Page 14 - The Islander - February '25

Page 14, The Islander

Fundraising EvEnt from page 12

Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center, which will provide
advanced treatments and groundbreaking research to
support South Florida women.
As the evening concluded, DiPaula encouraged the
guests to deepen their support. “Whether you’re wearing
a pink tie or one of our new gold Promise Fund bracelets,
let them be symbols of strength, commitment, and our
shared mission,” he said.
The event kicked off Promise Fund’s season: The
Annual Bridge Lighting Ceremony at Royal Park Bridge
in February, the Major Donor Dinner & Award Celebration
at Club Colette on March 10, and the Scientific Forum
Luncheon at the Beach Club on March 27.
For tickets and information, contact Donna Dodson, Karen Patti and Ron Rosenfeld Lenny and Beth Wilf Susan and Ben Winter Tim and Jana Davidson
(561) 307-8000, or visit ThePromiseFund.org.

Nicki Harris and Peter Donna Raggio and Lora
Ellen Levy, Donna Dodson, Audrey Brown Cummings Drasner Janet and Mark Levy Joan and David Genser

all about Kids

When Young

Kids Hate

Themselves

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist

My first grader has
recently said, “I hate
myself” because she
doesn’t feel smart. She
says things are too hard
and I can see her getting
discouraged. She has
trouble remembering
letters, sounds, some
numbers. She can’t keep
up with everyone. Her
teacher says she is the
lowest one in her class.”
This concerned parent’s description of her child cried out
for help and understanding. It is highly unusual for a young
student to make statements such as they hate themself, they
feel dumb, or they want to die. No student wants to go to
school and repeatedly fail. Furthermore, it is a giant red flag
when your child’s teacher says your child is the lowest one
in the class. Given these challenges, this young child’s self-
esteem is at risk of long-term damage.
As a concerned parent, you can provide your child
with support and understanding. If you suspect an
underlying learning disability like dyslexia, our school
neuropsychological testing provides answers. We also test
for processing problems such as a weakness in phonics
development and memory. Once you understand the specific
problem you can then provide the right treatment to help.
The testing revealed this child had dyslexia with anxiety.
Her mom followed up with one of the specialized tutors
and started three times a week tutoring. Once she received
our written report, the teacher helped get the child an IEP
for school support. The IEP allowed the school’s special
education teacher to work with her in addition to her private
tutoring. Parents used children’s books to help with her
anxiety of being embarrassed for her reading struggles. In a
follow-up conversation, her mom said she had renewed hope
for her child’s future.
We test students from age 2 through college for dyslexia,
ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, and more. Call us at
(561) 625-4125 to discuss your child or learn more at www.
JimForgan.com.