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# Smart Kids

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/)
- [Managing Screen Time During Summer Break](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/managing-screen-time-during-summer-break/) - Learn how to create healthy screen time habits this summer with practical tips for balancing technology, outdoor play, learning, creativity, and family time.
- [The Summer Before College: Building Executive Functioning Skills for a Successful Transition](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/the-summer-before-college-building-executive-functioning-skills-for-a-successful-transition/) - Learn how to prepare students with learning differences for college, including accommodations, self-advocacy, executive functioning, and independent living.
- [Maintaining Momentum: Summer Learning for Students with Learning Differences](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/maintaining-momentum-summer-learning-for-students-with-learning-differences/) - Learn practical ways to prevent the summer slide, keep kids engaged, and support reading, writing, math, and confidence during summer break.
- [Understanding Common Learning Differences: A Guide for Parents](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/common-learning-differences-guide-for-parents/) - Learn about common learning differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and NVLD, and how to identify challenges and find the right support.
- [Supporting Emotional Adjustment in Children with ADHD & Learning Differences](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/supportingemotionaladjustmentchildrenadhd/) - Practical, compassionate strategies to help children with ADHD and learning differences build confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
- [It’s Not Too Late to Find a New School for Fall](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/its-not-too-late-to-find-a-new-school-for-fall/) - By Kristen J. Naspo Spring is a common moment for families to assess how local school options are engaging their child and to think ahead to future grades. Inevitably at this time of year, some students and families start to contemplate boarding school opportunities—but worry that it is too late to make a new plan
- [Summer Options: What’s Best for Your Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/summer-options-whats-best-for-your-child/) - By Susan Baum, Ph.D Allison is a slow reader and poor speller. She struggles throughout the school year even with special education support. Her mother just learned of a special six-week summer program, recommended by the school to help Allison improve her reading and writing. Allison, however, has been looking forward to a summer free
- [Prom Pressure: Just Say No](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/prom-pressure-just-say-no/) - By Liz Jorgensen, CADC It’s prom season—the time of year when common sense goes out the window with teens and many parents, too. If you’re committed to your child's popularity or keeping up with the Joneses when it comes to setting limits on teens, perhaps you should read no further. Although I sympathize with the
- [Do Pre-College Summer Programs Benefit Teens?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/do-pre-college-summer-programs-benefit-teens/) - By Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W When exploring options for teen summer plans, parents often ask me about pre-college programs that are hosted by colleges and universities. In particular, parents wonder if attending such programs now will enhance candidates’ college applications later. While there is no direct relationship between enrollment in a summer program and admission as
- [Finding the Right Camp for A First-Timer](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/finding-right-camp-first-timer/) - With spring comes the challenge of planning for summer. If you’ve got a first-time camper, it’s time to begin thinking about what your child needs to have a successful summer experience. You can start by asking the questions below, which are unique to some campers with LD and ADHD. For example, some kids with learning
- [Think Twice Before Exiting Special Ed](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/think-twice-exiting-special-ed-2/) - It’s not unusual for a child with learning differences to eventually want to leave behind the resource room and Special Education services. As a parent, you may be sympathetic to their desire, especially if it coincides with the transition to high school, as is often the case. But, regardless of when the discussion arises, it’s
- [Unique Challenges of 2e Students](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/unique-challenges-2e-students/) - By Susan Baum, Ph.D. Students with learning disabilities who are also gifted have unique needs. These twice-exceptional (2e) kids understand far more than their mainstream peers, yet they may have trouble spelling simple words, tying their shoes, or remembering to bring home their school books. Despite advanced intellectual capabilities, 2e students often require academic supports
- [How to Help Girls with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/how-to-help-girls-with-adhd/) - How to ensure that daughters with ADHD are properly diagnosed and supported. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Building Self-Advocacy Skills](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/building-self-advocacy-skills/) - Helping your child with language-based learning disabilities develop self-advocacy skills will benefit them in school and in life. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Are You Sure It’s ADHD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/are-you-sure-its-adhd/) - By Alan Wachtel, MD with Eve Kessler, Esq. If your child has problems with attention, you should not automatically assume that they have ADHD. An array of mental health and medical conditions, learning disabilities, and environmental factors can lead to attention and self-regulation challenges and must be ruled out before establishing an ADHD diagnosis. Depression, for
- [Kids with LD: Recipe for Parenting Stress](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/kids-with-ld-recipe-for-parenting-stress/) - By Cynthia Keefe, Psy.D., with Eve Kessler, Esq. 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. Parenting stress can be defined as the aversive psychological and physiological reactions arising from
- [Kids Do Not Outgrow ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/kids-do-not-outgrow-adhd/) - A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry confirms what many parents of kids with ADHD have learned through experience: While children with ADHD may go through periods of remission as they move toward adulthood, the majority experience recurring ADHD over time, often fluctuating between remission and recurrence. Past research has provided many families with
- [Organized Enough](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/organized-enough/) - By Leslie Josel It’s the beginning of another new year. And if you are like me, you always start the New Year off with good intentions. Then, if you are REALLY like me, you open the freezer; see the ice cream and well… So this year I decided to be easy on myself…and my family. I’m not
- [Thanks, Mom! How Parents Can Help Their Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/thanks-mom-how-parents-can-help-children-with-ld/) - By Melissa Rey Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is currently accepting nominations for the 2026 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award. The award recognizes high school students "who have done amazing things, making a lasting impact on their schools and communities." In the following post a former award winner shares some worthwhile tips her parents
- [10 Ways to Get the New Year on Track](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/10-ways-to-get-the-new-year-on-track/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D. The new year is just around the corner, making it the ideal time to take stock of where you are, think about what you want to do differently, and plan for what you hope to achieve in the coming months. With that in mind, I offer the following suggestions as a
- [In Praise of Praise](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/the-power-of-praise/) - By Leslie Josel Persistence is a hot topic these days. We all want to raise a resilient child. Call it what you want—determination, persistence, diligence, even motivation. We know that it is essential for success in school and in life. This is a huge topic and there are many ways to build this skill. But
- [Sleep and ADHD: What’s the Connection?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/sleep-adhd-whats-connection/) - The link between sleep problems and ADHD is an area of increasing interest for researchers. There is not enough evidence yet to conclude that one causes the other, but a growing body of evidence shows the two often go hand-in-hand. “We know that poor sleep and ADHD frequently co-occur; often sleepiness aggravates ADHD symptoms and
- [Reframe Failure as a Growth Opportunity](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/reframe-failure-as-a-growth-opportunity/) - Failure is a part of the learning process. In this excerpt from Dr. Lisa Rappaport’s book, Parenting Dyslexia, she explains why protecting your child with learning challenges from stumbling is not in their best interest. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [ADHD: Is Extended Time Helpful?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-is-extended-time-helpful/) - Some experts question whether extended time benefits kids with ADHD. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [10 Tips for Happy Holidays](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/10-tips-happy-holidays/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D The holidays are always exciting, but for some children with learning challenges, the excitement can be overwhelming. Following are a handful of hints, tips, and strategies to ensure that your family’s holidays are merry and bright. Stick to the schedule. Many children with ADHD and LD rely on daily routines to
- [Organization 101: Start with the Backpack](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/organization-101-start-with-the-backpack/) - By Daniel Franklin, Ph.D. Getting and staying organized requires a broad range of executive functioning skills, time, and energy that your child may not have. Routinely engaging in organizational tasks with you, your child will become familiar and comfortable with organizational routines. Let’s start with one of the most common organizational problems students with ADHD
- [ADHD: Reducing Social Isolation in Boys](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-reducing-social-isolation-in-boys/) - ADHD expert Ryan Wexelblatt offers insights into what’s behind the rise in social isolation among young males, and how to break the cycle. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Help Your Child Accept LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/help-your-child-accept-ld/) - By the time a child with learning disabilities is in middle school, they should be preparing for what’s ahead. The first step in that process is developing the self-advocacy skills necessary to navigate in high school and beyond. In order to develop these critical skills, children with LD need to have accepted their learning differences
- [Teachers Share Keys to Success for Diverse Learners](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/teachers-share-keys-to-success-for-diverse-learners/) - What teachers think are the keys to success for students with learning differences. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Tips for Post-High School Planning](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/tips-post-high-school-planning/) - Although students apply for college in their senior year, preparation for college begins several years earlier. To guarantee the best outcome for a student with LD or ADHD, parents, students, and support personnel must mount a coordinated effort that begins when a child enters high school. In fact, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- [Create a Workspace That Really Works](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/create-a-workspace-that-really-works/) - Maximize your child’s productivity by creating a workspace that suits their personality and work style. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Know Your Child’s Homework Profile](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/know-your-childs-homework-profile/) - By Leslie Josel I hate homework—but not for the reasons you may think. I’m all for homework that reinforces lessons taught in school, challenges students to think critically, and speaks to a child’s creativity and individual learning style. But most homework assignments fall short of those goals, which is why I hate homework. The Problem
- [Have You Considered Boarding School?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/boarding-school/) - There was a time when boarding schools were attended primarily by children of the rich and famous, but changes in educational philosophy, socioeconomics, and family structure have rendered that reality obsolete. Today most boarding schools in the U.S. have foregone elitism in favor of ethnic, educational, and economic diversity. And for kids with learning differences
- [Knowing When to Bring In a Tutor](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/knowing-when-to-bring-in-a-tutor/) - These common-sense guidelines can help you decide when it’s time to consider hiring a tutor. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Talking to Your Children About Violence](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/talking-to-your-kids-about-violence/) - Just when most kids have started the new school year—or are about to—parents and educators are left with the grim task of helping children process yet another school shooting that took the lives of two elementary-age students at a church school in Minneapolis, and injured 18 others. In Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for
- [Making Friends in College: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/making-friends-college-get-comfort-zone/) - Looking back on my freshman year at college, one of the things I did not anticipate was how much effort it would take to make good friends. I didn’t know anyone on my first day in high school, but I made great friends right away. I expected new-friend acquisition to be just as easy in
- [Is Your Child Making the Move to High School?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/child-making-move-high-school/) - Starting a new school year is often challenging for kids with LD, but when the new year coincides with the move up to a higher school level, you may find your child needs a little extra guidance to navigate the new landscape successfully. Some parents believe that a child who survives middle school can face
- [Calm Parenting Reduces ADHD Behaviors](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/calm-parenting-reduces-adhd-behaviors/) - If you feel as if nothing you do helps your child with ADHD manage their emotions and behaviors, take a deep breath and count to 10. A study published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science confirms what most of us know—but many forget in the heat of the moment: staying calm and being positive can
- [Plan NOW for the New School Year](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/plan-now-for-the-new-school-year/) - Make the most of the last weeks of summer break to ensure that the new school year starts strong. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Cell Phones: Not the Only Problem for Teen Drivers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/cell-phones-not-the-only-problem-for-teen-drivers/) - As we’ve blogged about in the past, teen drivers with ADHD are a risk on the road. Studies have found that inexperience, coupled with inattention and poor judgment are a dangerous mix when kids with ADHD get behind the wheel. Conventional wisdom has focused on addressing the problem, in large part, by insisting that your
- [Summer Reading for Pleasure Pays Off](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/summer-reading-for-pleasure-pays-off/) - Let reading for pleasure this summer help sharpen your child’s literacy skills while encouraging their love of reading. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Trump’s Budget: What Parents Need to Know](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/trumps-budget-what-parents-need-to-know/) - An expert’s analysis of Trump’s new budget bill explains the impact it will have on kids with learning challenges. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Tips To Help Your Teen Sleep Better](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/tips-to-help-your-teen-sleep-better/) - Some little things you can do to ensure that your teen gets the sleep they need. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Summer To-Do List for College Freshmen](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/summer-list-college-freshmen/) - For soon-to-be college freshmen with LD, now is the time to prepare for the upcoming semester. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Shift Into Summer](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/shift-into-summer/) - Summer break is a time to recharge and refresh, but do it wisely with an eye toward the fall. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Choose Summer Experiences That Colleges Love](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/choose-summer-experiences-that-colleges-love/) - Summer is a valuable opportunity for your teen to enhance their college application and prepare for their future. Help them embrace it as a time for growth, exploration, and making meaningful contributions.
- [Summertime: Read, Read, Read!](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/summertime-read-read-read/) - To help your struggling reader maintain the gains they've made in school this past year, make reading a priority this summer. All students, but especially those with learning challenges are at risk for the “summer slide” or taking a step backward in skill development over the long break from school. Research shows you can stem
- [Finish the Year Strong](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/finish-the-year-strong/) - Helpful study tips for students preparing for their final assessments. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [SCOTUS Case: Help or Harm for Students with Disabilities?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/scotus-case-help-or-harm-for-students-with-disabilities/) - A new case before the Supreme Court may impact accommodations for kids with LD and other disabilities. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Preventing Report-Card Stress](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/preventing-report-card-stress/) - Take the stress out of report cards by reframing how you and your child think about them. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Is Summer School Right For Your Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/is-summer-school-right-for-your-child/) - Summer school doesn’t have to be drudgery. Options include local or residential programs, week-long to summer-long sessions, full-time academic forays, or academic/recreational combinations. To determine if an academic curriculum will enhance your child’s summer vacation, ask yourself the following questions: Does my child enjoy academic, social, and behavioral success? Adolescents who thrive in academia, and find
- [Color-Coding Helps with Executive Functioning Issues](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/color-coding-helps-with-executive-functioning-issues/) - By Leslie Josel Does your child have trouble keeping track of class assignments, sports gear, and everything in between? Try color-coding to help them organize their belongings. Color-code their to-dos. Use different color sticky notes to help your child keep track of when to do certain tasks like schoolwork or chores. Or use the color of
- [A Call to Action](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/a-call-to-action/) - The rights of your child with LD are at risk as the Trump Administration orders the closing of the Department of Education. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Changes at the Local Level & How to Respond](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/changes-at-the-local-level-how-to-respond/) - Local school districts already feel the impact of the Trump administration’s changes to public education. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Are You Ready for Your IEP Meeting?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/are-you-ready-for-your-iep-meeting/) - With Spring comes that annual rite of passage, the IEP meeting—the yearly gathering of the school team to review your child’s progress and the special education services they're receiving. At Smart Kids with LD we know the importance of IEP meetings, which is why we devote an entire section of our website to The ABCs
- [AI Reaches the Youngest Students](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/ai-reaches-the-youngest-students/) - A report from Common Sense Media points to an increasing use of AI in elementary schools. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Parents’ Tips for Promoting Self-Esteem](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/parents-tips-for-promoting-self-esteem/) - There’s never a bad time to help children with learning challenges feel better about themselves. Following are simple, common-sense tips from parents of children with LD and ADHD for building self-esteem and encouraging competence. Praise… Give praise for a specific job well done—completing a chore, finishing a homework assignment, participating in a charitable fundraiser. …But
- [Is Your School Involved in Disability Discrimination?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/school-involved-disability-discrimination/) - Beginning in January of 2018 the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) began publishing a list of all schools under investigation for disability discrimination. As reported then in an article in Disability Scoop, “The searchable listing includes cases alleging discrimination based on disability in addition to race and national origin, sex, age, and equal access.” In
- [A First Look at the Future DOE](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/a-first-look-at-the-future-doe/) - Testifying before a Senate committee, the Trump administration’s pick to run the Department of Education articulated her vision for the agency. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [ADHD Can Affect Lifespan](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-can-affect-lifespan/) - A new study quantifies the impact of ADHD on life expectancy—and the news is not good. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Historic Declines in Reading and Math Scores](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/historic-declines-in-reading-and-math-scores/) - New data indicates the hoped-for post-pandemic learning recovery has not materialized. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Breaking the Frustration Cycle](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/breaking-the-frustration-cycle/) - Parenting children with LD and ADHD is challenging. Complex academic, social, emotional, and behavioral issues can tax a family’s ability to grapple with adversity, identify appropriate strategies and accommodations, and coordinate appropriate professional support—to say nothing of getting through the normal day-to-day obstacles that all families face. Parents who invest time and energy in supporting
- [Families Sue Literacy Experts](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/families-sue-literacy-experts/) - Well-known reading experts are sued by families for fraudulent marketing practices. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Phones At School: A Thing of the Past?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/phones-at-school-a-major-distraction/) - A report from Common Sense Media finds that phones at school are a significant distraction for teens. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Is It Math Anxiety or a Math LD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/is-it-math-anxiety-or-a-math-ld/) - While distressing, math anxiety is not the same as a learning disability in math, although sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference.
