BOOK ENDORSEMENT: “READING DISABILITIES: BEATING THE ODDS”

Parents come in to my center often feeling overwhelmed relative to their child’s school struggles.  Even problems that are thought of as “garden variety,” such as with reading difficulties can cause enormous anxiety, as parents have a great deal of difficulty sorting out what is appropriate for their  child.  There are so many questions that arise.  What can I expect the school to provide?  What is the role of outside professionals?  What are the research-supported approaches?  What can I expect to be included in the IEP?  How should a child be evaluated?  Is there a difference between special education assessment and more private-based evaluations?

Dr. Howard Margolis & Dr. Gary Brannigan’s new book, “Reading Disabilities:  Beating the Odds” goes a great way toward helping parents (and professionals) sort through the confusion and answer questions such as these.   Both of the authors are leaders in the field and their combined experience brings much understanding in this well written and structured book.

Even though I dispense advice on issues related to reading disabilities to parents practically every day of my professional life, there are times when I wonder whether there are other answers or alternatives to what I am saying.  I have gone back to Dr. Margolis & Dr. Brannigan’s book a number of times as a reference to help guide me. 

A sampling of some of the chapter titles should give you a sense of the wealth of information that is present in “Reading Disabilities.”   These  include:

o    Risk Factors
o    Kindergarten & First Grade Difficulties
o    Difficulties in Second Grade and Above
o    Using Reading Evaluations
o    Helping at Home
o    Monitoring Progress
o    Solving Conflicts
o    Special Education Evaluations
o    Program Planning & the IEP Team
o    The IEP

I urge you to order their book if you have a child with a reading disability.   In addition, their website www.reading2008.com is loaded with helpful information.