They now have the tools for learning!

Posted by Connie on August 24, 2004, 3:34 pm

Here is an update on my twin sons (now 13 years old) and their progress with Audiblox. To recap, I am a homeschooling mother of six children. My oldest son was tested extensively by various psychologists, special education specialists and optometrists. He was diagnosed with a learning disability at a young age. None of the things we did made a big impact. For example, he would gain six months in an area, but also six months had gone by so he was still two years (or more) behind. I searched and searched for programs to help him, but to no avail. Fast forward a number of years, and his little brothers were in the same situation that he had been. This time, however, I found out about the Audiblox program. At last I had found something that addressed the core problems associated with learning disabilities. After doing some research, I found that children with learning disabilities have difficulties processing information. Usually these difficulties involve visual processing, auditory processing, logic and reasoning, and long term memory. All of these areas are addressed by the Audiblox program.

We have now done 51 weeks of Audiblox. We started the program back in June, 2003 but have taken one week breaks about every 8 weeks. Both of the boys have improved tremendously. One of the boys had more trouble with visual memory and the other was weak in both visual and auditory memory, but more so in auditory. Audiblox has helped in all areas. Prior to Audiblox, they could not read fluently. I had to read everything to them so that they could comprehend it. Recently I overheard one of the boys say that he now automatically reads signs etc. around him without having to stop and think about it. I liken it to myself reading Spanish. I can only read it if I stop and concentrate on each word and mentally translate as I go along. Well, both of the boys have come a long way from this level of reading. They now read all kinds of books in areas they are interested in. They both scored at grade level in their overall score on a recent achievement test they took. One thing that I have noticed and that pleases me tremendously is that their self confidence has risen because of their new skills. Before, I noticed that, especially when they were in situations where they might be called on to read, they were very nervous or hesitant. I know they feared embarrassment. Now they feel that they are on the same level as their peers and it has made a difference in their behavior. Both boys have thanked me for doing Audiblox with them. There have been times when they haven't liked doing it, but both of them know that Audiblox has been the key to their progress.

It has not been easy to continue on with Audiblox over the long haul. It has taken a tremendous commitment. However, the results are well worth it. Having six children and limited time, my husband and I decided to use the customized program. This has been an invaluable help to me. Benetta Strydom is an expert at pinpointing a child's weaknesses and developing a program to address them. When I first started, I thought I could use the same program for both boys but it soon became apparent that they each had somewhat different problems. Benetta recommended specific exercises for each boy to address those differences. Thanks so much, Benetta!

We will continue with a modified Audiblox program because I think there is still more that the boys can gain from the program. I am looking forward to this school year because now I know my boys have the tools for learning. For the first time since they started school, I am not looking at materials with the goal of remediation in mind. It's nice to be able to pick books just for interest. I think this is going to be our best school year yet!