- [5 Ways to Ease Family Holiday Stress](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/5-ways-to-ease-family-holiday-stress/) - The holidays can be stressful for kids. Keep these steps in mind when the anxiety level rises in your family. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Skills for Making & Keeping Friends](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/skills-for-making-keeping-friends/) - Strategies and techniques to help your child develop the skills needed to establish and maintain friendships. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Executive Functions: Plan for the Plan](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/executive-functions-plan-for-the-plan/) - By Lydia H. Soifer, Ph.D, with Eve Kessler, Esq. To perform daily tasks successfully, good executive function skills are necessary. Whatever the assignment your child is faced with (homework, long-term projects, studying for exams, etc.), having a “plan for the plan” is essential. Simply put, before beginning a task, it’s important to create an organizational
- [10 AI Apps for Academic Success](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/10-ai-apps-for-academic-success/) - As AI goes mainstream, apps have proliferated. Here are 10 of the best options for students to support academic success. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [College Interview: Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/college-interview-woulda-coulda-shoulda/) - Use your college interview to ask for specific details about the school's approach to students with learning challenges. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [College Acceptance Concerns](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/college-acceptance-concerns/) - Don’t’ sacrifice your child’s future success by denying their learning challenges in lower grades. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [College Search: Cookies with Your Information?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/college-search-cookies-with-your-information/) - What does a successful college search look like? Here one family shares a typical experience. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Special Issue: The College Readiness Guide](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/special-issue-the-college-readiness-guide/) - A Smart Kids special section focusing on college prep for high-schoolers with learning challenges. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities Explained](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/non-verbal-learning-disabilities-explained/) - Since VP candidate Tim Walz and his wife Gwen shared that their son has an NVLD, many people want to know more about the disorder. Here our expert provides answers. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Creating Climates of Respect: Call to Action](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/creating-climates-respect-call-action/) - By Jo Ann Freiberg, Ph.D. with Eve Kessler, Esq. With a new school year comes this important reminder that school bullying is a significant and pervasive problem in the United States, affecting at least 20% of students, with over one-third of those cases involving kids with learning and other disabilities. For children that are vulnerable
- [Helpful Info for Starting the New School Year](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/helpful-info-starting-new-school-year/) - For kids with learning challenges, a good start to the school year can set a positive tone that ideally will carry through until the final bell next Spring. To help your child get going in the right direction, take a couple of minutes to review the following articles on the Smart Kids website: Your Child’s
- [Easing Back-to-School Anxiety for Older Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/easing-back-school-jitters-ages/) - Elementary-school age kids aren’t the only ones who experience back-to-school jitters. As reported in an Education Week post, a high-school teacher asked her students what their greatest concerns were. Here’s what they said, along with some advice for managing their worries: Getting lost. Remember when your child was starting elementary school and you took him on
- [Lemonade Stand: Business 101 for Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/lemonade-stand-business-101-for-kids/) - By Liz Frazier, CFP, MBA The idea of the lemonade stand conjures up nostalgia in most parents as they remember summer days and simpler times. Today, the lemonade stand is still a source of summer fun for many children, however it’s also a shining example of an easy activity that can teach these budding entrepreneurs
- [Book Review: What Makes Him Tic?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/book-review-what-makes-him-tic/) - A heartwarming memoir for anyone raising a child with special needs. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Summer Practice: 5 Components of Reading](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/summer-practice-5-components-of-reading/) - Reading with children and helping them practice the specific components of reading can dramatically improve their ability to read. Use the more leisurely summer months to help your child improve in the key areas below: Recognizing and using individual sounds to create words or phonemic awareness. Children need to be taught to hear sounds in
- [Is Your Child (with ADHD) Ready for Babysitting?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/middle-schooler-adhd-ready-babysitting/) - By Heidi Rosenholtz Just because your middle-school child can’t keep track of their homework doesn’t mean they can’t succeed at the adolescent rite of passage called babysitting. In fact, kids with attention issues are often ideally suited to the task, especially if they’re creative, energetic, and spontaneous. What makes them great, however, may also be
- [Craft Your College Essays NOW](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/craft-your-college-essays-now/) - Working on your college essay over the summer will pay off in the fall when you're juggling school, activities, and applying to colleges. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [2024 Smart Kids Youth Achievement Honorees](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/2024-smart-kids-youth-achievement-honorees/) - This year’s Smart Kids Youth Achievement honorees are amazing, inspiring, and unstoppable. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Prepare Your Anxious Child for Camp](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/prepare-your-anxious-child-for-camp/) - Tips and strategies to help your anxious child prepare for summer camp. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Focusing on Strengths Helps Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/focusing-on-strengths-helps-kids-with-ld/) - By Susan Baum, Ph.D. As parents we spend a lot of time thinking about how to bring out the best in our children. We are natural fixers of whatever is wrong as we kiss the hurts away and repair anything that is broken. So it is when our children have a learning disability or ADHD.
- [Gifted & LD: Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/gifted-ld-misdiagnosed-misunderstood/) - By Susan Baum, Ph.D. Dr. Baum is a leading authority on children who are both gifted and learning disabled. Here she discusses the unique challenges facing this often misunderstood, misdiagnosed group of students. Many people assume that learning disabilities and giftedness are at opposite ends of a continuum. In some states, a student may be
- [6 Steps to Help Your Child Make Friends](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/6-steps-help-child-make-friends/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D Elementary-age children with LD or ADHD often have social challenges. They might be impulsive and bossy or miss nonverbal cues that are fundamental to successful social interactions. Many with learning differences are not self-aware. They often don’t understand the messages they send by their behavior—both verbal and nonverbal—or the messages other
- [Don’t Call Me Mom!](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/dont-call-me-mom/) - How parents are addressed at school meetings is fundamental to how they will be perceived. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Ready. Set. Meet! It’s IEP Time](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/ready-set-meet-its-iep-time/) - A Smart Kids special section devoted to everything you need to know to navigate the IEP process. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [ADHD or Immaturity?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-or-immaturity/) - A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children with August birthdays are diagnosed and treated for ADHD at a 34% higher rate than their peers born even a month later. How can that be? The explanation is simpler than you might expect. Many states use Sept. 1 as an arbitrary cutoff
- [Study Apps for Kids with Learning Differences & ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/study-apps-for-kids-with-learning-differences-adhd/) - An ADHD coach shares the study apps her teen and tween students swear by. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Educating Others About Your Child’s LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/educating-others-about-your-childs-ld/) - Once you understand your child’s learning differences, it’s crucial to share their profile with those who impact their life. But before you divulge the personal details of your child’s learning style, use the following guide to help evaluate who needs to know what. Knowledge providers (teachers, tutors, aides, extra-curricular instructors, coaches, scout leaders, playground monitors,
- [Protect Your Child’s Hearing](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/protect-your-childs-hearing/) - By Nadja Streiter, LMSW, IGDC If your kids game with headphones or a lot of their screen time includes audio, they may be at risk for hearing damage. “Noise-induced hearing loss is on the rise among young people. Some audiologists say they suspect the problem got worse during the pandemic, when kids were glued to
- [Does Your Child Have These Critical Tech Skills?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/does-your-child-have-these-critical-tech-skills/) - Knowing their way around Tictok and Snap does not mean your child has these tech skills they’ll need to succeed. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [The SAT Goes Digital](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/the-sat-goes-digital/) - In Spring 2024 the College Board will launch their new digital SAT test. Here are some of the changes. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Is Impaired Hearing a Factor in Your Child’s Reading Struggles?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/impaired-hearing-factor-childs-reading-struggles/) - When was the last time your child’s hearing was tested? If the answer is never or not in the recent past, it may be time for an audiology exam, particularly if your child is struggling in school. Research from the U.K. found that one-fourth of students with reading difficulties had “mild to moderate” impaired hearing,
- [Siblings: Finding the Balance](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/siblings-finding-the-balance/) - By Sheldon Horowitz, MD The Forgotten Child, by Anne Ford with John-Richard Thompson, addresses the sibling challenges that can arise in families with a child with LD. The following is an excerpt from a chapter in the book written by the renowned learning disabilities expert, Dr. Sheldon Horowitz. When looking at the amount of
- [Improve Your Child’s Classroom Experience](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/improve-your-childs-classroom-experience/) - We asked a group of Smart Kids readers to offer suggestions for making the classroom a more student-friendly environment for children with LD and ADHD. Some of these items can be included in your child’s IEP; others may be worked out directly with the teacher. Don’t make my child read aloud, if he struggles—or if
- [Play Together this Thanksgiving](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/play-together-this-thanksgiving/) - A new guide to family fun during the holidays and beyond. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [The Value of A Correct Diagnosis](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/value-correct-diagnosis/) - Peter was in the fifth grade when one of his mother’s friends asked her what he was receiving special education services for. “I don’t know exactly,” she responded. “But what was his diagnosis?” the friend asked. “He’s never been diagnosed. He just gets help in the resource room.” Peter’s mother would never let her child
- [Bookshare: Best-Kept Secret for Kids with Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/bookshare/) - By Eve Kessler, Esq. 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
- [Special Ed Staff Shortages](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/special-ed-staff-shortages/) - A serious shortage of special educators hampers the rights of children with LD and other disabilities to get the education they deserve. wwwsmartkidswithld.org
- [TikTok: Avoiding the Downside](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/tiktok-avoiding-the-downside/) - By Nadja Streiter, LMSW TikTok, the king of social media, is one of the most popular apps in history for young people. It offers a great space to express creativity, share thoughts on important topics, showcase talent, and just be silly. But don’t be fooled. TikTok also comes with a range of issues that you
- [School Enrollment Age Impacts LD Diagnosis](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/school-enrollment-age-impacts-ld-diagnosis/) - Findings from a large-scale study in the United Kingdom show that children who are younger than most of their classmates are more likely to be diagnosed with learning disabilities, ADHD, and depression. The results are from a study in which school records for more than 1 million students, ages 4 to 15 were examined. According
- [Kids with ADHD Have Sleep Problems](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/kids-adhd-sleep-problems/) - According to a recent study, kids with ADHD have sleep problems. While that may be news to researchers, it simply confirms what many parents know from experience. Using polysomnography (a tool that evaluates brain activity and other measures of sleep quality), Danish scientists compared sleep quality of 10-year-olds with ADHD to a same-age control group
- [Can Digital Devices Cause ADHD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/can-digital-devices-cause-adhd/) - A recent article in Smart Kids explored why teens with ADHD are at increased risk for overusing digital devices and the negative consequences that may follow. Now, according to an NPR report, new research has found that “high-frequency” use of digital devices may “increase the odds of developing symptoms of ADHD.” While previous studies have looked
- [A Budding Scientist Discovers Her Passion](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/budding-scientist-discovers-passion/) - By Melissa Rey Growing up, I loved watching my big brother Adam work on his science fair projects. Whether he was building miniature oil spills in the basement or testing how much bacteria stayed on a bar of soap, his experiments fascinated me. And when I saw Adam win medals and ribbons, I wanted to
- [Puppy Love: Pros & Cons of Pet Ownership](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/puppy-love-pros-cons-of-pet-ownership/) - For children with learning disabilities, the right pet can promote empathy and nurturing skills, encourage socialization and communication, and provide physical and emotional contact in a non-threatening way. Pet ownership, however, is not a one-way street. Some children have wonderful experiences caring for animals, while others are overwhelmed by the responsibility. Caring for a pet
- [Writing Tips for Final Papers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/writing-tips-for-final-papers-2/) - By Melissa Rey With the end of the school year come semester projects and final papers, which can be challenging for students with learning disabilities. We asked then Pomona College student Melissa Rey, who has dyslexia, to share some strategies she found particularly helpful. Many of these can be used by high-school students as well.
- [2023 Youth Achievement Awards](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/2023-youth-achievement-awards/) - This year’s winners of the Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards are an impressive and inspiring group. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Support Your Child Through the College Application Process](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/support-your-child-through-the-college-application-process/) - Expert advice on how to support your child through the college application process. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [The Special Education Promise](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/the-special-education-promise/) - Before your IEP meeting, this quick review of the principles governing special education may help inform your discussion. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Tips for Writing a State Complaint](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/tips-for-writing-a-state-complaint/) - Follow these guidelines for writing a state complaint to increase your chances of a favorable outcome in a special education dispute. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [The Case for A Private Evaluation](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/case-private-evaluation/) - By Devon MacEachron, Ph.D. School districts may conduct evaluations under certain mandated conditions. Although these evaluations are free of charge, there are potential drawbacks. Before your child can receive an evaluation, he typically must meet the following criteria: Be performing at a level below the average for his grade (the definition of “average” is above
- [Can Sleep Help ADHD Behaviors?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/can-sleep-help-adhd-behaviors/) - In recent years much has been made of the importance of sleep to the health and well-being of school-age kids. But a study, focusing solely on teens with ADHD, makes it clear that for these kids a good night’s sleep is crucial for managing many of the negative behaviors associated with the condition. According to
- [How to Do It NOW!](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/how-to-do-it-now/) - ADHD coach Leslie Josel’s book, How to Do It Now Because It’s Not Going Away is a compilation of Josel’s best advice, tips, and strategies for dealing with your child’s procrastination. How To Do It Now is a straight-talking guide filled with real-life solutions to help students get done what they need to get done NOW. Packed with
- [IEP: Mind Your Manners](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/mind-your-manners/) - By Sheryl Knapp, M.Ed., C/OGA, C-SLDS The annual IEP meeting offers an opportunity to establish positive relationships with your child’s teachers and special education team. That may seem obvious, but there is no shortage of parents and teachers who treat each other as adversaries rather than allies. When a situation deteriorates, it often comes down
- [Camp Guidelines for Kids with LD and ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/camp-guidelines-for-kids-with-ld-and-adhd-2/) - Although it may not feel like spring yet, it’s just around the corner—and that means it’s time to think about summer plans. If camp is on the list of possibilities, now is the time to begin looking for a suitable environment that will bring out the best in your child socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. While
- [Eligibility for Special Ed: Myth v. Fact](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/eligibility-special-ed-myth-v-fact/) - For students to receive special education services, they must be found eligible under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, misconceptions abound. Below we separate myth from fact with regard to three common concerns: A student receiving passing grades in general education does not require special education. Myth. Grades alone are not definitive in
- [College Transfer: Reasons to Make a Move](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/college-transfer-reasons-to-make-a-move-2/) - Deciding to transfer from one college to another can be difficult, but most students with LD are able to make a successful move if they understand their reasons for wanting to leave one campus for another. Transferring to a different college usually comes down to one of two reasons: poor academic fit or the wrong
- [Build College Readiness Skills Now](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/build-college-readiness-skills-now/) - Preparing for college happens well before high-school graduation. Use these guidelines to ensure your teen’s readiness to make the transition. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Best Sports For Your Child with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/best-sports-for-your-child-with-adhd/) - The benefits of physical activity are well known, yet for some children with ADHD sports are challenging—and not in a good way. The same difficulties they face in the classroom (impulsivity, inattention, problems following directions, and low frustration tolerance) often plague them on the playing field as well. The answer, however, is not to give
- [Walk A Mile in Your Child’s Shoes](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/walk-mile-childs-shoes/) - By Heidi Rosenholtz Have you ever chaperoned your child’s class trip and desperately tried to control the group as effortlessly as the teacher? Or stepped in for an absent soccer coach on a Saturday morning? Did you feel your entire personality change as you jumped into the fray with the delicacy of a drill sergeant?
