Letter from the Publisher

Share your Story

Recently, I read a book by a celebrity who described her desperate quest to find medical and diagnostic answers for her child. Like other struggling parents, this mother felt very alone. But as she listened to other parents’ stories, she felt a connection and realized her child would benefit from the experience of others.

My own story begins when my son was 6 months old. Eleven years, three moves, six schools and many therapists later, my journey continues. Now when I talk with a parent, I am no longer surprised by the similarities we find between our children and our journeys. It strengthens my belief that it is important to tell my story when possible, because I may not only learn something I didn’t know, but there is also the possibility I may help another parent begin her own journey.

I have said many times about my son, “If only I could see into his brain and understand what is happening. Maybe then I could help him.” Unfortunately, science isn’t there yet, but there is reason for hope. The Marriage of Neuroscience and Educational Strategies: Fact or (Science) Fiction? reveals how scientists “see” the brain and how this knowledge is transferred to the classroom in improved educational strategies. This is an exciting thought!

Kids Enabled has added a new department in this issue-Innovative Interventions. Connecting the Dots: Finding the Best Brain Therapy, highlights cognitive therapies and summarizes the strategies available in the Atlanta area to help remove the barriers to learning, bringing children closer to success.

However, there will always be the need for the tried and true therapies. To help parents understand how to read an occupational therapy (OT) evaluation, Mili Cordero, M.Ed., OTR/L explains basic OT terminology in It was all Greek to Me Part 2: The Basic OT Dictionary. You may recall that Kids Enabled highlighted speech-language evaluation terminology in the 2007 fall issue.

In that same issue, we featured a series of articles on The Path to College. That series continues with The Gap Year by Christie Theriot Woodfin, M.Ed. which explains how students can benefit by taking a year off between high school and their first year of college.

Kids Enabled never forgets about FUN! Summer Camp, How to Hide the Learning in Fun elaborates on the differences between “experience” and “skills” camps. A useful camp guide highlights what skills are developed within each camp and helps make summer not only productive, but fun.
Finally, our personal favorite-the Success Story. What better story to share than about success! In the interview, From Struggles in the Classroom to the ‘Copter, Andrew Mallis shares how he overcame his challenges to complete high school and college and start on an exciting and meaningful career path.

We all should share our own stories. It is through sharing that we connect with others and learn more about our own struggles. Helping our children succeed is the most important reason to share; helping another child along the way can be just as rewarding!
Warmest Regards,
Beth

PS Mark your calendars for Sunday April 27th from 1-5pm and plan to attend Kids Enabled’s first “Learn and Play” Series. Kids will have fun bowling while parents browse exhibits and attend short lectures to learn more about the resources available in the Atlanta area. See the back cover for more details!