TAKING IT PUBLIC. A 2e student at a Seattle high school authored an article titled “Advice from a neurodiverse teen on navigating the school system.” He explains “neurodiverse,” explains “twice exceptional,” and describes his own situation, including how he’s worked with a psychologist and a special ed teacher. Find the article. (And good going, young man!)
PG WITH ASD. An 8yo girl with autism in Mexico City is also profoundly gifted, and her differences made her the target for taunts and bullying. Testing gave Adhara Perez’ family a picture of her strengths and challenges. Then, according to People, “In no time at all, Pérez finished elementary school by 5, middle school by 6 and high school by 8…. Now she’s reportedly in the process of earning two degrees online, one in industrial engineering in mathematics and one in systems engineering.” Read more.
EDUCATION POLICY AND LAW. Several advocacy groups, including COPAA and CEC, have filed amicus briefs in a Supreme Court case involving vouchers and students with disabilities in Montana. COPAA summarizes the issue: “While families petitioning the court suggest that the program would help students with disabilities, school vouchers and tax-credit programs like Montana’s actually hurt students with disabilities by redirecting public funds to private schools that are largely unbound by the federal laws in place for over four decades that protect the rights of students with disabilities.” Find out more from COPAA or from CEC.
FROM SUMMIT CENTER. Dan Peters has released two more “Parent Footprint” podcasts. In one, Dan and Dr. Brad Reedy discuss the tools to help children cope, build confidence, and thrive in many circumstances. In the other, Dan and his guest talk about often-misunderstood chronic diseases and conditions in teenagers.
TECA CONFERENCE. You missed it — but if you’re curious about what it was like and how it went a couple weeks ago on Long Island, check out the organization’s website for a recap of the conference. Then, if you’re in the Tri-State area, maybe make a note to attend next year.
SCIENCE, MEDICINE. A week or two ago we posted about research indicating that omega-3 oils have little or no effect on anxiety and depression. This week, however, comes news of research indicating that the oils might help with ADHD. From Reuters: “Omega-3 fish oil supplements can improve attention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) just as much as drug treatments, but only in those whose blood levels of omega-3 are low,…” Find the study write-up. And, as always, check with a doctor.
New Booklet: Strategies for Teaching 2e Students
