Otago's first-ever 'Learning About Learning Difficulties' seminars have been organised by local optometry practice Ocula.
Speakers include a behavioural optometrist, a paediatric speech language therapist and an occupational therapist.
They will explain how people use their brains to learn and how to tell if a child is affected by a vision, language or sensory processing disorder - and what to do about it.
Ocula principal optometrist Danielle Ross is the district's first qualified behavioural optometrist. She uses 'vision therapy' to help children across the district.
"A child with learning difficulties can often be pigeon-holed into a specific bracket,'' she said.
"But many signs and symptoms of a visual, language or sensory processing disorder are similar, and can be confused if not properly diagnosed.
"The seminar will provide compelling, up-to-date, research-based information to help guide parents and teachers through what can be a challenging time in a child's life.''
Ross will be joined by paediatric occupational therapist Fiona Brown and paediatric speech language therapist Hallie Pearson.
Brown specialises in sensory integration, primitive reflexes, visual perception, fine and gross motor skills and emotional regulation.
Pearson is highly experienced working with children on the autism spectrum and children with complex communication needs.
The Queenstown seminar is at Queenstown Memorial Hall, August 16, at 4pm (for educators) and 7pm (for parents and caregivers).
The Wanaka event is at Lake Wanaka Centre, August 22, at the same times.
Entry is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to local charities, including the Upper Clutha Children's Medical Trust.
