#LDchat Archive

Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.

Wednesday January 16, 2019
12:00 PM EST

  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:00 PM EST
    LIVE NOW Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Cece with the Understood team. Today, we're thrilled to welcome educator Brian Stack (@bstackbu) to the chat as we discuss how can we help kids with #LD and #ADHD effectively self-advocate.
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:01 PM EST
    Who's with us today? #LDchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:01 PM EST
    Excited to be here @UnderstoodOrg , thanks for having me! #ldchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:02 PM EST
    Hi Everyone! I am a NH HS Principal and a father of 5 children ages 4-13. Looking forward to our chat today about self-advocacy! #ldchat
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:02 PM EST
    I am interested to be apart of this chat. @UnderstoodOrg, #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:02 PM EST
    We're so excited to have you! #LDchat
    In reply to @bstackbu
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:03 PM EST
    Great to have you here Lynn! #LDChat
    In reply to @roper_lynn, @UnderstoodOrg
  • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:03 PM EST
    #ldchat Hi! I am a learning specialist @Columbia University. I also present and write about college transition for students w/#LD #ADHD.
  • edielovesmath Jan 16 @ 12:03 PM EST
    Edie, academic therapist in Washington, DC. Dug out of the snow to get to my families. More tomorrow. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • RocketPrincipal Jan 16 @ 12:04 PM EST
    I am a KY Principal who will be visiting NH @bstackbu in a few weeks. I'm excited to be in the chat and for my team's visit. #ldchat
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:04 PM EST
    I am a professor of Special Education in Ohio #EDSP4250SP19 #ldchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:04 PM EST
    Welcome, Elizabeth! #LDChat
    In reply to @echamblet, @Columbia
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:05 PM EST
    Edie, you stole our snow. None for New England right now. :) #ldchat
    In reply to @edielovesmath, @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:05 PM EST
    Q1. What is self-advocacy and how can we help kids develop this skill? #LDchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:05 PM EST
    Shelby County is in the house! #ldchat
    In reply to @RocketPrincipal
  • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:06 PM EST
    #LDchat As someone who focuses on college transition, I know how important self-advocacy is for students.
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:06 PM EST
    A1. Self-advocacy is one of the most important skills for all individuals especially those with learning differences #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:06 PM EST
    Thanks for joining! #LDchat
    In reply to @RocketPrincipal, @bstackbu
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:07 PM EST
    My dissertation was on self-advocacy and assisting with the transition to college #ldchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:07 PM EST
    A1: Self-advocacy is learning how to speak up for yourself and making your own decisions about your own life. This can start at an early age. #ldchat
  • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:08 PM EST
    #LDchat A1) On a basic level, self-advocacy is asking for what you need. We can help students by modeling how to do this, then having them try it on their own. Some may need a script to follow at first.
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:08 PM EST
    Our hope is that all kids have these important skills by the time they get to you, Elizabeth #ldchat
    • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:06 PM EST
      #LDchat As someone who focuses on college transition, I know how important self-advocacy is for students.
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:09 PM EST
    Self-advocacy enables kids to communicate what they need to succeed. Learn more about helping your student self-advocate: https://t.co/Sg3tlRroon #LDchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:09 PM EST
    A1: Self-advocacy starts with parents modeling the behavior. Give kids chances to take ownership for some decisions at a young age. #ldchat
  • TheIEPGuy Jan 16 @ 12:09 PM EST
    Hi! Special education advocate from San Diego, CA #LDchat #IEP
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • edielovesmath Jan 16 @ 12:10 PM EST
    Self-advocacy holds a special meaning for my teens and young adults with ADHD. They're the main players, not parents. Support independence: Teach them in making choices, problem solving, self-regulation, and efficacy. Support successes and challenges. #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:10 PM EST
    Great resource by @UnderstoodOrg ! The section on “How to Build Self-Advocacy in Kids” is especially helpful to parents of younger children. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:10 PM EST
    All children with #LD and #ADHD can benefit from developing self-advocacy skills. Get issue-specific resources and tools: https://t.co/XuDdQtWj2A #LDchat
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:10 PM EST
    Exactly. One of the key findings from my study was that those students who came to college having been taught and had parents model were successful #selfadvocates #ldchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:11 PM EST
    These are important life-skills, for sure! #ldchat
    • edielovesmath Jan 16 @ 12:10 PM EST
      Self-advocacy holds a special meaning for my teens and young adults with ADHD. They're the main players, not parents. Support independence: Teach them in making choices, problem solving, self-regulation, and efficacy. Support successes and challenges. #LDchat
      In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:11 PM EST
    The second question is coming up… #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:11 PM EST
    Q2. How do we help children who feel uncomfortable speaking up for themselves? #LDchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:12 PM EST
    And for those who didn't have the skills, I'm sure you have a system to try to help them learn them, even at that age. #ldchat
    • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:10 PM EST
      Exactly. One of the key findings from my study was that those students who came to college having been taught and had parents model were successful #selfadvocates #ldchat
  • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:12 PM EST
    #LDchat A1) Adults (parents and teachers) need to help students practice these skills so that they are confident about their abilities before they graduate from high school.