- [Meet Our 2018 Youth Award Honorees](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/meet-our-2018-youth-award-honorees/) - Each year Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities honors a group of truly outstanding young people who, despite their learning challenges, are making a difference in their schools and communities through their remarkable achievements. Following are this year’s honorees: Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Aja Capel, Urbana, IL Despite difficulties with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD and
- [Wishing You the Best in 2023](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/wishing-you-the-best-in-2023/) - Thank you from all of us at Smart Kids with LD for another successful year. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Make Your Holidays Stress-Free](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/make-holidays-stress-free/) - For many children, including those with LD and ADHD, ’tis the season to be out of control. It’s the time of year best described as “over the top” — as in overtired, over-stimulated, overindulged, etc. Kids who have trouble with change or difficulty coping with stress may find a house full of relatives or a
- [ADHD-Friendly Gift Guide](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-friendly-gift-guide/) - ADHD expert Leslie Josel shares her holiday gift ideas for kids with ADHD. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [5 Keys to Managing Homework](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/5-keys-to-managing-homework/) - By Dawn Matera, Ph.D As curriculum demands increase and classroom teachers are forced to cover more ground, homework assumes a greater role in education. Some students are able to manage their homework on their own, but more often than not students require parental involvement to get the job done—especially students with learning difficulties. Children who
- [Break the Negative Feedback Cycle](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/break-the-negative-feedback-cycle/) - Help your child break through the negative feedback loop that often accompanies learning challenges. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [The Nation’s Report Card: US Schools are Failing](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/the-nations-report-card-us-schools-are-failing/) - Results for this year’s National Assessment of Educational Progress fell sharply across the board and especially for students with learning challenges. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Help Your Toddler Get Ready to Read](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/help-your-toddler-get-ready-to-read/) - By, Lisa Rappaport Ph.D. When children begin preschool, it’s not unusual for parents to pull back on teaching, leaving the next phase to the experts. By that point parents have done a lot of the heavy lifting, helping their infant transition into toddlerhood and all that goes with that, including toilet training, self-feeding, walking, talking,
- [Social Media: Better Safe Than Sorry](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/social-media-better-safe-than-sorry/) - Students are routinely warned to think twice about what they choose to share on social media. Once that snapshot of you passed out at last weekend’s party is in cyberspace, it’s there for anyone to see—even the admissions officer at the college of your dreams. That’s a fact, now confirmed by a recent survey of
- [Benefits of After-School Activities for Kids with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/benefits-of-after-school-activities-for-kids-with-adhd/) - Results from a recent study found that children with ADHD who participated in after-school programs fared better than kids with ADHD who did not take part in extra-curricular activities. According to an article in HealthDay, the findings are based on an analysis of records for more than 4,000 kids with ADHD, ages 5 to 17
- [Technology: Teach Kids Critical Thinking](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/technology-teach-kids-critical-thinking/) - By Nadja Streiter, LSMW Not a day goes by that we don’t see a news story about the ills of technology and its negative effects on our youth. As a result many have come to understand the addictive nature of devices. Some of that addiction is driven by developers’ use of persuasive technology to keep
- [College Application: Choosing An Essay Topic](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/college-application-choosing-an-essay-topic/) - By Michele Turk One of the most nerve-wracking and intimidating aspects of the college application process is writing the college admissions essay. Many students (and their parents) engage in and even manufacture experiences so they can write about something meaningful—all with the aim of impressing college admission officers. The good news is that kids with
- [Redefining Success for Teens with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/redefining-success-for-teens-with-adhd/) - By Eve Kessler, Esq. Taking the leap from high school to college is an eagerly awaited rite of passage for many teens. The idea of independence is exciting to teens longing to forge their own way with new routines, friendships, responsibilities, and boundaries. Yet we know that many young adults with learning challenges who make
- [Kids’ Social Anxiety is Off the Charts](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/kids-social-anxiety-is-off-the-charts/) - School are anticipating increased mental health issues as anxious students start the new year. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Rise & Shine: Gadgets to Start the Day](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/rise-shine-gadgets-to-start-the-day/) - By Jill Saluck It is often the case that kids with learning disabilities and ADHD struggle with time management. This comes from an inaccurate perception of the passage of time, rather than an unwillingness to do things promptly. It can nevertheless become a constant source of conflict between parent and child, in addition to impacting
- [Push Back School Start Time](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/push-back-school-start-time/) - Despite years of research showing the benefits to adolescents of starting school at 8:30 instead of 7:30, along with the full-throated support from sleep experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the majority of school systems have ignored the hue and cry. But as Education Week reported, that may be changing: “From Saco, Maine, to Seattle,
- [Big Win in Dyslexia Court Case](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/big-win-in-dyslexia-court-case/) - In a stunning victory, a Nevada court ordered a school district to reimburse the family of a child with dyslexia more than $450,000. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [End of Year Wrap-Up](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/end-of-year-wrap-up/) - Preparing for next fall begins with cleaning out the backpack now. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Meet the 2022 Smart Kids Youth Award Honorees](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/meet-the-2022-smart-kids-youth-award-honorees/) - Smart Kids celebrates six teens for their outstanding achievements at the 2022 annual Spring gala. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Rethinking Grade Retention](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/rethinking-grade-retention/) - When a child struggles with “grade-level appropriate” material, he is often retained in the same grade to take a second stab at the material. The name given to this practice by schoolchildren—staying back—shows that even the youngest scholars know how regressive this practice can be. In one poll sixth graders rated grade retention as the
- [Pandemic Fallout: Youth in Crisis](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/pandemic-fallout-youth-in-crisis/) - A stark report from the CDC shows the devastating effects of school closures on America’s youth. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [New & Better Uses of Ed Tech](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/new-better-uses-of-ed-tech/) - An upside of the COVID school shutdowns has been a boost to ed tech that is likely to grow even as schools reopen. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Problems: Risk Factors for Young Drivers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/ef-problems-risk-factors-for-young-drivers/) - A renowned ADHD specialist explains why kids with executive functioning issues are at increased risk for auto accidents. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Smart kids with learning disabilities launches new WordPress website](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/smart-kids-with-learning-disabilities-launches-new-wordpress-website/) - Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is thrilled to announce our new website, which FreshySites has built on the WordPress CMS. "Our mission is to help children with learning and attention differences reach their full potential by inspiring, educating and empowering parents to help their children succeed." Smart Kids envisions a world of inclusion for all
- [Social Media: Changing Rules for Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/social-media-changing-rules-for-kids/) - Ever since whistleblower Frances Haugen outed her former employer Facebook (now Meta) for prioritizing profits over the mental health of its young users, parents of tweens and teens have been clamoring for better protections from social media platforms. Lawmakers listened. This week Congress introduced bipartisan legislation to curb potentially harmful impacts of social media on
- [Nominate Your Student NOW!](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/nominate-your-student-now/) - Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is still accepting nominations for the 2022 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award—but time is running out. Monday, Jan 31 is the last day to submit nominations for this prestigious award that recognizes outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD. Take a minute to fill out the easy
- [Debunking Common LD Myths](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/debunking-common-ld-myths/) - Although significant progress has been made toward raising awareness about learning disabilities, several widely accepted misconceptions persist. Following are some of the most prevalent myths, along with the facts. Knowing the reality can help parents address concerns early on, when interventions are most successful. Myth #1: Kids who have trouble learning to read, write, or
- [Finding Balance After Remote Learning](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/back-to-in-person-school/) - By Jenna Prada, M.Ed During the COVID-related school closure, most schools shifted to a fully digital space, and that led to many students abandoning systems that served them well up until then: Who needs a calendar if you’ve got Google classroom? Why study if you can phone a friend during the assignment? Why stay in
- [Team Sports Preferred by Kids with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/team-sports-preferred-kids-adhd-2/) - Research shows that kids with ADHD are more likely to participate in team sports than in individual sports. According to a UPI article, the findings surprised the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center study team. Speaking for the group, Dr. James Brochers, director of the Division of Sports Medicine at Ohio State explained in a
- [Does Your Child’s Reading Program Make the Grade?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/childs-reading-program-make-grade-2/) - By Evelyn Russo, Ph.D. and Eve Kessler, Esq. While there may be no such thing as a perfect reading program for students with dyslexia and other language learning disabilities, The National Reading Panel has identified five core components of reading, each of which must be taught explicitly and systematically. Ensuring that your child’s reading program
- [College Applications: Factors You Can Control](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/college-applications-factors-you-can-control/) - By Deena Maerowitz, JD, MSW This year brings the second cohort of seniors to engage in the college application process since the pandemic began. Thankfully, vaccines and shifting safety guidelines have allowed many colleges to welcome prospective students back to campus for tours and interviews. Simultaneously, colleges continue to offer the plethora of virtual tours, panels,
- [College Planning: Match Services to Needs](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/college-planning-matching-services-needs/) - Selecting an appropriate college for students with learning disabilities is vital to their success. Because students leave high school with different levels of preparedness and varying abilities, a continuum of support services has emerged. Some colleges offer extensive services, while others provide minimal support. To ensure a good match, evaluate your child’s learning style and
- [Hot Tips for Cutting Camp Costs](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/hot-tips-for-cutting-camp-costs-2/) - Summer camp is more than just a luxury for many children who struggle with social, emotional, behavioral, and academic issues during the school year. Spending time in a structured and constructive environment can help develop the skills and confidence to carry them through the coming school year. But financing summer camp can be expensive. Although
- [It’s the Smart Walk for Smart Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/its-the-smart-walk-for-smart-kids-with-ld/) - Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is gearing up for its Third Annual Smart Walk Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT. This community event celebrates the strengths and talents of young people with LD and ADHD, challenges the stigma long associated with these issues, and empowers parents. So lace up your
- [Show Smart Kids Some Love](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/show-smart-kids-some-love/) - If you’ve found Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities helpful, please take a few short minutes to share your thoughts on how our organization has inspired, educated, and helped you, your family and your child deal with learning and attention issues. GreatNonprofits is the leading platform in the U.S. for qualitative information about community charitable organizations
- [Kids with Dyslexia: Channel Your Inner Writer](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/kids-with-dyslexia-channel-your-inner-writer/) - The Writers Studio, founded by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Philip Schultz, is offering an online course to help parents and teachers lure students with dyslexia into enjoying reading and writing. Participants receive a workbook with ready-to-use exercises (for middle- or high-school ages). Participants will have an opportunity to try several of the exercises to gain experience in the method
- [Strategies for Managing Procrastination](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/strategies-managing-procrastination/) - Procrastination is a problem for a lot of people, but for those with ADHD it’s pervasive. According to a post on PsycheCentral’s World of Psychology blog there are a number of reasons why people with ADHD put off today what they can do tomorrow. Robert Olivardia, Ph.D with the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical
- [The New Normal: More Questions Than Answers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/the-new-normal-more-questions-than-answers/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D We keep hearing that when states open up we’ll be facing a “new normal.” But what exactly does that mean? And how might the changes impact your children with learning challenges? For kids with LD, NLD, ADHD and other special needs, the new normal could make navigating school and social interactions
- [Has Your Child Had an AT Evaluation?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/has-your-child-had-an-at-evaluation/) - For students with learning disabilities, technology is an important tool in leveling the playing field, providing struggling students with the ability to access educational material that may otherwise prove challenging to understand. As Assistive Technology (AT) continues to evolve, the task of understanding what makes sense for your child becomes more complex. Thankfully there are
- [COVID-19 Disrupts Childhood Vaccination Programs](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/covid-19-disrupts-childhood-vaccination-programs/) - Among the lessons learned from the worldwide coronavirus pandemic is that global health is local health: In today’s world, diseases in one country can quickly spread to others. It’s therefore alarming to see that that the World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunction with UNICEF reports a significant “decline in the number of children receiving life-saving
- [Online Training: Kids Write](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/online-training-kids-write/) - The Writers Studio, founded by Philip Schultz, is offering an online training course to help parents and teachers lure students with dyslexia into enjoying reading and writing. This innovative program combines discussion and practical writing exercises based on short reading samples that teach students a range of literary craft and techniques. These exercises have proven
- [Understanding the Benefits of ADHD Medications](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/understanding-benefits-adhd-medications/) - Much of what we read in the mainstream media about ADHD medications has more to do with misuse and abuse than with use by those who truly benefit from these drugs. Yes, they may be overprescribed by some professionals lacking the knowledge necessary to correctly diagnose and treat ADHD. And yes, some students routinely abuse
- [Is Your Child A Phone Addict?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/child-phone-addict/) - When socially minded Apple investors recently challenged the iPhone maker to address phone addiction among child users, many parents took note, asking themselves if their child is a smart-phone addict. The concern is real. As cell phones have proliferated among teens—a 2015 Pew Research Study found that 73% of kids ages 13 to 17 had
