The fact that many people are visual learners while other people are auditory learners is a widely accepted fact. However, when observing the autistic student, one realizes that he/she is an overwhelming visual learner. Many autistic students cannot tolerate noises or vibrations, therefore prefer to remain in quiet places rather than tolerate the noise. A child that is autistic will most likely have difficulty with processing and understanding auditory input. Thus, teaching learning skills, coping skills, and life skills using visual aids is much more effective than using an auditory method.

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The dog has been given the title of “Man’s Best Friend” for many years now. Is it possible that a service dog may be the best friend of an autistic child? Service dogs are very specially trained dogs. Perhaps they are better known as guide dogs for the blind, service dogs for the police, and narcotic dogs in the war against drugs. Man has long known of the special properties of the dog. Perhaps the dog’s best property is its devotion to man.  In the case of the autistic child, the dog’s devotion to the child is its best reward.

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There are so many different opinions about which of these two tests to take. Both are accepted by colleges, but which is best for the person taking the test?

In order to answer this question, the taker will need to consider options that refer to himself/herself only to choose the best one for them. Listening to others is good, but this is a decision that is best made by the student taking the test. Truthfully, it’s all about the numbers. While some students scare better on the SAT, others will score better on the ACT. Consider the facts in this article to help make the best decision. Also, be aware that the Princeton Review offers a free assessment to help determine which test is best for the individual. This test is given nationwide.  Go to www.princetonreview.com  to find when the test will be given in your area.

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The PSAT will be given on Wednesday, October 12th.  This year,  sophomores who have completed Algebra I will be able to take the test  for free and do not need to pre-register.  All other students who would  like to take the PSAT need to register in Student Services.  Juniors who  want to be considered for National Merit Scholarship Competition are  encouraged to take the PSAT as this is the qualifying test for the  scholarship.  Registration ends Friday September 23rd.  The cost of the  test is $14.00 payable in cash or money order only.  No personal checks  can be accepted.  Please see Mrs. Reid in Student Services to register

School is back in session. The dyslexic child may not be happy to have a new year begin, and the parents may have the same unhappy feelings. An attitude of success is necessary for the parents to maintain. There are steps to insure a smooth transition into a new school year. By this time, the parents have probably already begun a set bedtime, wake-up, and meal times that fit the school time schedule. Hopefully, the parents and child were able to visit the classroom and become comfortable with the surroundings. Often all of these preparations are made and in place, but one of the most important aspects have been forgotten - preparing the home for the school child. Yes, the home goes beyond the rules of bedtime, waking times, and meal times. The home must become an extension of the school. Home is the place were homework occurs. This area needs to be inviting and stress free, not an area to be dreaded by both child and parents. The name of the game for this area is organization! The child with dyslexia needs organization, and often these are skills that must be taught.

On the day that school supplies are bought, begin to organize and continue this skill on a day to day basis. If this skill recognized as a necessary job, the child will soon fall into a pattern of response and learn a life-long skill.

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