Learning Disabilities: Resources for Treatment, Research and News
Albert Einstein, John Lennon, Winston Churchill, Walt Disney and many other extremely successful people in history overcame learning disabilities despite a lack of information and tools to help them. Today, those with learning disabilities have the benefit of technology to help them succeed. Learn about learning disability symptoms, the importance of proper diagnosis, treatment plans and available resources.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Are Learning Disabilities?
Learning disabilities are never outgrown, but with proper identification, support and intervention, people with learning disabilities can be successful in learning and in life. Find valuable sites for understanding learning disabilities below.
Insights for Understanding Learning Disabilities
- LD is a common abbreviation for learning disabilities. You may see this term used frequently on Web sites, and it can work in conjunction with another search term if you're looking for specific information on learning disabilities.
- There aren't many LD sites that children can read and explore on their own, but we've found some good ones that are listed below.
- Many of the sites listed in this section are those of organizations that support people with learning disabilities. Membership to these organizations often requires a fee but most of the information on these sites is available for free.
- Learning disabilities can be combined with other disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is considered an attention disorder and not a learning disorder. Find more information in our findingDulcinea ADHD Web Guide.
Top Sites for Understanding Learning Disabilities
For general information on understanding learning disabilities...
GreatSchools
has hundreds of articles written to inform and reassure parents of children with learning disabilities. Find information on identifying difficulties, managing school and learning, connecting with others and more. Search by your child's school level or by topic.
LD OnLine
features hundreds of expert-reviewed articles. It also has information aimed at children, including stories and artwork by children and teens of all ages.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
(LDA) is one of the most comprehensive sites on learning disabilities, featuring an extensive list of articles on LDs for parents, educators, professionals and adults with an LD.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
(NCLD) provides information on the basics of learning disabilities, as well as advice for dealing with LD in the home and at school.
National Association for the Education of African American Children with Learning Disabilities
isn't as exhaustive a resource as the sites mentioned above, but it fills a gap in online information for African-American children with learning disabilities. It offers a mailing list, message boards, information on trained parent advocates and more.
For children's resources ...
Reading Rockets
offers lessons, newsletters, podcasts, Webcasts and a detailed collection of articles, some of which are in Spanish, designed to help kids become better readers. Don't miss the Books & Authors page to find recommended books and video interviews with children's authors and illustrators.
SparkTop.org
aims to help kids ages 8-12 with learning disabilities feel better about themselves. Registration is required but users can explore with a guest pass first.
KidsHealth
features an article on dyslexia written in playful, encouraging language to appeal to kids. The article offers ways to make reading easier and covers the emotions that kids with dyslexia may experience.
Who knew?
Xtraordinary People
provides an incredible list of well-known people who are dyslexic, including athletes and actors, scientists and entrepreneurs, politicians, writers, artists and musicians.
Types of Learning Disabilities
There are many types of LDs, such as dyscalculia (trouble with math), dysgraphia (trouble with writing) and dyspraxia (difficulty with fine motor skills). The sites below can help you understand the most common types of learning disabilities.
Insights for Types of Learning Disabilities
- If you or your child suffers from a learning disability that's more "obscure" than the ones listed below, don't despair. The general sites mentioned earlier in this guide are an excellent source of information for all LDs.
- Many techniques for compensating for a learning disability can apply to more than one disorder. It doesn't hurt to research and read up on various disabilities to find helpful tips.
Top Sites for Types of Learning Disabilities
For information on dyslexia (difficulty with reading) ...
The International Dyslexia Association
serves individuals with dyslexia, their families and educators. The site offers fact sheets, a bookstore and links to other LD organizations.
Dyslexia Teacher
is a U.K.-based site that sells a dyslexia certification course but it's also a lively, useful resource featuring case studies, news and research, and "Dot's Diary," written by a teacher.
Dyslexia Online Magazine
has a cluttered layout, but there's helpful information to be found here in the form of articles written by parents, teachers and even a few students.
For information on dyscalculia (difficulty with math) ...
Dyscalculia.org
provides several links on dyscalculia topics including symptoms, diagnosis/best practices, classroom techniques and learning strategies.
For information on dysgraphia (difficulty with writing) ...
West Virginia University
features only a one-page overview of this disorder but offers a list of learning strategies and workarounds that could be of real value.
For information on dyspraxia (difficulty with fine motor skills) ...
Dyspraxia USA
focuses solely on this disorder and symptoms, along with information on testing, international links, an events calendar and even a free dyspraxia video workshop.
For information on other learning disorders ...
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
provides a lengthy analysis of auditory processing disorders (not related to deafness) in children, and offers a list of organizations that can provide more information.
Who knew?
University of Washington News and Information
features an intriguing article titled "Brain images show individual dyslexic children respond to spelling treatment." The article examines successful learning strategies that generated detectable changes in brain activity
Treatment for Learning Disabilities
The more parents understand the treatment options for learning disabilities, the better equipped they will be to support their child at home and effectively advocate for their child at school.
Insights for Learning Disabilities Treatment
- It's never too late to get help and treatment for a learning disability. Adults who may not have known that a learning disability was behind their struggles with reading, writing or processing information may be greatly relieved to discover the reason for their difficulties. Many sites feature information for adults with a learning disorder.
