Contact:
Dr Peter J Congdon, PhD, MA (Ed), BA
Address:
'Hampton Grange'
21 Hampton Lane
SOLIHULL
West Midlands
B91 2QJ
Telephone/Fax:
021 705 4547
e-mail:
The Gifted Children' Information Centre supplies Books, Guides, Teaching Packs and Equipment for Gifted Children, Dyslexic Children and Left-Handed Children. Please contact the centre for details of the full range available. We also arrange psychological assessments and offer legal advice and guidance for SEN children.
Dr Peter Congdon is a consultant educational psychologist. He has addressed many international conferences on the subjects of gifted, dyslexic and left-handed children. He is the founder and director of the centre. 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. He is the author of the new 'Ant to Zip' series which is a structured phonic programme for teaching, reading, spelling and handwriting to all children and especially to those with specific learning difficulties/dyslexia.
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 1993 Education 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.
