diagnosis of children who are failing to reach their potential and offers practical suggestions to remediate their problems." Maxine Anderson, Infants and primary school teacher "There is a great need for this book because parents know when their child is having problems but it is difficult to convince others. Some people thought I was neurotic when I was seeking help for Scott. Because of the help he's received he is now more confident and more competent." Vicki Morton, Mother of a 7-year-old LD child "This is an excellent resource book for therapists working with children with learning disorders. It is full of practical suggestions and sequences of activities, covering a wide range of areas. And it is ideal for planning both therapy and home programes."