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Bronson Ko
Sep 2, 2020, 5:18:49 PM9/2/20
to KOMA Instructors Email Group
Please read below and reply back the three important key points to this email after you have read it before Friday at 9:00 am.
Hello Master Ko,
A big congratulations to you on your beautiful new studio in Olathe.
Michael's Dad and I decided it's in Michael's best interest that we update you on his progress in KOMA.
Fifteen months ago, Michael was seen by a large team of specialists at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Oregon. That day he was diagnosed with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia (also known as Development Coordination Disorder, a neurological motor control issue), resolving Childhood Apraxia of Speech. In addition, he tested with a Superior IQ, but an impaired Processing Speed.
We took each one of these diagnoses and attacked them head on. Michael's Developmental Pediatrician strongly pressed us to enroll Michael in Martial Arts. Within two weeks of moving across the country, we were on the phone with KOMA setting up the first session. Michael also receives one-on-one therapy for dyslexia, speech, and language. This means therapy almost every night of the week for our son.
The one disability that stood out in comprehensive testing was Michael's processing speed. This is tricky because it is an invisible disability. Michael has to work so much harder than his peers to understand directions, memorize, or perform. He is seeing a language therapist for this specifically. There is also a big association between processing speed and social relationships. Michael often misses jokes, sarcasm, relaying stories, and social cues.
He has been challenged, accepted, and encouraged by your staff. However, we've had a couple of times that his teachers likely did not know his struggles and he was devastated due to embarrassment. That's why we are writing you today.
There's likely a very simple solution. We are asking that you educate the few Core Intermediate teachers who come into contact with Michael privately about his learning differences. When he is asked to say a word on the spot, his brain may know the answer, but his mouth cannot form the word. This is Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Michael has low working memory and very slow processing so he has to work many times harder as his peers just to be average.
We try very hard to let Michael fight his own battles. Like all parents of children with special needs, though, we also know we must advocate for him when necessary.
Could you please let his teachers know about these learning differences so they may understand why he doesn't follow along even when he's giving all of his attention to the teacher? His gears are grinding away in his head and, most likely, he's in a panic. He tries so hard to cover this and appear just like every other nine year old. As I referenced at the beginning, he is extremely bright, but painfully slow.
We are thankful for what KOMA has meant to Michael this year. He has set a goal to be a black belt. We know how hard it is for him to memorize the forms, so his determination gives us great hope about his future.
He has an enormous amount of respect for you and so do we. Thank you for taking the time to share Michael's story with your employees and help him succeed.
Ann Elise and Michael Harmelink
Hello Master Ko,
A big congratulations to you on your beautiful new studio in Olathe.
Michael's Dad and I decided it's in Michael's best interest that we update you on his progress in KOMA.
Fifteen months ago, Michael was seen by a large team of specialists at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Oregon. That day he was diagnosed with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia (also known as Development Coordination Disorder, a neurological motor control issue), resolving Childhood Apraxia of Speech. In addition, he tested with a Superior IQ, but an impaired Processing Speed.
We took each one of these diagnoses and attacked them head on. Michael's Developmental Pediatrician strongly pressed us to enroll Michael in Martial Arts. Within two weeks of moving across the country, we were on the phone with KOMA setting up the first session. Michael also receives one-on-one therapy for dyslexia, speech, and language. This means therapy almost every night of the week for our son.
The one disability that stood out in comprehensive testing was Michael's processing speed. This is tricky because it is an invisible disability. Michael has to work so much harder than his peers to understand directions, memorize, or perform. He is seeing a language therapist for this specifically. There is also a big association between processing speed and social relationships. Michael often misses jokes, sarcasm, relaying stories, and social cues.
He has been challenged, accepted, and encouraged by your staff. However, we've had a couple of times that his teachers likely did not know his struggles and he was devastated due to embarrassment. That's why we are writing you today.
There's likely a very simple solution. We are asking that you educate the few Core Intermediate teachers who come into contact with Michael privately about his learning differences. When he is asked to say a word on the spot, his brain may know the answer, but his mouth cannot form the word. This is Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Michael has low working memory and very slow processing so he has to work many times harder as his peers just to be average.
We try very hard to let Michael fight his own battles. Like all parents of children with special needs, though, we also know we must advocate for him when necessary.
Could you please let his teachers know about these learning differences so they may understand why he doesn't follow along even when he's giving all of his attention to the teacher? His gears are grinding away in his head and, most likely, he's in a panic. He tries so hard to cover this and appear just like every other nine year old. As I referenced at the beginning, he is extremely bright, but painfully slow.
We are thankful for what KOMA has meant to Michael this year. He has set a goal to be a black belt. We know how hard it is for him to memorize the forms, so his determination gives us great hope about his future.
He has an enormous amount of respect for you and so do we. Thank you for taking the time to share Michael's story with your employees and help him succeed.
Ann Elise and Michael Harmelink
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