|  | Learning Disabilities / Differences
"A learning disability is a neurological condition that interferes with a person's ability to store, process, or produce information.
Learning disabilities can affect one’s ability to read, write, speak, spell, compute math, reason and also affect a person’s attention, memory, coordination, social skills and emotional maturity.
Common learning disabilities include:
- Dyslexia – a language-based disability in which a person has trouble with specific language skills, particularly reading.
- Dyscalculia – a mathematical disability in which a person has a difficult time solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts.
- Dysgraphia – a writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters, write within a defined space and express ideas.
Learning disabilities should not be confused with other disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, deafness, blindness, and behavioral disorders. None of these conditions are learning disabilities.
Attention disorders, such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities often occur at the same time, but the two disorders are not the same…
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 in life." - Learning Disabilities Association of America
Contact Our LD Advisor |
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| | A thorough guide for parents of children with LD. Organized into three major sections: identifying LD, managing LD, connecting with others. Numerous articles on all aspects of LD. Message board, events calendar. An information rich resource for parents. |
| Formerly DyslexiaOnline, this site is dedicated to resolving the traditional misconceptions of dyslexia and related attention deficit and anxiety disorders. |
| Provides programs, tools and a common language for parents, educators, and clinicians to help students with learning differences achieve success in the classroom and in life. |
| In-depth and timely education and healthcare information that will help make a difference. |
| Information about LD. Referrals to programs and services. Research news. |
| Advances the education and general welfare of children and adults of normal or potentially normal intelligence who have disabilities of a perceptual, conceptual or coordinative nature. The site lists resources and links, offers publications, publishes news and a calendar of events. |
A service of the Learning Project at WETA in Washington, DC.
Information about learning disabilities for parents, teachers and other professionals.
Interviews with professionals, personal stories, calendar of events, bulletin board, online newsletter, books and videos. |
| A guide to resources and tools for the learning disabled that can be obtained through the web. Updated weekly with short descriptive articles about the resources. |
| Dyslexia "Dyslexia refers to a difficulty in learning to read in a person who has good intelligence, strong motivation, and who has received appropriate teaching."
Sally Shaywitz M.D., author of Overcoming Dyslexia |
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| ADHD / Difficulties with Attention “ADHD is a neurologically based disorder.” “The official classification system identifies the essential features of ADHD as having developmentally inappropriate degrees of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although many persons with ADHD show problems in each of these areas, some will have only one or two of these behaviors.” Larry B. Silver, M.D. author of, The Misunderstood Child. |
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| Dyscalculia “A mathematical disability in which a person has a difficult time solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts.” Learning Disabilities Association of America |
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| Assistive Technology “An Assistive Technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system…that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.” Nolo’s IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities by Lawrence M. Seigel |
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| | Standardized Accommodations for Testing of Learning Disabled Students The College Board
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| The College Board site provides information regarding PSAT,NMSQT, SAT, and AP testing for students, parents and educators. The site offers information about eligibility and documentation, the types of accommodations available, and provides a contact link for obtaining forms. |
| The Educational Records Bureau produces and administers standardized tests that assess student skills in reading, writing and mathematics. The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination), administered to students in grades 5-12, is widely used in independent schools nationwide. The ERB will arrange special test administration to accommodate students who have documented physical challenges or learning differences. Information about these accommodations can be found in the ISEE Student Guide section, "Making Arrangements for Taking the ISEE". |
| Educational therapists work with individuals who exhibit learning disabilities and learning problems. Located in Burbank, California, AET establishes professional standards, evaluates research on techniques and technologies, creates curricula and training programs, and educates communities, schools, and allied professional groups about the work of educational therapists. Their website contains a member directory organized geographically as a referral resource. |
| CAPSES is a statewide organization of nonpublic schools,organizations, and individuals who specialize in the delivery of special education to students with special education needs. The site includes an online membership directory with descriptive entries on special education schools and their missions. |
Information about the regulations of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
This site was created to provide a one-stop shop for resources related to IDEA and its implementing regulations. |
| Listings are provided for all the State of California SELPA offices and their phone numbers. A Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is the services that are covered by the local plan for providing special education services to individuals with disabilities in that area under the state and federal law. (EC 56195.1) |
| | Books of General Interest
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
Raising Resilient Children by Robert Brooks, Ph.D. and Sam Goldstein, Ph.D.
The Misunderstood Child: Understanding and Coping with Your Child’s Learning Disabilities (4th Edition) by Larry Silver, M.D.
Dr. Larry Silver’s Advice to Parents on ADHD by Larry B. Silver, M.D.
Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.
Answers to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D.
When You Worry About the Child You Love by Edward Hallowell, M.D.
The Tuned-In Turned-On Book About Learning Problems by Marnell L. Hayes
Not Much Just Chillin’: the hidden lives of middle schoolers by Linda Perlstein
A Bird’s-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors by Chris A. Zeigler Dendy and Alex
Zeigler
Parenting from the Inside Out: How Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive
Understanding Girls with AD/HD by Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D., Ellen B. Littman, Ph.D. and Patricia O. Quinn, M.D.
No Easy Answers: The Learning Disabled Child at Home and at School by Sally L. Smith
Learning Disabilities and ADHD: A Family Guide to Living and Learning Together by Betty B. Osman, Ph.D.
No One to Play With by Betty B. Osman, Ph.D.
Endangered Minds: Why Children Don’t Think and What We Can Do About It by Jane M. Healy, Ph.D.
Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children’s Minds for Better or for Worse by Jane M. Healy, Ph.D.
Your Child’s Growing Mind:Brain Development and Learning From Birth to Adolescence by Jane M. Healy, Ph. D.
Ready or Not: HERE COMES LIFE by Mel Levine, M.D.
Mothers Talk About Learning Disabilities: Personal Feelings, Practical Advice by Elizabeth Weiss
The Magic Years by Selma Fraiberg
Books for Children
Hank Zipzer Collection by Henry Winkler
All Kinds of Minds by Mel Levine
Keeping A Head in School by Mel Levine
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