Learning Disabilities and ADHD
LEARNING DISABILITIES:
"A learning disability is a neurological disorder. In simple terms, a learning disability results from a difference in the way a person's brain is "wired." Children with learning disabilities are as smart or smarter than their peers. But they may have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and/or organizing information if left to figure things out by themselves or if taught in conventional ways.
"A learning disability can't be cured or fixed; it is a lifelong issue. With the right support and intervention, however, children with learning disabilities can succeed in school and go on to successful, often distinguished careers later in life.
"Parents can help children with learning disabilities achieve such success by encouraging their strengths, knowing their weaknesses, understanding the educational system, working with professionals and learning about strategies for dealing with specific difficulties." -LDOnline.org
Who Can Diagnose LD and ADHD?Table explains the role of some of the professionals who provide services. Many of these professionals can suspect LD and/or ADHD but all are not licensed, or have the needed certifications, to diagnose the disorders. It is always important to ask the professional about his/her credentials. When you go to a person in a private practice, not in the school system, it is important to determine if the professional has the needed license to be in private practice and to make the diagnosis of LD and/or ADHD.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
NCLD provides essential information to parents, professionals and individuals with learning disabilities, promotes research and programs to foster effective learning, and advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities. Since its beginning, NCLD has been led by passionate and devoted parents committed to creating better outcomes for children, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) biennial 2011 report: State of Learning Disabilities: Facts, Trends and Indicators. The publication provides the authoritative national and state-by-state snapshot of learning disabilities (LD) in the United States, and their impact on the ability of students and adults to achieve educational success and employment. State of Learning Disabilities also clarifies what a learning disability is and explains the common misperceptions associated with LD.
LD OnLine
is an extensive website on learning disabilities, learning disorders and differences. Parents and teachers of learning disabled children will find authoritative guidance on ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dysnomia, reading difficulties, speech and related disorders.
Reading Rockets
Information on learning disabilities Learning Disabilities: An Overview will tell you what a learning disability is, the different types, and the causes.
These briefs describe the specific types of learning disabilities:
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
is a non-profit organization for parents of children and young adults with learning disorders and ADHD. Their goal is to provide useful, authoritative information from experts, practical advice and support from parents, and inspiration from successful adults living with LD and ADHD.
LD Online: Central Auditory Processing Disorder: When is Evaluation Referral Indicated?
Executive Function Fact Sheet
Executive function deficits are another manifestation of LD.
Processing Deficits
Processing deficits are problems with the processes of recognizing and interpreting information taken in through the senses. The two most common areas of processing difficulty associated with learning disabilities are visual and auditory perception.
Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD):
NLDA - Nonverbal Learning Disorders Association
LD Online: Nonverbal Learning Disorder
Lists numerous articles and studies on nonverbal learning disorder
Dyslexia:
Massachusetts Branch of The International Dyslexia Association (MABIDA)
Red Flags for Struggling Readers - Informative brochure of symptoms
Dyslexia Basics
Reading & Dyslexia - Questions and Answers
Dysgraphia:
What is Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and trouble putting thoughts on paper.
ADHD:
"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. It is hard for these children to control their behavior and/or pay attention. It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD, or approximately 2 million children in the United States. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD." -LDOnline.org
ADHD Basics
ADHD
Articles, books, links, Q&A
CHADD
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with ADHD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. which offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals, and others.