- [Smartphones Disrupt Children’s Sleep](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/smartphones-disrupt-childrens-sleep/) - In a recent blog we talked about the value of limiting screen time for young users in favor of more traditional forms of social interaction. Add to that new research showing the negative impact of electronic devices on sleep patterns, and you have compelling reasons to carefully monitor your child’s use of smartphones, tablets, and
- [Sleep-Deprived Teens Have More Car Accidents](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/sleep-deprived-teens-car-accidents/) - In recent years a growing body of research points to the adverse affects of early school start times on children and teens. Simply put, a significant segment of school age kids is sleep deprived, and the results are impacting their health. Insufficient sleep among young people has been associated with increases in smoking, alcohol use,
- [Re-opening Schools: Think About This](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/re-opening-schools-think-about-this/) - As the coronavirus continues to surge across the country, schools are moving forward with plans for a fall reopening. Following is a roundup of recent news about the pressing issues related to this topic for all involved—kids, parents, teachers, and school staff. American Academy of Pediatrics Endorses School Re-entry Schools are fundamental to child and
- [Using DBT to Regulate Teen Emotions](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/using-dbt-to-regulate-teen-emotions/) - By Eve Kessler, Esq. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a research-based cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, teaches coping mechanisms to transform patterns of negative thoughts, self-destructive behaviors, and painful emotions into positive outcomes. DBT provides skills that are particularly useful for adolescents and young adults with ADHD and LD, who are prone to quickly escalating arousal levels and extreme
- [Return to School Roadmap](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/return-to-school-roadmap/) - Despite the fast-moving surge in COVID-19 cases, many school districts throughout the country are welcoming students back for in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year. With that in mind, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) recently released the Return to School Roadmap, a resource for students, educators, and families as they emerge from the hodgepodge
- [15 Tips To Start the School Year Strong](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/15-tips-to-start-the-school-year-strong/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D Many students with LD, ADHD, and NLD become increasingly nervous as back-to-school approaches and even during the first couple of weeks. They may have had negative experiences before with classes or peers leading them to experience anticipatory anxiety, which may take the form of headaches, stomachaches, and specific fears of the
- [Smart Kids Recognizes Youth Achievements](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/smart-kids-recognizes-youth-achievements/) - The 2021 Fred J Epstein Youth Achievement Awards (YAA) were recently presented at the Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities annual benefit. The award, named for pioneering pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Fred J Epstein, recognizes outstanding achievements by young people with learning disabilities (LD) and ADHD. Dr. Epstein credited his significant learning disabilities as a major factor
- [The Forgotten Child](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/the-forgotten-child/) - In her fourth book, Anne Ford, the long-time advocate for children with learning disabilities, turned her attention to the impact of LD on families. The Forgotten Child explores territory often overlooked in the literature, yet is challenging for many families. Following is an excerpt from the book’s introduction. What About Me? Sibling issues are not
- [College Bound? Learn More](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/college-bound-learn-more/) - The Federal Department of Education has a wealth of helpful information for families and individuals preparing for college— all of it free and easily accessible online. Following are three particularly useful resources, each for a different part of the process: Ready, Set, Go The College Preparation Checklist is a resource for students of all ages who
- [Summer Jobs: It’s Not Too Late](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/summer-jobs-its-not-too-late/) - Summer is here, and your child is already bored. You’re bored too with the late nights that lead to late mornings, the endless hours playing video games, and the incessant complaints that there’s “nothing to do.” It’s not too late to turn a lazy summer into a productive one. Here’s how to kick-start the process:
- [Prepare Your Child with NLD for Summer](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/prepare-your-child-with-nld-for-summer/) - Children with NLD have widely different learning and behavioral profiles, yet they often share a common trait: anxiety over transitions. Indeed, many children with learning disabilities experience anxiety in the face of change. To minimize concerns for children with NLD and other learning challenges you must prepare them for the changes that summer brings long before
- [Summer Strategy: Sneak In Learning](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/summer-strategy-sneak-learning/) - While summer vacation is a welcome change for children with LD, research tells us that kids who are not engaged in formal education may lose ground over the summer. One way to avoid that is to sneak in learning. The following suggestions for turning day-to-day activities into stealth teachable moments may help ensure that your
- [Lifestyle Choices for Kids with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/lifestyle-choices-for-kids-with-adhd/) - A recent study that looked at lifestyle behaviors of children with ADHD found that kids with the diagnosis engage in fewer healthy activities than their non-ADHD peers. According to an article on the PsychCentral website, researchers under Dr. Kathleen Holton from American University’s Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Dr. Joel Nigg from Oregon Health &
- [Fidget Spinners: Distraction or Learning Tool?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/fidget-spinners-distraction-learning-tool/) - If you have a child, you’ve no doubt heard of, seen, or purchased a fidget spinner. The small, handheld toy is the latest craze among school-age kids. Marketed as a tool for children with ADHD, the small spinner twirls in your hand, helping fidgety children relieve stress so that they can focus on learning. Think
- [Online Courses: Pros & Cons](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/online-courses-pros-cons/) - By Lindsey Wright Despite the fact that public schools are mandated by federal law to support the educational needs of allstudents, parents of kids with learning disabilities and ADHD know that doesn’t always happen. To fill the gaps, parents often find themselves seeking alternatives outside the traditional classroom—including online courses. But like most alternatives, the
- [Into the Wild for a Summer of Fun](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/into-the-wild-for-a-summer-of-fun/) - Conventional overnight summer camps target resilient, athletic children who respond well to group control, and can walk confidently from archery to arts and crafts while singing Kumbaya. But for kids who are nonconformists, have two left feet, or need special attention, traditional camps can mean weeks of isolation and teasing. In contrast, summer wilderness programs
- [Behavior Treatments First for Kids with ADHD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/behavior-treatments-first-for-kids-with-adhd/) - Findings from a new study could change the way treatment is handled for children with ADHD. According to an article in The New York Times, two research papers published in the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology support using behavior techniques first, followed by medication for those who need it. The study looking at
- [Effects of ADHD In Young Children](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/effects-of-adhd-in-young-children/) - New research confirms what many parents of children with ADHD know from experience: the effects of ADHD often begin to take their toll on children as early as second grade. According to an article in HealthDay, Australian researchers have found that “Children between 6 and 8 years old who were tested and scored high for
- [Congress & Prez At Odds Over NCLB](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/congress-prez-odds-nclb/) - For all you policy wonks out there, fasten your seat belts. By all accounts, it’s going to be a wild ride as the newly seated Republican Congress faces off with the Obama administration over reauthorization of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). According to an article in Politico, “Republicans are hatching an ambitious plan to rewrite
- [Are Products to Improve EFD Overpromising?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/are-products-to-improve-efd-overpromising/) - It stands to reason that for students who have problems with executive functions (attention, self-control, working memory, etc.), improving those skills will improve their academic performance. In fact, a lot of businesses are betting on that. From computer games to special exercise programs, a host of products and services have hit the market promising better
- [Study: Mistreatment for Tots with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/study-mistreatment-for-tots-with-adhd/) - Guidelines from The American Academy of Pediatrics call for the use of behavioral therapy first rather than medication for pre-school age children with ADHD. Yet nearly half of all preschoolers (46.6%) diagnosed with the disorder take medication alone or do so in conjunction with behavioral therapy. Those stunning findings, published this week in the Journal
- [High School Grad Rates: Better For Some](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/high-school-grad-rates-better-for-some/) - It’s that time of year when the discussion in education circles turns to graduation rates—a key measure of how we’re doing to ensure that our nation’s children have at least a high school education. Overall, the news is good. The U.S. Department of Education reports an all-time high with 81% of the class of 2013
- [Scholarships for Students with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/scholarships-for-students-with-ld/) - Students with learning difficulties whose grades and test scores may not reflect their true abilities are often overlooked in the race for college scholarships. If that describes your child (or a child you know), check out the RiSE Scholarship Foundation, a resource for “students who learn differently” seeking scholarship information and opportunities. Founded in 2010,
- [Best Organizing Apps for Busy Families](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/best-organizing-apps-for-busy-families/) - By Leslie Josel The end of a school year is a natural time to get organized. If you’re that person, who constantly talks about it, but can’t bring yourself to get started, I’ve pulled together my favorite apps and websites to help you with everything from emptying your inbox, to preserving your kids’ art projects.
- [COVID-19: 5 Tips for Online Learners](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/covid-19-5-tips-for-online-learners/) - By Leslie Josel As an ADHD coach, I've been inundated with questions as to how students with LD and ADHD can navigate the online/virtual learning process that is their new normal. Here are a few strategies to try: Find a body double. A “body double” functions as an anchor. The presence of another individual—either in person
- [Are You Ready For Summer?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/are-you-ready-for-summer/) - By Leslie Josel Summer break is upon us. It can be a busy time for everyone, so here are a handful of tried and true tips to help you make the transition from the structured school year to the less structured summer break. End of the School Year Tips Take time to clean out artwork
- [Tech Tools for Note-Taking](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/tech-tools-for-note-taking-3/) - By Shelley Lacey-Castelot, ATACP, MS Once students with learning disabilities begin to take notes in class, their challenges with spelling, handwriting, simultaneous processing, and reading can overwhelm them. Even those who are good auditory learners can become flummoxed. There are, however, really good note-taking tools to help these students, including the following thee options: For
- [Start the Year Off Right](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/start-year-off-right/) - By Eve Kessler, Esq. With the long, lazy days of summer about to end, it’s time to begin thinking about the new school year. Whatever the goals are for this year, staying on top of your child’s academic and social adjustment will enable you to address issues before they become full-blown problems. Following are strategies
- [5 Tips for Preventing First-Day Jitters](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/5-tips-preventing-first-day-jitters/) - By Beth Margolin Starting a new school year can be exciting—but it also can be stressful, particularly for kids who have learning disabilities or ADHD and have struggled in academic settings in the past. Here are five ways to minimize those first-day jitters and start the new school year off right: Don’t over-promise: Every school year
- [Making the Move to Middle School](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/making-the-move-to-middle-school/) - Beginning a new school year often comes with a large dose of anxiety for children with LD and ADHD who have struggled with academics in the past. But even more daunting is when a new school year also means a step up in grade level to a new school. The transition from elementary to middle
- [Must-Have AT Tools for Struggling Readers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/must-have-at-tools-for-struggling-readers/) - By Shelley Lacey-Castelot, ATACP, MS What Assistive Technology (AT) does your child with LD need to be independently successful this school year? Over the next few weeks, this blog will feature smart choices for you to consider as you make decisions about your child’s AT needs. Because it’s not feasible to talk about all the
- [Parents Are the First to Spot ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/parents-are-the-first-to-spot-adhd/) - As diagnosis rates for ADHD have steadily increased over the past decade, some have speculated that the rise is in part due to overwhelmed teachers encouraging parents to get their child assessed. That’s not the case, according to a new study from the CDC. In fact in 65% of cases, family members are the first
- [Join Us at the Smart Kids Annual Gala](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/join-us-at-the-smart-kids-annual-gala/) - Each spring at our annual gala, Smart Kids with LD celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding young people who are achieving great things despite—and sometimes because of—their learning challenges. This year (our 16th!) the festivities will take place on April 30th in Stamford, CT. In addition to recognizing the winners of the Fred J. Epstein Youth
- [ADA Guidelines for Testing Accommodations](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/ada-guidelines-for-testing-accommodations/) - High-stakes tests are stressful for everyone (hence the name “high-stakes”), but for students with learning and other disabilities, getting approval for test accommodations that level the playing field has historically been its own stressor. Thanks to newly released ADA guidelines from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) students that need test accommodations now have a
- [IEP Guidelines Ensure Age-Appropriate Learning](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/iep-guidelines-ensure-age-appropriate-learning/) - Coming on the eve of the 40th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal government has released new guidelines clarifying what the goals of an IEP should be for a student with learning disabilities. In simple terms, the U.S. Department of Education states that the IEP should “conform to the state’s
- [Wanted: Stress-Free Holidays](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/wanted-stress-free-holidays/) - For many children, December ’tis the season to be overstimulated, overtired, overindulged, and generally out of control. Kids with LD and ADHD, who normally have trouble coping with change or dealing with stress may find this time of year particularly challenging: a house full of relatives, a trip to grandma’s, or the anticipation of opening
- [5 Tips for Stress-Free Holidays](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/5-tips-for-stress-free-holidays/) - It’s time to ratchet up for December, the month best described as “over the top” (as in overtired, over-stimulated, overindulged, etc.). For many children, including those with LD and ADHD, ’tis the season to be out of control. Kids who have trouble with change or difficulty coping with stress may find a house full of
- [Hello to the Every Student Succeeds Act](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/hello-to-the-every-student-succeeds-act/) - Say goodbye to No Child Left Behind, and get ready to welcome Every Student Succeeds (ESSA), the newest version of the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), originally enacted under Lyndon Johnson. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was the George W. Bush Administration’s version of ESEA, legislation that was controversial from the get-go, and
- [Gifts for Kids with LD & ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/gifts-for-kids-with-ld-adhd/) - By Marcia Brown Rubinstien, MA, CEP ’Tis the season to be jolly, but for us at Smart Kids, it’s also a time we remember our colleague, Marcia Rubinstien, who passed away prematurely. Marcia was an educational consultant and tireless advocate for students with LD; she was also a prolific contributor to the Smart Kids newsletter.
