Parents are often baffled by the problems presented by a child with learning disabilities. Often this “invisible disability” does not become obvious until a child reaches school age. Even then, difficulties may be subtle and hard to recognize.
Here you will find a wealth of information on understanding learning disabilities, negotiating the special education process, and helping your child and yourself.
New to LD
If you are just learning that you or your child has a learning disability you may be confused and not know where to begin. It can be a daunting and complicated task. But don’t despair. LDA is here to help you understand this new diagnosis and lead you or your child to the right support systems.
Types of Learning Disabilities
A specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts.
Learn more about Dyscalculia.
A specific learning disability that affects a person’s handwriting ability and fine motor skills.
Learn more about Dysgraphia.
A specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills.
Learn more about Dyslexia.
Learning disabilities that affect an individual’s understanding of what they read or of spoken language. The ability to express one’s self with oral language may also be impacted.
Learn more about Oral / Written Language Disorder and Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit
Has trouble interpreting nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language and may have poor coordination.
Learn more about Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Related Disorders
A disorder that includes difficulty staying focused and paying attention, controlling behavior and hyperactivity.
Learn more about ADHD.
A disorder which causes problems with movement and coordination, language and speech.
Learn more about Dyspraxia.
Affects, planning, organization, strategizing, attention to details and managing time and space.
Learn more about Executive Function.
Learning the basics about LD and ADHD is an important start to getting help. After the signs and symptoms of LD are recognized, the appropriate assessment and evaluation will be needed to determine the right strategies to help the individual.
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Evaluation involves gathering information from a variety of sources about a child’s functioning and development in all areas. It is generally one of the first steps in determining if a child has a learning disability. This section will help parents answer their questions on assessment and evaluation.
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Early Childhood includes the evaluation and treatment provided to families and their children under 3 years old who have, or are at risk for having, a disability or delay in speech, language, or hearing. Starting early is important for long-term success.
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Each stage in a child’s life provides a different learning profile of needs. This section will provide specific information related to the different stages of a child’s school years from preschool to elementary school to middle school and high school.
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This section will help guide you to specific information related to navigating the special education process. Where to start, who to talk to, and the options for special education evaluation as well as the vocabulary of special education including IEPs and 504s can be found here.
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The impact of learning disabilities does not end in the classroom but can extend to activities outside the schoolyard. This area will provide articles of interest related to activities beyond the classroom: tutoring, summer activities, special education expenses, social skills and more.
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Mental health issues can affect anyone, including individuals with learning disabilities (LD) and/or ADHD. Here you will find tips and guidelines for preventing, identifying, and addressing mental health issues linked to learning disabilities.
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The growth of technology is widespread in our everyday lives and is used extensively in the classroom. It can be an invaluable tool for individuals with learning disabilities (LD). Here we explore current and new technologies for individuals with LD to consider.
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Parent Resources
Guides & Booklets
- An Action Guide for ADHD: Next Steps for Patients, Clinicians, and Insurers
This Action Guide is based on the results of a public review process of treatment options for ADHD. - NCLB and IDEA: What Parents of Students with Disabilities Need to Know and Do
August 2006, by Candace Cortiella for the National Center on Educational Outcomes. - A Parent’s Guide to Response-to-Intervention (RTI)
Provides an overview of the RTI process, describes how it is implemented in schools and offers questions that parents can ask. - Life Success for Children with Learning Disabilities: A Parent Guide
The research traced the lives of individuals with learning disabilities in an attempt to identify factors that predicted successful life outcomes. - Identifying and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Resource for School And Home
This resource guide designed for families and educators provides information on how (ADHD) is identified and treated. - College Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities
In this guide from BestColleges.com, students and families will find an overview of the transition into college, a guide to college accommodations & assistive learning technology as well as key strategies, resources, scholarships and more for students with learning disabilities. - Teaching Our Youngest: A Guide for Preschool Teachers and Child Care and Family Providers
This booklet describes what can be done to help children to develop their language abilities, increase their knowledge, become familiar with books and other printed materials, learn letters and sounds, recognize numbers and learn to count. - Tools for Student Success
Selected publications for parents and teachers from the U.S. Department of Educations ED.gov website or in print form. - Ed Pubs
Items include: brochures, CD-ROMs, grant applications, newsletters, posters, research reports, videotapes and financial aid products.
