Have you ever watched your child stare at a book and wonder, “Why is this so hard for them when they’re so bright in other ways?” Maybe they’re great at telling stories or solving puzzles, but reading a simple sentence feels like climbing a mountain. You’re not alone—and neither is your child. The reason might have less to do with their intelligence and more to do with something hidden: how their brain processes sounds. This is where auditory processing comes into play—a factor many parents aren’t even aware of, but it could be the key to unlocking your child’s reading…
Read MoreDyslexia – What Teachers Should Know As a parent, sending your child to school should feel like dropping them off in a safe place where they will be understood, supported, and helped to thrive. But if your child has dyslexia, the classroom can feel like the opposite-an overwhelming and confusing environment where they’re constantly falling behind, despite their best efforts. If you feel like your child’s teachers don’t understand dyslexia or aren’t doing enough, you’re not alone. Many parents face this same frustration. While teachers care deeply about their students, the reality is that many don’t have the training…
Read MoreUnfortunately, many children with dyslexia are mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD It’s easy to confuse dyslexia and ADHD, as both conditions can lead to difficulties in the classroom. However, while they may share some overlapping symptoms, dyslexia and ADHD are distinct conditions that require different approaches to treatment. Unfortunately, many children with dyslexia are mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD, which can lead to inappropriate interventions and missed opportunities for improvement. What is ADHD? ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurological condition that affects a child’s ability to focus, control impulses, and manage hyperactive behaviors. It’s characterized…
Read MoreAre We “Curing” Dyslexia? Thousand Oaks Parents – As a parent, you may have heard the term “curing dyslexia” and wondered, Is that really possible? You’re likely frustrated, watching your bright, capable child struggle with reading, spelling, and writing. You’ve probably tried everything—extra tutoring, accommodations at school, or special reading programs—yet nothing seems to work permanently. So, can dyslexia actually be “cured”? The truth is, “cure” is a medical term, and dyslexia isn’t a disease. It’s a learning difference—a specific way the brain processes language. As non-medical professionals at Stowell Learning Centers, we don’t claim to “cure” dyslexia in the…
Read MoreOctober is Dyslexia Awareness Month, but for parents of children with dyslexia, every month is a reminder of the daily struggles their child faces. If you’re a parent of a dyslexic child, whether here in Irvine CA or elsewhere, you know the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for answers. You may also feel the isolation of watching your child fall behind while others seem to be thriving. Raising awareness about dyslexia is critical—not just during Dyslexia Awareness Month, but every day of the year. Why? Because with more awareness comes more understanding, more support, and better opportunities for…
Read MoreFor too long, dyslexia has been framed as a limitation that students must learn to live with. At Stowell Learning Centers, we see things differently. We believe in correcting dyslexia through proven, research-backed methods that address the root of the learning challenges, not just the symptoms. And we’ve done that successfully for 40 years. Our educational philosophy is based on the understanding that the brain is adaptable and capable of significant change, known as neuroplasticity. Through intensive, customized interventions, we help students develop the necessary skills to read and process information efficiently. This correction approach transforms the educational experiences and…
Read MoreDyslexia, a common learning disability characterized by difficulties with reading and spelling, is often misunderstood as a permanent barrier. At Stowell Learning Centers (Chino, Irvine, Pasadena, Thousand Oaks), we challenge this notion by emphasizing not just accommodation, but correction of dyslexia. Our approach is rooted in the latest brain research which shows that with targeted and frequent training, the brain can develop new pathways to process information more effectively. Correction: Removing the Barriers Posed by Dyslexia Imagine a talented soccer player hindered by a stone in their shoe. Traditional methods would teach them to manage the discomfort, but wouldn’t it…
Read MoreHaving been on lockdown for most of the past year, it’s been fun to sit at our local outdoor food court as things are re-opening. There is a huge round fountain in the center. The raised edge encircling the fountain is about 18 inches wide. What is such fun about this fountain is watching little children with their cute little (COVID) masks run around the edge of it with absolute delight and laughter. There are two things that particularly strike me when I watch these little children. First, I am amazed at the coordination of the toddlers and slightly older…
Read MoreManaging in the Pandemic Part 2: Structure and Routines that Reduce Anxiety and Increase Performance
Reduce anxiety and stress with consistent routines and expectations for our kids . Everyone does better with predictability and routine. There is greater compliance if everyone knows exactly what to expect. And, those initial shifts that create a new habit are kind of like knocking over the first domino. They tend to start a chain reaction that helps other good habits take hold. Studies have documented that families who habitually eat dinner toge ther seem to raise children with better homework skills, higher grades, greater emotional control and more confidence. Making your bed every morning is correlated with higher…
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