About Us Mission
The Picciano Method™ How
We Differ Validation
PJR is a six year old boy in first grade who is an intelligent child with an active mind and generally happy and congenial personality. He has been diagnosed with Clinical Nystagmus, a progressive genetic condition, as well as some form of degenerating retinal condition that is causing him to rapidly lose his eyesight.
When PJR entered the program 7 months ago his vision impairment was affecting his ability to learn in school and his interaction with others and his environment. Academically, his difficulties were most evident in his inability to recognize and learn all of the letters of the alphabet, despite repeated attempts to teach him. With time, this would also translate into difficulties in recognizing words and reading words in sentences. His eyes were in constant and rapid movement from side to side (also referred to as nystagmus) and he had a difficult time maintaining focus in class for extended periods without taking "visual breaks." He often demonstrated anxiety and frustration in his demeanor, as well as moodiness as a result of hypersensitivity to comments and situations throughout the course of the day. His letter formation was "jagged" and often times contorted. He often lacked eye contact when speaking to others or listening to his teacher in class, and walked with an "inward orientation" while gently swaying his head and using a front-of-foot "tap-tap" walking technique that is common for people with severe visual impairment.
After only thirty contact hours of academic and ISP training™, PJR has resolved these difficulties. He is able to recognize the letters of the alphabet and his assigned sight words separately and in sentences. His letters are more smoothly formed and shaped and he is now able to print on a straight line. His anxiety, frustration and moodiness has been greatly reduced, and in some cases, minimized. His rapid eye movement has virtually ceased and he is able to maintain eye contact with others at will. In addition, his gait is now typical and in some ways advanced for his age. When walking, PJR is focused and alert to his environment and others. Although there is more to be accomplished, there is no doubt that PJR will soon be learning at a competitive level with his classmates.