Ages and Stages:
my daughter’s story
My daughter’s journey is a beacon of inspiration, showcasing how every child can unlock their full potential with the right mix of love, support, and determination. Explore her story to discover my 5-Step Process in action.
Step 1: Recognize.
Age 7
My daughter’s story began in kindergarten, where she struggled to keep up with her peers and found reading particularly challenging. Something didn’t feel right, so we trusted our instincts and took action, knowing our family history with dyslexia.
Step 2: Evaluate.
Age 8
To get to the bottom of her struggles, we had her undergo a neuropsych evaluation. She was diagnosed with dyslexia and anxiety. The experts recommended she attend The Southport School, which specializes in language-based learning disabilities and uses the Orton-Gillingham method.
Step 3: Build Support.
Age 13
With a strong support system in place, including weekly tutoring sessions, my daughter learned strategies to manage her anxiety and navigate her dyslexia. The Southport School provided her with the executive functioning skills, which she still applies today. She entered The Unquowa School, a small, progressive school, in the 4th grade. This transition allowed us to see what educational environment would suit her to enter into for high school.
Step 4: Identify Strengths.
Age 16
Through it all, my daughter discovered her love for creative writing and storytelling. Though she didn’t read fluently until she was 11, her unique understanding of language became her superpower, sparking a passion for reading and writing. At Staples High School, she received a 504 plan, landed a spot on the varsity tennis team as a freshman and has been navigating her learning style in a traditional public school environment.
Step 5: Unconditional Love.
As parents, we knew our role was to guide our daughter with unwavering love, patience, and support. We embraced her differences, celebrating every step of her journey toward growth and self-discovery. Today, she thrives as a confident reader and writer at a top-rated public school, excelling not only in her studies but also in her passion of playing guitar—a true testament to the power of embracing differences and nurturing strengths.
