Focus on Learning Disabilities (LD)

Bookshare is an online library of accessible eBooks and educational materials for children (and adults) with diagnosed language learning disabilities and other issues that make reading difficult. Members have access to over 400,000 titles, including textbooks, bestsellers, children’s books, young adult books, college prep and career books, newspapers and magazines. Books not already in Bookshare’s collection may be ordered.

ARTICLE

Breaking the Enabling Cycle

by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.

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Bullying: Kids with LD Are Easy Targets

by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

Children with disabilities are among the most likely victims of school bullying. Parents play an important role in keeping their children safe by openly discussing the issue and working with the school.

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Dyscalculia: An Overview

by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

Experts believe that approximately 7% of the population has symptoms of dyscalculia. But dyscalculia— often referred to as “the forgotten learning disability”— is neither well-researched nor entirely understood.

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Healthy Friendships for LD Girls

by David P. Sylvestro, CSP, and Hallie A. Buckingham, EdD,
with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

Girls with LD have unique social-development challenges. As boys and girls grow up they learn to express anger and frustration differently. It’s important to provide girls with specific social tools to avoid the negative consequences of the “mean-girls” culture.

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Kids with LD: Recipe for Parenting Stress

by Cynthia Keefe, PsyD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

Stress is a normal part of being a parent. Parents of children and adolescents with ADHD, LD, anxiety or other special needs, however, experience significantly more daily and chronic stress than other parents.

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Life Skills That Make a Difference

by Jonathan Cohen, PhD, and Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

Social, emotional, and ethical literacy may be more important than academic skills when it comes to achieving happiness and success. As a parent you can help your child develop competencies in those areas. Use your child’s evaluation as a tool to improve in areas other than academics.

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Making Music Benefits the LD Brain

by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

Research shows that music training benefits the brain in ways that may be particularly beneficial to children with learning challenges, ADHD and executive function issues.

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Mystifying: A College Essay

by Jacob Presson

When a student teacher returns to the preschool he once terrorized, a young child triggers memories of his struggles with ADHD.

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Solving the Dyslexia Paradox

by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

For children with dyslexia, the optimal time frame for addressing reading deficits is before most children are diagnosed. This may become more possible as new tools are being developed to identify at-risk kids when treatment can be most effective.

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Strategies to Keep It Positive

by Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

Resolving problems and navigating tense conversations with your child are best achieved through positive communication, but as every parent knows that’s not always easy to manage. Use these guidelines to help you set and maintain a positive tone.

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WEBINAR: “Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Importance of Positive Communication at Home, at School and in the Social Arena”

Stress and the LD Puzzle

by Jerome J. Schultz, PhD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

This article is based on “Stress and the LD Puzzle,” the Keynote presentation by Jerome J. Schultz, Ph.D., Harvard-based clinical neuropsychologist, author and consultant, at the conference Best Practices and New Perspectives in the Field of Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficits.

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Treating Dyslexia

by Margie Gillis, EdD, with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

Children with dyslexia can learn to read, but there is no quick fix for this reading disability. Teaching these children requires a systematic approach that builds on previously learned skills one step at a time. Instruction must be individualized to address each child’s unique challenges and abilities.

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Your Child: A Day in Their Life

by Dave Sylvestro with Eve Kessler, Esq.
for Smart Kids with LD

Parenting a child with LD or ADHD can be an emotional roller-coaster ride. Your child’s unique characteristics present daily challenges in all facets of life. Understanding what they go through on a daily basis can help you help them manage the challenges.

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What’s the Best School for Your Child?

artcle by Eve Kessler, Esq., for Smart Kids with LD
based on an ADDitude webinar by Kathy Kuhl

School options for kids with learning differences and ADHD include neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, parochial schools, and homeschooling (online or in-person). This article features information about each of those areas in or der to help you assess what option is best for your child.

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Learning Disabilities (LD)

LEARNING DISABILITIES (LD)

PRESENTATIONS

The Scoop on Psych Testing: What Do All Those Numbers Really Mean?

Caley Schwartz, PhD

How to Help Your Elementary School Child Develop Organizational Skills for Distance Learning and for Life

Mary Murphy, PhD

How to Help Your Middle- and High-Schooler Develop Organizational Skills for Distance Learning and for Life

Mary Murphy, PhD

Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities: What They Are, What They Aren’t, and What We Can Do About Them

David P. Sylvestro, MA, CSP

What Parents Should Know About School Discipline for Kids with LD/ADHD/ASD

Robert M. Tudisco, Esq.

Building Skills for College Success: Tips for Students with Disabilities and Their Families

Ptahra Jeppe, Esq.

Post High School and College Planning for Students on the Spectrum: Helping Our Students Prepare for Their Future and Find the Right Path

Jane Thierfeld Brown, EdD

Transitioning to College: A Roadmap for Reasonable Accommodations Under Section 504

Robert M. Tudisco, Esq.

Encouraging Your Teenagers to Find Their Own Paths: A Roadmap for Choosing a College, a Career, or Something Different

Rick Fiery, MS, MBA

Transitioning to College: Understanding Post-Secondary Challenges and Legal Issues for Students with ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Robert M. Tudisco, Esq.

The Elephant in the Room: Navigating the Minefield of Sexuality for Kids with Special Needs

Marcia Eckerd, PhD

Orchestrating Virtual Socializing: Helping Kids with LD/ADHD/ASD Stay Socially Engaged During the Shutdown

David P. Sylvestro, MA, CSP

ARTICLES FOR PARENTS

VIDEOS

The Scoop on Psych Testing:
What Do All Those Numbers Really Mean?

Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities:
What They Are, What They Aren’t, and What We Can Do About Them

What Parents Should Know
About School Discipline for
Kids with LD/ADHD/ASD

Building Skills for College Success:
Tips for Students with Disabilities and Their Families

Transitioning to College:
A Roadmap for Reasonable Accommodations Under Section 504

Encouraging Your Teenagers to Find Their Own Paths:
A Roadmap for Choosing a College, a Career, or Something Different

Transitioning to College:
Understanding Post-Secondary Challenges and Legal Issues for Students with ADHD and Learning Disabilities

The Elephant in the Room:
Navigating the Minefield of Sexuality for Kids with Special Needs

Orchestrating Virtual Socializing:
Helping Kids with LD/ADHD/ASD Stay Socially Engaged During the Shutdown