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:13 PM EST
    Parents sometimes need help with these same skills! #ldchat
    • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:12 PM EST
      #LDchat A1) Adults (parents and teachers) need to help students practice these skills so that they are confident about their abilities before they graduate from high school.
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:13 PM EST
    A2: Teens may find this set of videos helpful to learn how to speak up for themselves. https://t.co/gssoGEfEU8 #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:14 PM EST
    Shy kids may find it especially hard to request help. Here are 10 helpful tips to help kids speak up for themselves: https://t.co/8tZKhNXBaF #LDchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:14 PM EST
    A2: Make self-advocacy a goal in your child’s IEP. This would help focus teachers and children on this priority. #ldchat
  • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:14 PM EST
    #LDchat A2) They may need to give them chances to rehearse what they want to say. They may even need help with the wording (thinking language-based LDs).
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:15 PM EST
    Building a support network can also help kids feel more comfortable asking for help. Here are four tips: https://t.co/tPpXsJmQq0 #LDchat
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:15 PM EST
    A2 this is a great question. Modeling and practice of these skills is essential. Roleplay #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:16 PM EST
    Let's move onto Q3… #LDchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:16 PM EST
    Great tip, Elizabeth. This can especially help students who might otherwise appear shy, when in fact they just needed time to rehearse their response. #ldchat
    • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:14 PM EST
      #LDchat A2) They may need to give them chances to rehearse what they want to say. They may even need help with the wording (thinking language-based LDs).
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:16 PM EST
    Q3. How can we teach kids to start advocating for themselves at an early age? #LDchat
  • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:16 PM EST
    #LDchat A2) Have them start by advocating with teachers with whom they feel comfortable to build confidence. Eventually, we all have to advocate with people who aren't receptive, so they'll need to do that, too.
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:17 PM EST
    I especially like the #2 suggestion on this article: Avoid labeling your child as “shy,” otherwise you may find yourself with a self-fulfilling prophecy. #ldchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:18 PM EST
    Another excellent point. Using familiar faces builds their confidence and allows them to "make mistakes" while they practice without judgment. #ldchat
    • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:16 PM EST
      #LDchat A2) Have them start by advocating with teachers with whom they feel comfortable to build confidence. Eventually, we all have to advocate with people who aren't receptive, so they'll need to do that, too.
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:19 PM EST
    A3 just as @echamblet shared have them roleplaying with people they feel comfortable talking too. I think ensuring they understand what they need is key #ldchat
  • edielovesmath Jan 16 @ 12:21 PM EST
    A2. Older kids with ADHD fear sticking out among peers. Come up with "secret" signals." As a teacher, I walked around the classroom. It wasn't unusual. Some would "get in trouble" so we had a chance to talk. Better a trouble-maker than someone who has special needs :-( #LDchat
    In reply to @UnderstoodOrg
  • echamblet Jan 16 @ 12:21 PM EST
    #LDchat Absolutely right. Knowing what they need is a skill, too. The case manager should go through this with students to make sure students agree with what's been recommended for them!
    • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:19 PM EST
      A3 just as @echamblet shared have them roleplaying with people they feel comfortable talking too. I think ensuring they understand what they need is key #ldchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:21 PM EST
    A3: Giving your children the freedom to make some decisions will help them build self-advocacy skills at an early age. #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:21 PM EST
    Kids can learn to self-advocate at an early age. Here are some ways to build the foundation for younger kids: https://t.co/fK7jNNAfoz #LDchat
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:21 PM EST
    A3 As Elizabeth shared. I have observed many students in classes not understanding why they receive accommodations. #ldchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:22 PM EST
    “Having structures in place can help build self-advocacy. When kids are given tasks that they’re able to complete, it builds their self-esteem.” Great point! #ldchat
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:22 PM EST
    Being able to understand can lead to being able to ask for what you need. Should begin as early as possible. #advocate #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:22 PM EST
    Building self-awareness is the first step in helping children understand their strengths and needs. Download our self-awareness worksheet to get started: https://t.co/Up7Jw1daHJ #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:24 PM EST
    One more question to go… #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:25 PM EST
    Q4. How can self-advocacy and an #IEP work together? #LDchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:26 PM EST
    A4: Here is a great checklist you can use with kids as young as elementary school to connect self-advocacy skills to IEPs. https://t.co/vOrPGHq9Ac #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:27 PM EST
    #IEP meetings are great opportunities for your child to practice self-advocacy. Consider these questions before having your child attend: https://t.co/GO5UemhqNV #LDchat
  • bstackbu Jan 16 @ 12:28 PM EST
    A4: Need help coming up with self-advocacy IEP goals? Use this list of ideas to brainstorm one that will work for your child. https://t.co/fUcXP4sQof #ldchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:28 PM EST
    Parents can request that self-advocacy goals be included in an #IEP plan. Here’s an example of how to include and measure those goals: https://t.co/4TxQhVSWif #LDchat
  • UnderstoodOrg Jan 16 @ 12:29 PM EST
    Any final thoughts before we wrap up for the week? #LDchat
  • roper_lynn Jan 16 @ 12:29 PM EST
    Having it on the IEP would definitely help with more direct assessment and instruction. #ldchat