ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Peter Congdon is a consultant educational psychologist.
He is the founder and director of the Gifted Children's Information Centre at Solihull. He has addressed many international conferences and participated on numerous Television and Radio programmes, on the subjects of gifted, dyslexic and left-handed children.

Dr Congdon has spent many years studying the development of literacy skills in young children and was awarded his doctorate by London University as a result of research in this area. He has written numerous articles and books on gifted and dyslexic children and those suffering from Asperger syndrome, dyspraxia, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). His work includes writing for 'The Times' Educational supplement, and he was featured on the front cover of 'Mensa Magazine', in which he contributed a valuable insight into 'Guiding Gifted Children'.

He is the author of the new 'Ant to Zip' series which is a structured phonic programme for teaching, reading, spelling and handwriting. It is ideal for both children and adults, and especially for those with specific learning difficulties/dyslexia.

As well as his books on dyslexic and gifted children, Dr Congdon also recounts his own childhood through six years of the Second World War, in his recently published novel
"A Bomb in a Basket".

ABOUT THE CENTRE

The Gifted Children's Information Centre was founded in April 1978.

Its principal function is to publish and disseminate information on the subject of gifted and talented children. The information is essentially practical in nature and is designed for teachers, parents and children. Demand for the publications has grown considerably since the Centre's foundation and many of the books have been translated into foreign languages.

The centre runs an advice and guidance service on special educational needs. It has the services of a consultant educational psychologist and can arrange independent psychological assessments, for gifted children, handicapped children, adults and those suffering from specific learning difficulties (eg dyslexia), ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and Asperger Syndrome.

An independent psychological assessment includes a full intelligence test, scholastic attainment tests and measures of under-achievement where relevant. Further diagnostic tests are administered in cases where an individual is experiencing special learning difficulties. In particular the Centre can also arrange a screening test for dyslexic children who are suffering from the scotopic sensitivity syndrome. This is a distinct type of visual dyslexia and is related to difficulties with light source, intensity and colour. Each psychological assessment is followed by a long counselling session with the parents or guardians of the child. A detailed type written report of the assessment is later forwarded. A complete programme for teaching reading, spelling and writing to dyslexic individuals can also be provided.

The Centre has the services of a senior psychiatric social worker who has legal qualifications and is able to advise and help parents in their negotiations with schools and local education authorities. In particular help and advice can be arranged for the parents of children who are being assessed, under the terms of the 1996 Education Act and the 2001 SENDA (Special Educational Needs Disability Act).

The Centre has a department for helping left-handed children and adults. It supplies detailed guides on the subject of left-handedness as well as specialised equipment for left-handers in writing, cutting and measuring.

For more information please contact us. Please also visit our sister site www.syntheticphonics.uk.com