- [ADHD & Social Problems in Young Children](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-and-social-problems-in-young-children/) - In a new study, researches have found that ADHD in young children leads to social problems with their peers. Interestingly, the impact seems to lessen as children get older. According to an article in HealthDay, the study of 1,000 children, done in Norway found that same-age children tended to exclude those with ADHD behaviors. “Restless
- [Risks for Teen Drivers with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/risks-teen-drivers-adhd/) - Research findings recently published in JAMA Pediatrics show that teen drivers with ADHD have a 36% risk for being in a car crash. Although previous studies have found similar risks (some even greater), those studies have been criticized for their small sample size, and use of self-reported crash information. In contrast, this new study gathered
- [Risky Business: Driving with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/risky-business-driving-with-adhd/) - The only driver more dangerous than a drunk driver is a teen driver with ADHD. According to an article in The New York Times, “Young drivers with A.D.H.D. are two to four times as likely as those without the condition to have an accident—meaning that they are at a higher risk of wrecking the car
- [Finding A Sport For Your Child with ADHD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/whats-a-good-sport-for-your-child-with-adhd/) - The benefits of physical activity are well known, yet for some children with ADHD sports are challenging, and not in a good way. The same difficulties they face in the classroom—impulsivity, inattention, problems following directions, and low frustration tolerance—often plague them on the playing field as well. The answer, however, is not to give up
- [Understanding ESSA](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/understanding-essa/) - By Candace Cortiella The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), was signed into law last December, putting an end to the contentious No Child Left Behind (NCLB) version of ESEA enacted in 2002. Scheduled for full implementation in the 2017-2018 school year, ESSA has critical components important
- [Start Talking Up Summer Fun](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/start-talking-summer-fun/) - Many children who struggle with learning disabilities share a common trait: anxiety over transitions. With the end of school rapidly approaching, you can minimize any concerns your child may have by preparing now for the changes that summer brings. Think it Through Start by assessing your child’s interests and abilities. Think not only of what
- [Camp Guidelines for Middle-School Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/camp-guidelines-for-middle-school-kids/) - In a recent article Smart Kids shared general guidelines for finding a summer camp for your child with LD or ADHD. But middle schoolers have unique challenges when it comes to choosing an age-appropriate camp setting—one that sustains your child’s interests, fits her personality, promotes her strengths, and supports her weaknesses. Middle-school campers present a
- [Saving the IEP Meeting When Conflict Arises](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/saving-the-iep-meeting-when-conflict-arises/) - By Ann McCarthy As parents of a child with learning disabilities, it’s important to realize that conflict is likely to occur at IEP meetings; how you handle it is what matters. When dealt with appropriately, dissension can lead to positive outcomes for your child. Following are three strategies to help keep you and your child’s
- [2016 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Honorees](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/2016-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award-honorees/) - Each year at our annual gala, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities recognizes the extraordinary accomplishments of young people who despite their learning challenges—and often because of their personal struggles—are already leaving their mark in their communities and beyond. Following are this year’s winners: Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Grace Taskinsoy, Fountain Hills, AZ Grace
- [Scholarships for Students with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/scholarships-students-ld-2/) - ’Tis the season to get college applications in—and for many, that includes looking for scholarships to help offset the ever-increasing cost of higher education. According to FinAid, “a good rule of thumb is that tuition rates will increase at about twice the general inflation rate.” That means your college costs will likely rise about 3%
- [Prevent Summer Slide](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/prevent-summer-slide/) - For children with LD and ADHD, summer can (and should) be an enjoyable respite from the demands they deal with throughout the school year. However, it’s also a time when they’re at risk for losing the hard-won skills they’ve struggled mightily to learn. To minimize summer slide use these creative suggestions adapted from Edweek’s Education
- [Is Digital Addiction the New Cocaine?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/digital-addiction-new-cocaine/) - As smartphones, tablets, video games, and social media have proliferated, so too have warnings about their impact on children. Too much screen time has been associated with overweight and obesity, poor grades, and sleep problems, to name a few common ills we’ve come to expect. But in a recent spate of research, experts are finding
- [Special Ed Programs Maintain Funding](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/special-ed-programs-maintain-funding/) - With another budget showdown averted at the last minute, Congress voted to maintain current spending for students with disabilities in the coming budget year. For many Special Education advocates this is considered a win. Noting the general belt-tightening environment in Washington, Jennifer Dexter, an executive at Easter Seals told Disability Scoop, “Most of the programs
- [Placing Limits on Screen Time](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/placing-limits-screen-time/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D According to the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, 64% of babies ages one to two watch TV and/or videos for slightly more than two hours daily, and preschoolers use media on average 2.2 hours to 4.6 hours a day. Citing the lack of evidence that screen time provides educational benefits to
- [Kids Use of Technology Soars](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/kids-use-technology-soars/) - Those concerned about the ever-increasing use of electronic devices, particularly among young children, may find the latest research from Common Sense Media troubling. In a large national study of children ages 0 to 8 years, the results showed that 42% of children in the study had their own tablet device, compared to just 1% in
- [Roundup: LD & ADHD COVID-19 News](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/roundup-ld-adhd-covid-19-news/) - Even now as we spend seemingly endless hours in front of our screens, we may not see all the information that will help manage the COVID-19 disruptions. Following are a few items that parents of children with LD and ADHD may find particularly useful. Advocacy groups ask feds to maintain special-ed laws: More than 70
- [Contentious Battle for Trump’s Education Secretary](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/contentious-battle-trumps-education-secretary/) - Next week, the vote to confirm Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education will take place. Unlike some of President Trump’s other cabinet nominees, DeVos is anything but a shoo-in. In fact, she is teetering on the brink, just one vote shy of rejection. Since the nominee’s confirmation hearing in January there’s been a steadily growing
- [Action Alert: Save the Americans with Disabilities Act](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/action-alert-save-americans-disabilities-act/) - The Learning Disabilities Association of America has put out a call to action aimed at stopping legislation that will weaken the American’s with Disabilities Act. The following information is excerpted from the LDA Action Alert. Several bills have been introduced in Congress that would impose significant requirements on individuals alleging violations of the Americans with
- [Smart Kids Action Alert!](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/10488-2/) - As the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on their version of the American Health Care Act (ACHA), it’s important to let your Senators know that you stand with the LD community AGAINST the proposed provisions to drastically reduce Medicaid funding because of the harm those cuts will have on students with learning disabilities and ADHD.
- [Join Us at the First Annual Smart Walk for LD & ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/join-us-at-the-first-annual-smart-walk-for-ld-adhd/) - Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is gearing up for its First Annual Smart Walk Sunday, October 21 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT. This breakthrough community event celebrates the strengths and talents of young people with LD and ADHD, challenges the stigma long associated with these issues, and empowers parents. So lace up your
- [The Case for Teaching Handwriting](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/case-teaching-handwriting/) - In today’s world of electronic wizardry where keyboarding, touch screens, and clicks are the tools of choice, it might seem anachronistic to teach handwriting, but an article in Literacyhow makes a strong case for penmanship. The article headline says it all: “Why Teach Handwriting? It’s Brain Training!” In a full-throated defense of the value of
- [Supreme Disappointment For Students with Disabilities](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/supreme-disappointment-students-disabilities/) - By Kalman R. Hettleman The Supreme Court held unanimously—in its most momentous ruling on special education in over three decades—that the standard for services owed to students with disabilities under federal law is higher than “merely more than de minimis.” The decision was generally hailed as a victory for students with disabilities. But don’t believe
- [Supreme Court Expands Rights of Kids in Special Ed](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/supreme-court-expands-rights-kids-special-ed/) - It was a good week for Special Education advocates. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled that schools must provide more than a minimum program to students with disabilities. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion, excerpts of which appear below: When all is said and done, a student offered an educational program providing
- [Wanted: Infants for Harvard LD Study](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/wanted-infants-harvard-ld-study/) - Dr. Nadine Gaab, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, is seeking infants, ages 2 to 8 months, for an important new study investigating the causes of dyslexia. The study will take place at Boston Children’s Hospital. The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and will be
- [Supreme Court Hears Special Education Case](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/supreme-court-hears-special-education-case/) - This year the U.S. Supreme Court will decide a case that has important implications for how school districts comply with the IDEA mandate to provide students in special education with a “free, appropriate public education” that confers “some educational benefit.” And therein lies the challenge: The issue before the court comes down to defining the
- [Real World Ideas for Limiting Tech Use](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/real-world-ideas-limiting-tech-use/) - Recently a report from the Americn Academy of Pediatrics confirmed what most parents already know: When not controlled, the use of electronic devices by kids is associated with all kinds of problems, including adverse impacts on sleep, learning and attention, obesity, and depression. In addition, unfettered use of digital and social media raises risks of
- [Teens + Driving + ADHD = Danger](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/teens-driving-adhd-danger/) - It’s common knowledge that texting while driving is dangerous. But what happens when teens with ADHD text while driving? A dangerous situation becomes even more dangerous. Researchers from the Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati recently tested the driving performance of 61 16- and 17-year olds, half of whom had been diagnosed with ADHD. According
- [Do ADHD Meds Help with Homework?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-meds-help-homework/) - For parents weighing the pros and cons of ADHD medication for their school-age child, a new study suggests that stimulants are not particularly helpful when it comes to finishing homework or getting better grades. In a small, short-term study that compared medication use to behavioral therapy among children ages 5 to 12, researchers found that
- [Tackle Football: Unsafe for Young Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/tackle-football-unsafe-young-kids/) - If pubic opinion is any indication, this fall fewer young kids will be playing tackle football; more than likely fewer youth leagues will be offering it. According to a recent poll, the majority of adults think tackle football is unsafe for children under age 14. The poll, conducted by the University of Massachusetts-Lowell’s Center for
- [Trump v. Clinton on Education Issues](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/trump-v-clinton-education-issue/) - With the Republican Convention over and the Democratic Convention beginning, now is as good a time as any to evaluate where Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton stand on important education issues. Although neither candidate has shared comprehensive policy proposals, both have addressed key education concerns in the past. Use the easy-to-navigate graphic, published in Education
- [New ADHD Meds: Easier to Swallow](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/new-adhd-meds-easier-swallow/) - People with ADHD who struggle to swallow medication in tablet or capsule form will be cheered to learn that in the past several months, the FDA has approved three new treatment choices for oral extended-release ADHD medications that do not require patients to swallow the medication whole. According to a news release from AAP Gateway,
- [The State of Learning Disabilities](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/10413-2/) - A recently released report from the National Center for Learning Disabilities suggests that while strides have been made to level the playing field for kids with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), there is still much work to be done. This fact-based report confirms that when children with LD are given appropriate interventions they can and do
- [Team Sports Preferred by Kids with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/team-sports-preferred-kids-adhd/) - A recent study found that kids with ADHD are more likely to participate in team sports than in individual sports. According to a UPI article, the findings surprised the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center study team. Speaking for the group, Dr. James Brochers, director of the Division of Sports Medicine at Ohio State explained
- [10 Ways to Improve Communication with Your Child](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/10-ways-improve-communication-child/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D Kids with LD and ADHD often feel more criticized than understood. In our eagerness to help, we sometimes try to fix problems, correct behaviors, or give feedback before we fully understand the child’s perspective. Following are some reminders for parents of children with learning issues. (I also use these rules for
- [Applying to College? We’ve Got You Covered](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/applying-college-weve-got-covered/) - The college application process is daunting for all students, but for those with LD and ADHD it can be especially challenging. In the College Bound section of the Smart Kids with LD website, you’ll find everything you need to make it through the process. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find: Demystifying the College Application
- [Minorities Underrepresented in Special Ed](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/minorities-underrepresented-special-ed/) - For years conventional wisdom has promoted the notion that minority students are overrepresented in Special Education. According to popular belief, too many minority children are pushed into Special Ed programs for reasons other than learning disabilities (e.g., behavior problems, and/or otherwise poor students.) It is therefore important, the thinking goes, for schools to be aware
- [Girls and Social Media: Parents Beware](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/girls-and-social-media-parents-beware/) - In last week’s blog post we shared key insights from the Girls Index, a national survey of more than 10,000 young females in grades 5 through 12, released by Ruling Our Experience, an Ohio-based nonprofit. In that post we focused on factors related to the overall health and well-being of our daughters. In this post
- [FBI Warning on Ed Tech](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/fbi-warning-on-ed-tech/) - A great deal of attention has been given to the issue of screen time and its impact on your children. But what’s often overlooked in these discussions is the risk to children posed by the increasing use of technology and data collection in schools. This week, the FBI addressed that issue in a public-service announcement
- [Ready, Set, Learn!](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/learning-readiness/) - By Heidi Rosenholtz The path to learning is filled with twists and turns. Along the way students are called upon to read, write, listen, complete homework, and study for tests. But the journey actually begins before any of those skills are put to the test. It begins with readiness—the often overlooked step that prepares the
- [New & Noteworthy: "The ABCs of Learning Issues"](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/ld-books/) - The ABCs of Learning Issues, a new bookby Dana Stahl, M.Ed., aims to help parents gain a deeper understanding of their children’s learning issues, while providing practical advice for families as they embark on the journey to help their child reach his potential. Stahl’s background gives her a unique perspective on the subject: She is
- [Cyberbullying On the Rise](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/cyberbullying-on-the-rise/) - The latest federal school safety report provides little solace to parents concerned about cyberbullying. According to an article in Education Week, findings from U.S. Department of Education research from the 2017-18 national survey on school safety show that cyberbullying is on the rise. “About 33% of middle and high-schools deal with cyberbullying at least once
- [Managing Your Child’s COVID-19 Fears](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/managing-your-childs-covid-19-fears/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D Everywhere you turn there’s news of COVID-19—some of it dire, much of it scary and all of it discomforting. And that’s from an adult’s perspective. Imagine what your kids are internalizing. Even those too young to understand what a pandemic is know something is terribly wrong. They’ve been pulled out of
- [COVID-19: Tele-Therapies Under Pressure](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/covid-19-tele-therapies-under-pressure/) - With the coronavirus shuttering schools across the country, students with special needs are bearing a disproportionate amount of the burden. It’s one thing to learn your ABCs in the online classroom, but not even a high-speed internet can make up for certain therapies children with disabilities usually get in a one-on-one setting. According to a
- [COVID-19: College Searching From the Sofa](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/covid-19-the-at-home-college-search/) - By Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W As with so many aspects of life, COVID-19 has introduced disruption and uncertainty to college planning. For those looking to start college in fall 2021, almost every step of the school search will be impacted. In any year, thinking about college can feel stressful. This year, the number of unknowns may
- [Why Can’t I Focus?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/why-cant-i-focus/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D. I’m having trouble concentrating. I’ve taken an informal poll of friends and they’re having problems too. I can focus on what’s in front of me, but otherwise I have trouble being present and centered. I’m attributing this to my reaction to the stress caused by COVID-19. The point of a stress
- [Virtual IEP Guide](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/virtual-iep-guide/) - Having your child’s IEP meeting online may not be your ideal situation, but it’s being done all over the country, and there’s no reason to think it can’t be successful. To help everyone through the process, The Department of Education has produced a guide to hosting and participating in virtual IEP meetings. In it, you’ll