- People of all ages are legally protected against discrimination and have the right to different forms of assistance in the classroom or workplace, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
Top Sites for Learning Disabilities Treatment
For treating or managing LDs ...
Helpguide
provides advice on successfully adapting the learning style of someone living with an LD. Find information on treatment for learning disabilities, emotional support and critical thinking.
GreatSchools
has an "Assistive Technology" page with a handy overview of the technologies available for the treatment of learning disabilities. Learn how they work and find specific technologies for specific LDs.
KidsHealth
offers an in-depth look at Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and walks you through the referral and evaluation process, the development of an IEP and legal rights regarding treatment for your child's learning disabilities.
For clinical trials ...
ClinicalTrials.gov
is a clearninghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Find a list of research clinical trials involving learning disabilities that are currently underway. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.
Who knew?
Bookshare.org
offers downloadable Braille books for visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled individuals, including children's books. Membership is free for U.S. students; for all other individuals, the cost is $75.
Learning Disabilities Support
If you or your child is struggling with an LD, there's plenty of learning disabilities support available. Seek out sites with a positive, hopeful tone and become part of an online community.
Insights for Learning Disabilities Support
- Learning disabilities can impact a person's self-esteem as they struggle to keep up with others, or fail to progress. Online communities can be a great way for people with learning disabilities to connect with others and get support.
- If you're an adult suffering from a learning disorder, you can still benefit from advice and tips designed to help children. You may find tools and workarounds on the community sites below that can be used at your place of employment.
Top Sites for Learning Disabilities Support
For information and learning disabilities support ...
Dyslexia Adult Link
is a U.K.-based site that's full of helpful information for adults with dyslexia. Parents of dyslexic children will also find advice that may prove helpful later for their children.
LDBlog
features learning disability news and commentary. Written in part by John Wills Lloyd, a professor at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education, the blog focuses on inspiring people with LDs and on assessment and treatment.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
offers an overview of issues that adults with learning disabilities face, including civil rights, workplace dynamics and social and emotional issues. Check out "On the Job" for information on advancement issues, signs of trouble and damage control.
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
(PEATC) is a fairly text-heavy but useful site geared toward parents of children with disabilities, including learning disabilities. Look for downloadable PDFs on topics like parental involvement, special education and legal resources.
For sites with message boards and forums ...
GreatSchools
has a parent community for parents raising a child with a learning disability or ADD/ADHD. Join the community to share ideas and get support.
LD OnLine
offers free message boards for teachers, parents and adults with LD or ADHD that provide a sense of community and answers to questions you may have. Registration is required.
Who knew?
Dyslexia Adult Link
has an article, "Study Finds Individuals with Dyslexia More Likely to Be Millionaires." It highlights some of the hidden benefits of living with a learning disability.
College Life With Learning Disabilities
If your child is going off to school, you'll want her to be as prepared as possible. Use the sites below to get advice on college life with learning disabilities and find out how to help your child make a successful transition to the adult world.
Insights for College Life With Learning Disabilities
- Even if college seems like a long way off, go ahead and read up on the information. Your child can practice breaking down large tasks into smaller ones and working independently; these are skills it's best to acquire before they leave home.
- Many universities are now expanding their support services to ensure the success of students with learning disabilities. Extra options may include distraction-reduced testing centers, and low-cost or free tutoring sessions. Many university Web sites provide information about the programs they have for students with learning disabilities.
- Be sure to research and take advantage of the extra time offered to learning disabled students on standardized tests.
- High school special education staff can provide support with identifying talents and vocational interests, training, information on programs and services in college, and counseling.
Top Sites for College Life With Learning Disabilities
GreatSchools
has a list of resources to explore for college-bound teens with learning disabilities or AD/HD. Find information on test accommodations, how to plan and prepare for college, and more.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
offers a five-page PDF called "Success in College for Adults with Learning Disabilities" that covers LD legislation issues, services and programs, modifications and advice on choosing an appropriate college.
Dyslexia Adults Link
is a U.K.-based site that features a list of articles on managing college with a learning disability. Take advantage of information on computer programs, giving presentations, reading difficult books and more.
Learning Disability Research and News
Whether you're an adult with a learning disorder or the parent of a child with an LD, you may benefit from keeping up with the latest learning disability research and news.
Insights for Learning Disability Research and News
- Make sure to check the general LD sites mentioned in the first section of this guide for the latest learning disability research and news. The sites listed below tend to focus on academic research that may not necessarily be written in layman's terms.
- Ask the special education team at your child's school for help interpreting some of the newest learning disability research and news, if need be.
Top Sites for Learning Disability Research and News
The National Research Center on Learning Disabilities
(NRCLD) Web site isn't the lightest reading but it is informative and in-depth. Find information on new programs and technology developments, as well as materials for researchers and educators that are available for download.
TeachingLD
is geared toward teachers but the "LD Resources" page features links to research centers and universities that conduct research on learning disabilities.
MedlinePlus
has a list of references and abstracts on learning disorders in the "Journal Articles" section.
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
