Shaunie O’Neal took her youngest son to the doctor a few weeks ago to find that he was among the multitudes of children battling with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The reality star decided to take her little one for testing after noticing his dislike for school and low self-esteem. As she explains, “I noticed that my youngest son began to develop a gradual dislike for school and his happy-go-lucky disposition changed to one of sadness and withdrawal. After a trip to the doctor and undergoing diagnostic testing, he was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD.” Now Shaunie is teaming up with Dr. Charles Sophy to establish a foundation that gives kids with dyslexia the tools they need to thrive.
Although she and ex-husband Shaquille O’Neal can afford testing and treatments associated with dyslexia, Shaunie realizes that many parents do not have the financial means to support or even have their kids tested for such disorders. “The cost of diagnostic testing can often be prohibitive for many families,” says the star. “They just cannot afford to pay the $3,000 to $5,000 cost for this much needed testing… Also, once children are tested, often times other issues such as ADHD are uncovered.”
Shaunie continues, “I have decided to establish a foundation, along with the help of Dr. Charles Sophy, in order to raise funds to help disadvantaged children to get proper testing for dyslexia…We are leaving behind too many children who are not given the proper tools and resources to learn how to deal with dyslexia.”
Shaunie and Shaq have four kids together. The reality star has five kids in all. Find out more about the reality star’s foundation for dyslexia and take part in naming the organization here.
Source: ShaunieOneal.com