- [School Reopening: Recommendations for Kids with Disabilities](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/school-reopening-recommendations-for-kids-with-disabilities/) - This recent statement from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)—an organization that protects the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families—includes recommendations for reopening schools in the fall for kids with LD and other disabilities. As we continue to actively work to meet the needs of students with
- [Back to School: Educators’ Opinions](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/back-to-school-educators-opinions/) - As the academic year gets underway in most parts of the country, a recent survey from Education Week shows that teacher morale is at a recent low and that student enrollment is dropping due to COVID-19. The survey, conducted the last week of August, compiled responses from 826 K-12 educators, a group that included teachers,
- [Finding the Right Camp for Middle Schoolers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/finding-the-right-camp-for-middle-schoolers/) - After last summer’s widespread cancellations of summer camps due to the pandemic, it looks as if many will be welcoming kids back this summer, albeit with a few more safety protocols in place (COVID tests, masking mandates, etc.). Still, it’s great news for families with kids who have been confined for too long with too
- [Adults Feel Effects of Childhood Bullying](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adults-feel-effects-childhood-bullying/) - Most discussions about childhood bullying focus on the harm it causes young victims. For example we know that children who are persistently bullied, physically, mentally, or verbally are at increased risk for psychological problems including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts. But recent research shows that the impacts of bullying may be felt long after the bullying
- [ADHD Supports Are Often Ineffective](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-supports-often-ineffective/) - A study among high-school students with ADHD found that many are receiving services—just not the type that improve academic performance. According to a report in Education Week, the study, published in the School Journal of Mental Health, showed that more than half of 543 high school students surveyed had IEPs or Section 504 plans. Their
- [Teen Reading Is Alive and Well](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/teen-reading-alive-well/) - Contrary to popular belief, the act of reading books is alive and well among young people. According to a report from Pew Research Center, high school students are actually reading books and using public libraries more than older Americans. Despite a high level of sophistication among adolescents when it comes to technology, the Pew survey
- [New Font to Help Those with Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/new-font-help-dyslexia/) - You’ve heard the expression, “It takes one to know one.” That’s the case for Dyslexie—a new typeface designed by Christian Boer to help those with dyslexia decipher print material more easily. It’s no coincidence that the Dutch designer has the language learning disability himself. According to an article in NPR’s website, the default color of
- [Standardized Tests in the Coming Year](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/standardized-tests-in-the-coming-year/) - By Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W Pandemic conditions have brought a tumultuous year to the arena of standardized testing for college applications. A record number of U.S. colleges and universities became test-optional—requiring neither SAT nor ACT scores—for the recent admission season, and many have already extended this policy to the upcoming year. In addition, the College Board,
- [Remote Learning: A Risk To More Than Academics](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/remote-learning-a-risk-to-more-than-academics/) - A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the past year of remote learning has taken a toll on the physical, social, mental, and emotional well-being of children. The CDC survey among a national sample of parents whose children were placed in remote learning environments (full time or part
- [Summer School: Here We Come](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/summer-school-here-we-come/) - To help compensate for a year-plus of school closures and disrupted learning due to COVID-19, many states are planning to beef up their summer opportunities. Thanks in part to the $1.9 trillion relief package, K-12 public schools will receive $122 billion in aid, including $30 billion earmarked specifically for summer school, after-school, and other enrichment
- [Camp Experience: Confidence-Building](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/camp-experience-confidence-building/) - By Melissa Rey As any student with dyslexia will tell you, the classroom often brings more frustration than fun. One of the best ways to help a dyslexic learner is to help her find opportunities for success outside of school. In third and fourth grade, I spent two very fun weekends at Space Camp at
- [Helping Kids with ADHD Succeed in College](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/helping-kids-with-adhd-succeed-in-college/) - By Robert M. Tudisco, Esq. with Eve Kessler, Esq. The transition from high school to college is a challenging one for most kids. All of a sudden responsibilities change and the need for independence increases: they are on their own, without support, structure or accountability. The only academic feedback comes from midterms or finals; parents
- [Changes Are Coming to the SAT](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/changes-are-coming-to-the-sat/) - The College Board, which administers the SAT college entrance exam, is making changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent College Board statement, the organization claims that “the pandemic accelerated a process already underway to simplify our work and reduce demands on students.” Specifically, they are dropping the optional essay and
- [4 Ways to Build Friendship Skills](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/4-ways-to-build-friendship-skills/) - By Eve Kessler, Esq. Cultivating friendships during the pandemic requires strong social skills and self-confidence, both of which may be challenging for your child with learning differences. Caroline Maguire, M.Ed., an expert in ADHD and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), sees quarantine as an opportunity for parents to help kids who struggle with social-emotional skills. Maguire
- [2020: A Year To Forget](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/2020-a-year-to-forget/) - As we look back over the year, it’s hard to imagine a more challenging time for families with kids with learning differences. As COVID-19 surged across America, and still continues to wreak havoc, thousands upon thousands of children have been required to participate in a massive, unprecedented and unplanned-for educational experiment testing the efficacy of
- [Happy Birthday IDEA](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/happy-birthday-idea/) - In November the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) turned 45. After nearly half a century, many are hoping to celebrate this legislative milestone with full funding next year for the federal law that guarantees children with learning and other disabilities access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), If you have a child with
- [Dyslexia: Red Flags for Early Intervention](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/dyslexia-red-flags-early-intervention/) - By Margie Gillis, Ed.D Research suggests that half of all children have difficulty learning to read; in fact, for nearly one-third of kids, it is one of the most difficult tasks they will ever have to accomplish. These are the children whose early struggles are likely to result in a later diagnosis of dyslexia. The
- [In Their Own Words](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/in-their-own-words/) - When Smart Kids asked a group of middle school kids how their learning disabilities impacted them, we were impressed—and sometimes surprised—by their thoughtful responses. During the course of the wide-ranging discussion, students were not shy about expressing their views. In most cases, their comments were initially positive; however, as they began to reflect on their
- [Assistive Technology: Low-Tech Has Its Place](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/assistive-technology-low-tech-place/) - When we hear the term Assistive Technology (AT), we imagine kids with LD (and other disabilities) mastering previously challenging assignments with the help of the latest and greatest high-tech gadgetry. In fact, we may be doing our children a disservice by thinking of AT in such narrow terms. As defined by the Assistive Technology Act
- [Eliminating Food Dyes from the Family Diet](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/eliminating-food-dyes-from-the-family-diet/) - By Eve Kessler Do you see a connection between your child’s behavior and what she eats? Numerous controlled studies have concluded that food dyes can worsen behavior in some children with and without ADHD. According to Dr. Joel Nigg, a leading ADHD researcher and author, artificial food colors (AFCs) may cause symptoms in up to
- [Small Tips to Improve Online Learning](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/small-tips-to-improve-online-learning/) - By Nadja Streiter, LMSW Distance learning involves sitting in front of a screen for a significant chunk of time, and it’s often followed by more of the same for homework assignments. This can be a real challenge for many kids, especially those with learning or attention issues. Here are some suggestions for setting up your
- [Keeping Close While Afar](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/keeping-close-while-afar/) - By Caroline Segal, Ph.D We are ending our seventh month of pandemic life, and the first month back to school, whatever that looks like for your family. This has likely been one of the most challenging exercises in resilience and adaptability that most of us have ever faced. No matter what ups and downs you
- [To Test or Not to Test?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/to-test-or-not-to-test/) - The college application process is stressful in the best of times, but throw in changes due to COVID-19 and the situation becomes murkier for students, parents and institutions alike. In deference to a large number of students that will not be able to sit for the SAT or ACT this fall, many colleges and universities
- [Back to School: Be Kind to Yourself](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/back-to-school-be-kind-to-yourself/) - By Peg Dawson, Ed.D, NCSP As the new school year dawns, chances are you’re filled with trepidation. Sending your child back into a classroom in the midst of a global pandemic is cause for high anxiety; so is keeping him home without friends to socialize with, a structure and teachers to keep him on track,
- [Another Option to Corona-Schooling](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/another-option-to-corona-schooling/) - By Betty Granata With talk of schools reopening for fall despite the surge in coronavirus cases, some parents are thinking about homeschooling. In this post from our archive a parent of two kids with LD sheds light on her family’s experience. Although their decision to homeschool predated the pandemic, their experience offers insights to anyone
- [2020 Smart Kids Youth Award Honorees](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/2020-smart-kids-youth-award-honorees/) - With a nod to social distancing, this year’s annual gala for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities was an online affair. Yet not even coronavirus could dampen the celebration of the 2020 Youth Achievement Honorees—an amazing group of young people who, despite their learning challenges, are making a difference in their schools and communities through their
- [COVID-19 Risk Appraisal for Youth Sports](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/covid-19-risk-appraisal-for-youth-sports/) - Are you concerned about your young athlete returning to organized sports, especially those activities where social distancing is at odds with mixing it up on the field or going mano-a-mano in the gym? As you might have guessed, not all sports are created equal when it comes to the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The National
- [COVID-19: Use Psychology Tools to Cope](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/covid-19-coping-tools/) - By Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D. Families everywhere are dealing with heightened stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with no signs that it will lessen anytime soon as we try to navigate new and ongoing challenges. All children—but especially those with learning challenges such as LD, ADHD, and NLD—are likely to be thrown by an unprecedented number
- [Measuring Learning During School Closure](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/measuring-learning-during-school-closure/) - By Eve Kessler, Esq. With the COVID-19 school closures, teaching has shifted from classroom, small group, and individual instruction to distance learning. Teachers and service providers are working hard to adapt to remote platforms. As parents, you are in a unique position to let your school team know how your kids are responding to online
- [COVID-19: Rethinking Screen Use](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/covid-19-rethinking-screen-use/) - By Nadja Streiter, LMSW As COVID-19 spreads across America, many parents are struggling with how to deal with their children who are not in school and have hours to fill. Screen time is an easy answer. Kids love it, and it can occupy a lot of time. But rather than toss out all your hard-won
- [A Crisis and An Opportunity](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/a-crisis-and-an-opportunity/) - By Nadja Streiter, LMSW The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting challenges at every level of society, including home and family life. This is uncharted territory for everyone: fear and uncertainty about the virus, coupled with anxiety over supply shortages, economic instability, and perhaps a 90-year-old parent isolated in a nursing home. Beyond worrying, there’s little you
- [AT Services in College](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/at-services-in-college/) - By Eve Kessler, Esq. When students with learning differences transition from high school to college, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) replace the IDEA as their source of legal protections. This ushers in a new standard for receiving Assistive Technology (AT) services: college students with disabilities must be provided with aids, benefits,
- [Managing Stress in College: An Action Plan](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/managing-stress-college-action-plan/) - Having a learning disability in college means dealing with a lot of stress. I made this list of all the aspects of my life that have to be managed to keep my stress level as low as possible. This is what works for me, but everyone is different. Use this template to devise an action
- [Common Household Chemicals Impact IQ](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/common-household-chemicals-impact-iq/) - The good news is that IQ loss due to childhood exposure to lead and mercury has declined significantly in the U.S, most likely due to decades-long efforts aimed at restricting the use of these heavy metals. The bad news is that common household chemicals such as flame retardants and pesticides have taken the place of
- [Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/happy-holidays-from-our-family-to-yours/) - Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday to all of you in our Smart Kids with LD family. We’re grateful for your continuing support and look forward to providing you with the information and guidance you need to help your children with learning and attention differences succeed in the upcoming year. But before we go,
- [Debunking Myths About Learning Disabilities](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/debunking-myths-learning-disabilities/) - Despite the large number of people that have a learning disability, the diagnosis continues to generate more fallacy than fact. Below are some of the most difficult myths for students to overcome. People with learning disabilities are stupid. By definition those diagnosed with LD must have measurable intelligence ranging from average to high average. In fact,
- [Be A Friend](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/be-a-friend/) - A fundamental difference between many children with learning disabilities and other kids is that they often have social issues, which can be more debilitating than their learning problems. If that’s the case with your child, it’s time to toss out the rule that says you can’t be your child’s friend, and replace it with a
- [High Schoolers Under Pressure](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/high-schoolers-under-pressure/) - Students in high school often feel pressure to conform academically and socially. For students with LD and ADHD the pressure can be particularly stressful as they struggle to fit in with peers while trying to meet the demands of parents to do well in school. To get a better understanding of what these young people
- [Math & ADHD: Carelessness or Accidental Error?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/math-adhd-carelessness-or-accidental-error/) - By Miriam Cherkes-Julkowski, Ph.D. Children with ADHD typically have trouble with math, which requires sustained attention, good working memory (how much information can be held on tap at one time), tracking (knowing where they are in a problem), and self-monitoring. As students move into higher grades, math performance tends to decline. Students with ADHD not
- [Vaping: Not A Panacea](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/vaping-not-a-panacea/) - It seems like only yesterday that e-cigarettes were marketed as the “healthier” option to traditional cigarettes. They were—and still are in many circles— touted as a way for users to enjoy nicotine without incurring the ill effects from the additives used in cigarettes. But with vaping at an all-time high among teens and young adults,
- [Making the Change to Elementary School](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/making-change-elementary-school/) - With only a few short weeks of summer left, chances are conversations at home and with friends have already turned to the new school year. For young kids about to make the leap from preschool or kindergarten to elementary school, the transition can be daunting--especially if your little one has already exhibited behaviors that concern
- [ADHD All-Stars](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-all-stars/) - Looking to inspire your child with ADHD? Check out ADDitude magazine's Famous People with ADHD for a veritable “Who’s Who” of stars from all walks of life with the condition. Included in the list are: Simone Biles, Olympic gold medalist and world champion gymnast. Biles famously owned up to the condition saying, “I have ADHD
- [2019 Smart Kids Youth Award Honorees](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/2019-smart-kids-youth-award-honorees/) - Each year Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities honors a group of outstanding young people who, despite their learning challenges, are making a difference in their schools and communities through their remarkable achievements. Following are this year’s honorees: Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Zachary Dillon, Tecumseh, MI For years Zack struggled with ADHD, describing ADHD
- [FDA Approves First Device to Treat ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/fda-approves-first-device-to-treat-adhd/) - The first medical device to treat ADHD has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for marketing by the device maker, NeuroSigma, Inc. The Monarch external Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) System will be available, by prescription only, to children ages 7 to 12 who do not take ADHD medication. According to an article
- [False Claims of LD Hurt Those with Legit Diagnoses](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/college-admissions-scandal/) - If you follow the news at all, you’re aware of the growing scandal surrounding college admissions: a number of wealthy parents are allegedly complicit in using bribery to facilitate acceptance of their sons and daughters to elite colleges. One of the methods involved false claims of learning disabilities in order to gain accommodations on college
- [“I Resolve To…”](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/i-resolve-to/) - Members of Smart Kids’ Parent Advisory Committee share their New Year’s resolutions for making a positive change in their children’s lives: …Stay involved I resolve to keep a provision in my son’s IEP for a half-hour monthly team meeting with me, despite pressure to drop it. I will use the time to educate the school
- [Study Abroad: Over the Pond and Into the Weeds](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/study-abroad-pond-weeds/) - By Melissa Rey When I decided to study abroad, I was excited to be accepted by one of the top universities in the world. My research showed it would be a good fit for a student with LD. Classes were taught in English, and the university told me any accommodations I needed would be available.
