RE: [Futurework] working with learning disabilities

[Karen Watters Cole]

Ed, thank you for sharing this.  The article did not mention it, but can you tell me if there has been an increase or decrease in the number of children with dyslexia over the past twenty-five years the article addresses culturally?  Would an increase be attributed to better means of discernment and acknowledgment?   There has been a noticeable increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism, most of which are boys, which has scientists scrambling for DNA answers.   I’m guessing that Brian has some current and relevant information/experience on the subject. Anyone?   -KWC Ed wrote: The career section of today's Globe and Mail contains an article on people in the workforce who have to cope with learning disabilities.  This topic is of particular interest to me because two of my four kids, the eldest and the youngest were diagnosed with such disabilities.  When tested by educational psychologists, both proved to be very bright, but in the classroom, both had a terrible time demonstrating that brightness.  My eldest child did not finish highschool, but nevertheless decided to try university as a mature matriculant at age 22.  Something had happened to him in the intervening years.  He proved to be not only a good student, but a very good student, leaving university with an M.Sc. in geology.  My youngest daughter, now 18, had a very different highschool experience.  Because she was recognized as bright, her teachers had a lot of persistent patience with her.  It paid off.  She is now in her first year of university.  Unlike her older brother, she will never be good at science and math, but she will do very well in the arts and humanities. The article is rather long.  I've printed the first few paragraphs below.  The rest can be found at: http://globeandmail.workopolis.com/servlet/Content/fasttrack/20031001/CADISABLE01?section=HomePage What we all need to learn Until recently, most workers with learning disabilities have tried to cope on their own. But young people entering the work force are expecting the same help that they had in school. It's time companies recognize IAN SUTTON Special to The Globe and Mail Wednesday, October 1, 2003