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Welcome to The Focus Foundation

Our Focus: Children who have
X & Y Variations * Dyslexia * Dyspraxia

Because every child deserves the chance to succeed.
Because Early Identification + Targeted Treatment = Recovery
   
  • We are the first and only research-based agency exclusively dedicated to identifying and helping children who have X & Y Variations (also called X & Y Chromosomal Variations or Sex Chromosome Disorders), Dyslexia and/or Dyspraxia, conditions that lead to language-based disabilities, executive dysfunction and attention-related issues.

  • We are a 501(c)(3), non-profit, human-service foundation specifically created to address the needs of the estimate d one in 500 children with these disorders.

  • We seek to promote early detection and intervention for these conditions (as well as related Autism spectrum disorders) and provide appropriate, syndrome-specific therapies and treatment plans.

  • We strive to help each child develop to his or her fullest potential by assisting in the transformation from vulnerable to powerful, from school failure to academic success, from disabled to able.

  • We advocate for, and facilitate, the research and programs that are needed to best care for affected children nationwide.

  • We're focused on helping children overcome learning and chromosomal differences.

    This is our Focus.


    COMING IN 2010: To be published by The Focus Foundation


    The Atypical Learner

    Identifying, Treating and Raising the Child
    who has Learning Differences caused by
    X & Y Variations, Dyslexia
    and/or Developmental Dyspraxia

    by Carole Samango-Sprouse, Ed.D
    with Melissa Stanton, MPH

    For more information about the book or to share
    your family’s story, please contact Dr. Sprouse at cssprouse@thefocusfoundation.org

    The photographs used on this website are for illustration purposes only.

    		•


    IS MY CHILD AN
    ATYPICAL LEARNER?

    Children who exhibit the following symptoms are considered
    "atypical learners" and could
    possibly have an X & Y Variation,
    Dyspraxia and/or Dyslexia.

    • Delayed speech development
    • Clumsiness
    • Difficulty interacting with peers
    • Short attention span
    • Trouble with reading, writing and/or math
    • Behavior problems
    • Disorganization
    • Seems to be "just a step behind" his or her peers
    • Impulsivity
       It is believed that 40 percent of
       all children with developmental delays
       will be diagnosed with a genetic
       disorder. Parents with a child who
       has developmental delays or
       developmental dysfunction
       should consider asking their child's
       primary care provider to draw
       to draw blood for a karyotype
       (also called a chromosomal analysis)
       or provide a referral to a clinical
       geneticist for an evaluation.
       Such an evaluation and lab
       testing should:
    • Determine if the child has the appropriate number of chromosomes (46)

    • Rule out deletions (missing pieces of chromosomal material) or additions (excess chromosomal material)

       These findings are important for
       diagnosing syndromes, identifying
       related medical issues and developing
       appropriate, targeted treatment plans.

       There is help and hope available.
    OUR MISSION: The Focus Foundation is dedicated to helping children and families affected by X & Y Variations, Dyslexia, and/or Dyspraxia. The Focus Foundation believes that through increased awareness, early identification and syndrome-specific treatment, children with these conditions can reach their full potential.