Visual Training

A few years ago when my mother-in-law mentioned she saw things in Jordan that made her think of Michael when he was little I took it with a grain of salt. After all, Jordan had a Mom who was an avid reader, had no problem writing, and was at a 4th grade reading level in 2nd grade. Just because his Dad has dyslexia didnt mean that my son would have it too. I finally consented to having Dr Treasure Wheeler test Jordan and we would take it from there.

Because Jordan was 4 years old they could not determine whether or not he would be dyslexic, that presents itself at around 1st grade and 7 years old. However, Treasure did determine that my son had tracking issues and was colorblind. I was not surprised to find out he was colorblind. He never liked I was confused and completely uneducated. She recommended tutoring sessions to help his eyes work correctly. Michael and I decided to pass. After all, I was still in denial and felt my child was fine.

Reality hit me this year when Jordan started 1st grade. Watching my son struggle with his letters, shapes, sounds, and some colors still I knew something had to change. And because of my wonderful in-laws Jordan was able to begin Visual Therapy.

Jordan started visual training this year with a vision specialist in Silverton. I'm sure that you, like me, do not understand or even know what visual training or therapy is. I have copied a link for you to go to to help you understand. I hope that by posting about this that maybe I will understand more, too.

http://www.visiontherapy.org/

Jordan has been in therapy for 11 weeks now, he has 4 left in this session. Some changes we have noticed in Jordan since the beginning of his therapy is that he is able to sit and concentrate much better. His eyes are working together to track movements. Tracking was what was noticed when we had him tested at 4. He was very easily distracted while being tested. He is now reading more frequently on his own.

Some things Jordan and I had to work with during his therapy have been prisms, marsden balls, patches (so not his favorite one), a tracking computer program, letter and number sacades, reading glasses, and more. Now we are toward the end of his therapy and Jordan gets to play more games. This helps make it more fun for him so he is more willing to do the work with me.

This week Jordan will be ordering his glasses. He has to have bifocals, which will take some for him to get used to, but will make it so he does not have to take off his reading glasses 100 times a day to see the board and then to read up close.

Jordan has not been diagnosed with dyslexia, yet. He does however, constantly flip his letters and numbers. We will have more testing done over the next few weeks so we can look over his progress and see how far my son has come.

I can tell you this, watching my son be able to read a complete story makes my heart melt in no way I thought possible. He is an amazing child and is so bright. I love seeing his confidence grow and through that seeing him succeed in school.

Wow, it's been a while!

Looks like I have been so busy with life I completely forgot all about the family blog.

So, a little update on us. First, Michael has been working in the Portland area for 2 years now. Just this past October 2010 we made the decision to leave my comfort zone in Eagle Point and move to Salem. Have to say that it was a great decision for the whole family. Biggest plus, being with Dad.

The boys really missed their dad during our 18 months living less than part time together. Boys really need their father in their lives and moving up here to be together more often has been great for their relationship.

The Boys: Jordan
Jordan was not doing well at Little Butte in Eagle Point before we left. Either he did not want to bond with his teacher knowing we were moving or they just did not click at all. But at his new school he has Mrs. Henneke. Lets say she has got to be one of the most wonderful teachers ever. Jordan really responds well to her and is very happy, most days, to go to school. He is now playing basketball and really starting to enjoy it. I love watching him play and seeing how much he has learned from the beginning of their short season. It is good for him to learn that you win some and you loose some. He has a hard time with this one, he is only six after all.



Peyton
Peyton is a ball of energy and goofball, just like his dad. He loves to be in the garage working on whatever project dad has going on and is even there when he is needed for clean up. And just like his dad he loves to give everyone a hard time. Even has gone as far as calling his teacher, "Old Teacher". Peyton also loves school. He has a great preschool teacher, Mrs. McCain. She has helped Peyton become a much more independent child. He is also trying to learn how to write his name. He has the 'to' in Peyton down. His speech has also come bounds this year. It is wonderful to find who my son is. His thoughts and his opinions, granted I might not like some of them.




Jordan and Peyton are the best of friends. It is wonderful to hear how great it is to see them get along so well from other people. They, just like other siblings, have their moments. But all in all they play well together, laugh together, and even snuggle together. I look forward to their friendship and bond grow as they get older. I am lucky to have them in every way.



So, that's a bit of an update on us and hopefully I will keep up with it.