- [ADHD Prevalence on the Rise](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-prevalence-on-the-rise/) - In one of the few long-term studies on the prevalence of ADHD in the US, researchers at the University of Iowa recently found the number of diagnosed cases of ADHD has increased significantly during the past 20 years—from 6.1% to 10.2%. While the study was not designed to explore reasons for the increase, experts suggest
- [New ADHD Medication for Morning Relief](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/new-adhd-medication-for-morning-relief/) - With the start of school just around the corner, avoiding morning madness is on the minds of many parents—especially those whose kids have ADHD and struggle to get up, out, and on their way to school daily. Relief may be in sight. According to an article on the Medscape Website, the U.S. Food and Drug
- [ADHD Medications Abuse](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/adhd-medications-abuse/) - In a recent study, researchers examining data from 2000 to 2014 found a 71% increase in calls to U.S. poison control centers between 2000 and 2011 to report misuse of ADHD medications. From 2011 to 2014, the calls declined slightly from 12,300 to 11,500, though it’s too soon to tell if the decline represents a
- [Bullying Advice From One Who Knows](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/bullying-advice-from-one-who-knows/) - We know that an estimated 25% to 33% of US students say they’ve been bullied. And in the past decade, we’ve learned much about who they are, as well as the various forms bullying takes—verbal, physical, social, cyber, indirect, and direct to name a few. We’ve also learned a great deal about the detrimental effects
- [Research: Are U.S. Teens In Crisis?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/research-are-u-s-teens-in-crisis/) - Every two years, nearly 15,000 high school students participate in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a questionnaire aimed at gauging attitudes and behaviors. The just released results from the 2017 YRBS paint a troubling picture for a large swath of American adolescents. According to an article in The New York Times, findings include the
- [Hettleman: Speaking Truth to Power](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/hettleman-speaking-truth-to-power/) - When long-time learning disabilities advocate and policymaker Kalman “Buzzy” Hettleman says that the majority of kids in special education are not truly “disabled,” it’s worth hearing him out. That’s what Washington Post education columnist Jay Mathews did. In a recent column he explains Hettleman’s point of view. Following is the essence of Hettleman’s arguement according to
- [Disparities in Suspension Rates for Students with Disabilities](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/disparities-in-suspension-rates-for-students-with-disabilities/) - If we assume that being present in the classroom is fundamental to learning in school, then African-American students with learning disabilities are in big trouble. According to Lee Romney, author of a recent article in EdSource, “African-American special education students nationwide lose substantially more instruction time due to discipline than their white counterparts, according to
- [Nation’s Report Card: Flat Scores for Students with Disabilities](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/nations-report-card-flat-scores-for-students-with-disabilities/) - This spring scores were released from the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a federally mandated measure of student performance commonly referred to as the “Nation’s Report Card.” The assessment, done every two years, is administered to a representative sample of more than 580,000 4th and 8th graders nationally. How did students with disabilities
- [Brain Development Differs in Young Kids with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/brain-development-differs-in-young-kids-with-adhd/) - The following post appeared as a news release on the NIH website (National Institutes of Health) for March 26, 2018. Children as young as 4 years old with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have significant differences in brain structure, compared to children without such symptoms, according to researchers funded by the National
- [Parents of Girls: Listen Up](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/parents-of-girls-listen-up/) - The annual SXSW conference is a barometer of what’s happening at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. One of the topics that drew attention from a lot of attendees at this year’s Austin, TX gathering was the “Girls’ Index” a national study that surveyed more than 10,000 girls in grades 5-12. The purpose of this
- [Bullying in the Time of Trump](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/bullying-in-the-time-of-trump/) - In September 2017, the Cartoon Network surveyed a large national sample (1,054) of 9- to 11-year-olds, in an effort to learn more about how kids treat each other. The findings, reported on the NPREd website in the article, “What Kids Think About Bullying and Kindness in The Trump Era” include the following: A large majority,
- [Premies, Low Birthweight, and ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/premies-low-birthweight-and-adhd/) - Following a review of 12 studies involving more than 1,700 participants, researchers have concluded that premature babies and those that born at low birthweight are more likely to develop ADHD than full-term, healthy-sized newborns. Why this is the case is still not known, though researchers postulate that factors contributing to premature or underweight births might
- [Shining a Light on Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/shining-light-kids-ld/) - This week Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities launches the Spotlight Campaign—our new initiative to shine a light on kids who are not letting their learning challenges stand in the way of reaching for the stars. This week, for example, you’ll meet Sydney Goodman, who used to think she wanted to be like everyone else--but now
- [Taking the “Mad” out of Morning Madness](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/taking-mad-morning-madness/) - Getting up and out in the morning is difficult for many kids, but for those who are easily distracted the challenges are formidable. Smart Kids parents share their tips for starting the day off right: Prepare Ahead: Get organized the night before. Depending on your child’s age, you or she can lay out clothes, make lunch,
- [The Benefits of Later School Start Times](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/benefits-later-school-start-times/) - The evidence is mounting that later high school starts result in benefits for students. A study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that students who were allowed to sleep in performed better on several measures including automobile crash rates, mental health, school attendance and in some cases, grades and standardized test
- [Second-Grade Terrors](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/second-grade-terrors/) - By Jonathan Mooney Social entrepreneur, author, and LD activist Jonathan Mooney graduated with honors from Brown University, was a Harry S. Truman Scholar for Public Service and a Rhodes Scholar finalist. Yet at age 12 he still couldn’t read. Below he shares his memories of being that kid—an experience many who struggle with learning challenges
- [Does Your Child Have a Future in Technology?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/child-future-technology/) - By Ari Kalinowski Many non-typical students have unique strengths that are ideally suited for the burgeoning technology job market. Consider the following examples. Kids with ADHD tend to think outside the box, often making connections that others miss. They also have the ability to hyper-focus on areas of interest. For example, one of the student’s
- [2017 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Honorees](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/2017-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award-honorees/) - Meet the outstanding group of teens that took home honors at this year’s Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities annual spring gala. The awards recognize young people who, despite their learning challenges, have already accomplished great things, leaving an indelible mark in their communities and inspiring others with their extraordinary achievements. Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement
- [Common Test-Taking Accommodations Questioned](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/effectiveness-of-test-taking-accommodations-questioned/) - Among the most common accommodations provided for students with ADHD are extended time and frequent breaks when taking standardized tests. But how helpful are those accommodations? Perhaps not at all, according to a recent study. The study, examining the impact of various accommodations on the test scores of students in grades 3 through 8 with
- [Does Your Child’s Reading Program Make the Grade?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/childs-reading-program-make-grade/) - By Evelyn Russo, Ph.D. and Eve Kessler, Esq. While there may be no such thing as a perfect reading program for students with dyslexia and other language learning disabilities, The National Reading Panel has identified five core components of reading, each of which must be taught explicitly and systematically. Ensuring that your child’s reading program
- [8 Great Gifts for Children with LD and ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/8-great-gifts-children-ld-adhd/) - With the holidays just around the corner, keep in mind these special gifts appropriate for any child with LD or ADHD—one size fits all. The Gift of Time. Don’t get so caught up doing for your child that you forfeit being with her. Dedicate time to talking, playing, crying, or just being silly together. The Gift
- [Cheers for Special Education Graduation Rates](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/cheers-special-education-graduation-rates/) - New data from the National Center for Education Statistics has educators and parents of kids with learning disabilities cheering. Why? Because the latest data available shows high school graduation rates for students with disabilities rose a whopping 5.6%—an increase greater than that for the general high-school population. For the 2014-15 school year, 64.6% of kids
- [Burgeoning Screen Use](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/burgeoning-screen-use/) - By Dave Sylvestro, with Eve Kessler, Esq. Electronic media fill our homes and classrooms. We have more TVs in our homes than people residing there. Between 1999 and 2010, school-aged children’s exposure to screens and electronics more than doubled. In 2010, our children spent 900 hours per year in school and over 2,000 hours watching
- [A 5-Point Plan For Getting Through Summer](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/5-point-plan-getting-summer/) - With summer upon us, the promise of long, lazy days that your child with LD was relishing may already be looking like your worst nightmare: long, lazy days, with no end in sight. If that’s the case, it’s not too late to get your couch potato moving. Here are some guidelines to help make the
- [Increase in ADHD Mirrors Academic Demands](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/increase-in-adhd-mirrors-academic-demands/) - A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics has found a possible correlation between the rise in ADHD diagnoses and greater academic demands placed on young children. According to an article in Science Daily, the study, led by Jeffrey P. Brosco, MD, PhD at the Miami Miller School of Medicine, suggests that over the past several
- [Support Kids with LD & ADHD Today](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/support-kids-with-ld-adhd-today/) - Today is #Giving Tuesday. When you make a contribution to Smart Kids you’re betting on the future of your child (or a child you know) with learning disabilities or ADHD to survive—and thrive—in a world that unfairly challenges kids with learning issues. After we match your contribution, we’ll use 100% of your donation plus the
- [End To Dissing Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, & Dysgraphia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/end-to-dissing-dyslexia-dyscalculia-dysgraphia/) - In response to an outcry from parents, advocacy groups, and disability organizations, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) recently issued a statement supporting and encouraging the use of the terms “dyslexia,” “dysgraphia,” and “dyscalculia” in “evaluations, eligibility determinations, or in developing the individualized education program (IEP) under the IDEA.” Many in the
- [A New School Year: Tips for Success](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/a-new-school-year-tips-for-success/) - By Eve Kessler, Esq. With school just around the corner, there’s no time like the present to prepare for a new school year. As parents it’s your job to manage your child’s education and secure her rights under the law. Following are some tips to help you establish a collaborative partnership with your school to
- [Talking to Your Teen About Sex](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/talking-to-your-teen-about-sex/) - By Beth Margolin When my teenage son was six years old, he asked me how babies get out of their mother’s belly. My three year old was also there at the time, and I was proud of my answer. “When you were ready to be born, we went to the hospital and the doctor took
- [Summer To-Do List for College Freshmen](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/summer-to-do-list-for-college-freshmen/) - For students with LD who are starting college this fall, preparing ahead will help avoid problems when the school year begins. Following are a few tasks to check off your to-do list before you leave for school. Prepare for college placement tests: English, math, and reading. Placement tests determine the level at which you begin
- [Homeschooling LD Kids: Making the Decision](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/homeschooling-ld-kids-making-the-decision/) - By Betty Granata Today, it’s estimated that over two million children are homeschooled in the U.S. And according to a 2007 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report, 6% list special needs as the primary reason for choosing homeschooling. More common reasons include religious/moral concerns, school environment, and academic considerations. Clearly people homeschool for many
- [Fidgeting Helps Kids with ADHD Learn](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/fidgeting-helps-kids-with-adhd-learn/) - “Sit still.” That’s been the mantra for legions of parents, teachers, and others trying to get children with ADHD to concentrate. But new research shows that not sitting still is exactly what those children need to do in order to learn. According to a study at the University of Central Florida, children with hyperactive attention
- [Ask Our Experts](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/ask-our-experts/) - At Smart Kids, we believe that you’re the expert when it comes to your child. But while you know your child better than anyone else, you rely on others to provide information to help you determine what’s in your child’s best interest regarding his or her unique learning profile. That’s why Smart Kids has put
- [Writing Tips for Final Papers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/writing-tips-for-final-papers/) - By Melissa Rey With the end of the school year come semester projects and final papers, which can be challenging for students with learning disabilities. We asked guest blogger Melissa Rey, a junior at Pomona College in California who has dyslexia to share some strategies she's found particularly helpful. Although I had 6 hours of
- [Energy Drinks Linked to ADHD Behaviors](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/energy-drinks-linked-adhd-behaviors/) - Results from a new study show that children who consume energy drinks are significantly more likely than children who don’t drink the sugary, caffeinated beverages to be at risk for hyperactive and inattentive behaviors. According to the study, published in the journal of Academic Pediatrics, researchers at the Yale School of Public Health found that
- [2015 Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/2015-youth-achievement-award/) - At Smart Kids with LD we know that learning difficulties do not have to be a barrier to success; in fact, sometimes they motivate excellence. Each year we celebrate a group of bright, talented school-age kids, whose remarkable achievements remind us that children with LD can—and do—accomplish great things. Below is a list of this
- [Driving With ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/driving-adhd/) - As many parents know—and studies and statistics confirm—ADHD is a risk factor for traffic accidents and other driving problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that drivers ages 16 to 22 with ADHD are more likely than their peers to crash their cars, experience bodily injury from auto accidents, be at fault for the accidents
- [Teachers Misunderstand Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/teachers-misunderstand-dyslexia/) - Although we’ve come a long way in de-stigmatizing dyslexia, in some places there’s still work to do, with at least one important constituency—teachers. According to a recent study done in the UK, when students carry the label “dyslexia,” a significant number of teachers believe there’s little they can do to improve those children’s reading skills.
- [Therapy Not Part of Kids’ ADHD Treatment ](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/therapy-not-part-of-kids-adhd-treatment/) - The research is clear that a comprehensive approach to treating ADHD—medication in conjunction with behavioral therapy—is likely to result in the best outcomes, yet a new study shows that the vast majority of children with ADHD do not receive the recommended treatment. In a review of more than 300,000 children throughout the U.S. who had
- [Physical Activity Boosts School Performance](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/physical-activity-boosts-school-performance/) - Physical activity before school may help kids with ADHD perform better in the classroom. A new study from researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Vermont has found that 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise before school benefits children across a broad range of outcomes. The study involved 200 children in
- [Mindfulness: An Emerging Treatment for ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/blog/mindfulness-an-emerging-treatment-for-adhd/) - While treatment for ADHD often includes medication, some researchers are suggest- ing an alternative first-line treatment that does not involve pharmaceuticals. Daniel Goleman, writing in The New York Times Well Blog, points to growing interest in “mindfulness exercises” to improve cognitive control—planning, attention, impulse control, the very behaviors that befuddle those with ADHD. This new

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/) - [et_pb_section fb_built="1" theme_builder_area="post_content" _builder_version="4.27.4" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_section]
- [Programs & Events](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/programs-events/) - Explore upcoming webinars, support groups, and educational events on learning differences, ADHD, executive function, school support, and child development.
- [Executive Function Disorder](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/) - Explore expert articles, resources, and practical guidance on Executive Functioning to help parents support children with learning and attention differences.
- [Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/) - Explore expert articles, resources, and practical guidance on Dyslexia to help parents support children with learning and attention differences.
- [Emotions & Behaviors](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/) - Explore expert articles and resources on ADHD, anxiety, emotional regulation, behavior challenges, and learning differences to help your child thrive.
- [Webinar Recordings](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/webinar-recordings/) - Watch past Smart Kids webinars for parents of children with learning and attention differences. Explore expert guidance on ADHD, IEPs, mental health, dyslexia, executive functioning, and school support.
- [ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/) - Explore ADHD articles, strategies, and parent resources to help children improve focus, organization, emotional regulation, and success at school and home.
- [Getting Help](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/) - Explore expert articles and practical resources to support children with ADHD, learning disabilities, executive functioning, emotional wellbeing, and school success.
- [Denim & Sparkles Benefit](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/denim-sparkles-benefit/) - Denim & Sparkles: 2026 Spring Benefit About the Benefit Denim & Sparkles brings together families, supporters, educators, professionals, and community partners for an evening in support of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. The evening will include a cocktail reception with live music & painting, dinner, awards program, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds support
- [Ways to Give](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/ways-to-give/) - Ways to Give to Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities You're not alone. That's the message every parent needs to hear when they discover their bright, creative child has a learning disability. But too many parents never hear it. They fight the school system alone. They wonder if their child will ever catch up. They
- [2026 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2026-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award/) - 2026 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Honorees Meet this year’s outstanding Youth Achievement Award honorees—students whose perseverance, resilience, leadership, and achievements reflect the remarkable potential of young people with learning and attention differences. These students have not only navigated their own challenges, but have also made a meaningful impact in their schools, communities, and
- [Who We Are](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/who-we-are/) - Smart Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with learning and attention differences reach their full potential by educating, inspiring, and empowering parents. Through expert resources, educational programs, and community support, we provide families with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for their children and celebrate their strengths. Founder's Story Jane
- [Contact Us](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/contact-us/) - Your NameEmail addressPhone NumberYour MessagePlease type the charactersThis helps us prevent spam, thank you.Send
- [Founder](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/founder/) - Jane B. Ross founded Smart Kids to provide parents of children with learning and attention differences with the information, support, and inspiration she wished she had when navigating her own child’s learning challenges. At a time when parents often felt isolated and unsure where to turn, Jane recognized the urgent need for trusted information, expert guidance,
- [Parent Conference](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/parent-conference/) - Smart Kids with LD Annual Parent Conference Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Dolan School of Business, Fairfield University 1073 N. Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT Thank you to our attendees, speakers, and sponsors for making our Parent Conference such a success! For every parent looking for vital information and indispensable resources
- [Youth Achievement Award Application](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/youth-achievement-award-application/) - Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities 2026 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 We are now accepting nominations for the $1,000 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award and $500 Special Recognition Award. The awards will be given to high school students 19 or younger who have demonstrated initiative, talent and determination
- [2025 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2025-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award/) - [et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] 2025 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards Each year, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite or because of their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of young people with
- [Supporters](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/supporters/) - Our website, free monthly Newsletter, and educational programs would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, foundations and companies. We receive no government support. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following foundations and corporate supporters, among others: The Laurence W. Levine Foundation Noble Charitable Trust The Anne Ford Foundation Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers
- [2021 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2021-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award/) - 2021 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Each year, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite or because of their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who have done amazing
- [2022 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2022-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award/) - 2022 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Each year, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite or because of their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who have done amazing
- [2020 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2020-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award/) - 2020 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Each year, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite or because of their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who have done amazing
- [2023 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2023-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award/) - 2023 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Each year, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite or because of their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who have done amazing
- [Our Story](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/our-story/) - Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with learning and attention differences reach their full potential by inspiring, educating, and empowering parents to help their children succeed.  [wc_row] [wc_column size="one-half" position="first"] Sign Up for our FREE Monthly Newsletter for everything you need to know to parent your child
- [Sign Up](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/sign-up/) - Help your child succeed! Get the Free Smart Kids with LD Monthly Newsletter. [wc_row][wc_column size="one-fourth" position="first"] [/wc_column][wc_column size="one-half"] [/wc_column][wc_column size="one-fourth" position="last"] [/wc_column][/wc_row]
- [Mission](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/mission/) - We are dedicated to helping parents realize their children’s significant gifts and talents, and demonstrating that with their love, guidance, and the right support, their children can live happy and productive lives. Mission: Our mission is to help children with learning and attention differences reach their full potential by inspiring, educating and empowering parents to
- [Conversation](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/conversation/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” bottom_divider_style=”curve” bottom_divider_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Conversation” text_orientation=”center” logo_image_url=”https://www.smartkidswithld.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/header-icon-conversations.png” module_class=”interior-header-number number-4″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”70px” title_letter_spacing=”2px” title_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#fac355″ background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”center_left” background_horizontal_offset=”33%” title_font_size_tablet=”50px” title_font_size_phone=”30px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_horizontal_offset_tablet=”13%” background_horizontal_offset_phone=”3%” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”7414b1f5-e3f0-4ec1-b7a5-089a7023d62c” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Talking & Listening… – Text” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”] Talking & Listening Talking
- [Home OLD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/home-old/) - [et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][/et_pb_column] [/et_pb_row] [/et_pb_section]
- [2024 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2024-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award/) - 2024 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award 2023 Youth Achievement Award Honoree Gracie Woo Each year, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite or because of their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of
- [First Steps](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/) - Why is My Child Struggling at School? Learning that your child has LD or ADHD can be overwhelming. You suddenly find yourself in a world of unknowns, where everyone’s speaking in terms you don’t understand. Take a deep breath. The First Steps section of our website has you covered. Using straightforward, easy-to-understand language, this section
- [Resources & Videos](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/covid-19-resources/) - STAYING INFORMED: Resources for the Smart Kids Community Watch our past weekly workshops to learn more about how to help your child with LD and ADHD. Weekly Workshop: "Being a Teenager" or Something More? Dr. Dan Villiers, founder of the Anxiety Institute, explains what behaviors in teenagers are part of normal development and what may be
- [Matching Gift Challenge](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/matching-gift-challenge/) - Our mission: To help children with learning and attention differences reach their full potential, by inspiring, educating and empowering parents to help their children succeed. Matching Gift Challenge: Your gift by December 31, up to $10,000 will be matched by a very generous member of our Board of Directors! We invite you to help fund
- [Share Your Story](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/share-your-story/) - Smart Kids invites you to join the conversation. Share your experience raising a child with LD or ADHD—the triumphs, frustrations, or simply a meaningful moment that will resonate with others. It’s this simple: Tell us who you are Write your story Upload a photo 1. Tell Us Who You AreFull NameCity, StateOptional information that won’t
- [Ask The Experts](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/ask-the-experts/) - Your question*Your name*How you want to be identified (name, initials, anonymously?)*Your city & state*Your email*Contact Email*Send Your question will be submitted to a member of our professional advisory board whose response will be forwarded to you. Your question and the answer may subsequently be published on the Smart Kids website. This service is intended to
- [Sail Into Summer Gala](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/sail-into-summer-gala/)
- [Facebook Giveaway](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/facebook-giveaway/) - Help your child succeed! Get the free Smart Kids with LD newsletter [wc_row][wc_column size="one-fourth" position="first"] [/wc_column][wc_column size="one-half"] [/wc_column][wc_column size="one-fourth" position="last"] [/wc_column][/wc_row]
- [Local Chapters](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/local-chapters/) - HOW TO STAY INFORMED Here are the ways you can stay informed and get involved with Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. Sign up for our free e-newsletter, with information from experts in addition to advice from parents whose experiences are similar to yours, at https://www.smartkidswithld.org/sign-up/ Send a question to Ask the Experts, to be answered
- [Advocacy](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/advocacy/) - We are pleased to join other organizations that support advocacy for individuals and public-policy efforts, working toward our common goal of ensuring that every child receives the help needed to be happy and succeed. Below is our list of parent-friendly resources: The Advocacy Institute www.advocacyinstitute.org Dedicated to the development of products, projects and services that
- [Make Waves: 2021 Virtual Gala](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/make-waves-2021-virtual-gala/)
- [Zachary Milestone](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/zachary-milestone/) - Zachary Milestone Winner, 2015 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award 2015 Pewter Medal Winner, US Figure Skating Championships View the award-winning performance of Zachary Milestone and his ice-dancing partner, Rebecca Lustig Read about Zachary and the other 2015 Youth Achievement Award winners
- [Community](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/) - Connect, Communicate, & Contribute You are not alone. An estimated 10 million children in the U.S. have learning disabilities. In this section of our website you’ll learn from the families of those who have gone before you. Hear from young people who are succeeding in school and life despite their challenges. Be inspired by the
- [Job Opening for Part-Time Manager](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/job-opening-for-part-time-manager/) - Please see the attached job description, and instructions on emailing your resume and cover letter.
- [Tech Smarts](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/tech-smarts/) - Tech Smarts provides the information you need to ensure your child’s safety and wellbeing in a digital world. Articles Gaming, Screens, and ADHDIs Social Media Harming Your Child?The Unhealthy Toll of 24-7 Disaster NewsTo Spy or Not to Spy?Alexa, Where Are Your Manners?
- [20th Anniversary - Make Waves Gala](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/20th-anniversary-make-waves-gala/)
- [What Are Learning Disabilities](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/) - What Are Learning Disabilities offers insights into specific learning disabilities and ADHD, including signs and symptoms, as well as the strengths associated with these difficulties to help you understand your child’s unique learning profile. Articles Dealing with Writing StrugglesDemystifying NeurodiversityParents Beware: Red-Flags for LDLearning Disabilities: What They Are (And What They’re Not)Dyslexia: An OverviewADHD: An
- [Evaluating Your Child](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/) - Evaluating Your Child provides the guidance necessary to ensure that your child receives a comprehensive, reliable evaluation—the foundation upon which plans for his or her education will be built. Articles Dig Deeper with A QEEG EvaluationIndependent Evaluation: Myth vs. FactSchool-Based vs. Clinical Evaluation: What’s the Difference?Q & A: Independent EvaluationsEvaluation FundamentalsEvaluating Your Child for DyslexiaUnderstanding
- [Tech Tools](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/) - Tech Tools helps you evaluate the latest and best technologies designed to make learning easier in the classroom and at home. Articles AI: A Learning Partner for Kids Who Learn DifferentlyAudiobooks: AT’s Best Kept SecretGet SETT to Help AT UsersFundamentals of an AT EvaluationiPad: Powerhouse in the ClassroomAT: Building a Better ToolboxPutting the AT Plan
- [Terms & Definitions](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/terms-definitions/) - Terms & Definitions is a glossary of commonly used words and phrases that may be unfamiliar to those new to LD and ADHD. Articles Glossary
- [Making Friends](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/) - Making Friends provides expert advice and practical strategies to help your child overcome the social challenges that often accompany LD and ADHD. Articles Get Engaged on the Social FrontSocial Emotional Skill BuildingForging Connections in QuarantineCOVID-19: Work on Social SkillsImproving Social SkillfulnessCyberbullying: Parents BewareBullying: Kids with LD Are Easy TargetsPromote Social Skills: Step Away From the
- [The ABCs of IEPs](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/) - The ABCs of IEPs is a guide to effective educational planning, with an emphasis on how you can become a key member of your child’s education team. Articles IEPs: 5 Mistakes Parents MakeHandling IEP DisagreementsNew School Year: Meet the TeacherAdvocacy 101: What Do Advocates Do?IEP Meeting: 5 Rules for SuccessIEP Meeting: Must-Ask QuestionsAfter the IEP
- [College Bound](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/) - College Bound offers insights and advice on where to go and what to do to prepare your child to move on to college. Articles Beyond the Website: Why College Campus Visits MatterYour College Prep Action PlanGuide to Getting College SupportsEvernote: Must-Have College AppAccessing Support in CollegeFinding the “Best-Fit” CollegeCollege Bound? Focus on ReadinessCV-19: Time for
- [NLD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/) - NLD: An in-depth guide to treatments and interventions for managing Nonverbal Learning Disabilities. Articles NLD and FamiliesNLD: Teach Social UnderstandingNLD: Misinterpreting Voice ToneNLD: Unmet Learning ChallengesNLD, Social Rules, & ChoicesThe Black and White World of the NLD ChildHelp the School Help Your Child with NLD14 Ways to Help a Child with NLD SucceedStrategies for Parenting
- [Know Your Child's Rights](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/) - Know Your Child’s Rights arms you with information to navigate the educational system and become the advocate your child deserves. Articles LD Students vs. Trump’s DOE AgendaYour Guide to State ComplaintsSchool Discipline: Your Child’s RightsMake the Case for Section 504Determining Placement for Your Child with LDFERPA: The Right to Review RecordsProtecting Students’ Privacy in the
- [Raising Independent Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/) - Raising Independent Kids offers hints, tips, and tactics to encourage your child’s natural drive for autonomy, enabling you to determine when the time is right to up to live successful and independent lives. Articles Social-Emotional Learning: What It Is & Why It MattersSurviving the Tween YearsNavigating the Leap to Third GradeNavigating Parenting DifferencesAdulting: The Power
- [Parent to Parent](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/) - Parent to Parent offers wisdom, insights, and practical advice from those who know what you’re going through—parents who have made this journey before you, and have met the challenges you now face. Articles Homeschooling RosieTeen Driver: The End of An EraWill My Child Succeed in Life?Walking in My Son’s ADHD ShoesSiblings: The Lifelong BondSink or
- [Success Profiles](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/) - Success Profiles are stories of people—many of whom you’ve heard of— in business, science, sports, the arts, etc.—who have overcome significant learning challenges to excel in their field. Let their experiences inspire you to help your child follow his dreams and achieve her goals. Articles Shawn A.Robinson: Dr. Dyslexia DudeGeorge Church: Father of GenomicsJohn Hoke:
- [Ask the Experts](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/) - Ask the Experts enables you to pose a question to a member of our panel of experts whose response will be published on our Website. Articles Can I Fix My Son’s ‘Senioritis’?How Do Private Evaluations Fit In?10 Tips to Ease Holiday StressHow to Handle Competitive ParentsManaging E-Learning DistractionsBest Help for DyslexiaRethinking ProcrastinationTeaching Teens Life SkillsWho
- [Through My Eyes](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/) - Through My Eyes is a series of first-person accounts detailing the trials and tribulations of living with learning differences—experiences your child faces every day—and the triumphs of succeeding in spite of those challenges. Articles The Damaging Myth of NormalcyAja Capel: Teen with a MissionAja Capel: Different Is AmazingGetting to Know My BrainMystifyingBig-Time Transition to the
- [SK Annual Gala 2016](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/sk-annual-gala-2016/)
- [SK Annual Gala 2017](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/sk-annual-gala-2017/)
- [10 Million Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/10-million-kids/) - 10 Million Kids A short animated video by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Matt Davies Produced by ATG Communications Produced with funding from The Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation “A warm and welcoming video that asks parents to be awareand get involved. . . . Just what’s needed now!” Philip Schultz, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Author of My
- [2016 Youth Achievement Award Launched](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2016-youth-achievement-award-launched/) - 2016 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Launched Former Youth Achievement Award honorees Tim Bates, Emma Pawl, Christopher Lancaster, Alexandra Sheridan, Zachary Milestone Each year, at our annual spring gala, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein
- [Logan Dooley](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/logan-dooley/) - Logan Dooley Logan Dooley is the sole male trampolinist on the US Olympic Gymnastics team competing in Rio. Only 16 men are competing in the sport of trampoline at these Summer Games. We’re proud that Logan Dooley, a former Smart Kids Youth Achievement honoree, is one of them!
- [2019 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2019-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award/) - 2019 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Each year, at our annual spring gala, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who have already
- [2018 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2018-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-award/) - 2018 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Each year, at our annual spring gala, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who have already
- [2017 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/2017-fred-j-epstein/) - 2017 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Each year, at our annual spring gala, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who have already
- [Smart Kids Spotlight Campaign](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/smart-kids-spotlight-campaign/) - Smart Kids Spotlight Campaign The Spotlight Campaign highlights the dreams and achievements of children and young adults with learning disabilities and ADHD. Calling all young people: Download the application here. Simply fill it out and send it in with three or more pictures of yourself to Spotlight@SmartKidswithLD.org so that we can post information on you
- [Welcome to Smart Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/home-old/welcome-to-smart-kids-with-learning-disabilities/) - Kids with learning disabilities and ADHD are smart, creative, resourceful, and have great strengths, yet too often they become classroom casualties. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is YOU. Experts agree that committed and well-informed parents are the critical factor in making sure that children with LD succeed. With the help

## Articles

- [Will My Child Succeed in Life?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/will-my-child-succeed-in-life/) - As the founder and principal of www.orderoochaos.com, a business devoted to helping families of kids with learning challenges, I receive a lot of questions, many of which hit home—but none more than this one: I’m so worried about just getting my son, age 11, to the next task or the next day that I can’t
- [Kids & COVID Disruptions](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/kids-covid-disruptions/) - Prom, graduation, birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, school reunions, retirement parties… these are just a few of the major life events that have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not to mention sports competitions, opening night of the school musical, art showcases, weekly play dates, after-work happy hours, family vacations. The sheer
- [EF Skills: Planning & Prioritizing](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-planning-prioritizing/) - Students who have weak planning and prioritization skills find themselves hamstrung even before they begin an assignment or a task. They have difficulty identifying the steps required to accomplish their goal (e.g., creating a presentation, writing a paper, cleaning their room, etc.) and can’t decide what information and tasks are important to pay attention to
- [Understanding Inattentive ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/understanding-inattentive-adhd/) - A foremost ADHD authority explains Inattentive ADHD. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Promoting Responsibility](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/promoting-responsibility/) - Strengthening positive communication skills helps promote greater independence in kids with learning and attention issues. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Skills: Time Management](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-time-management/) - An executive functioning expert shares strategies to improve your child’s time-management skills. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Tips: Studying for Finals](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/tips-studying-for-finals/) - Getting organized to study for final exams is sometimes more difficult than the actual studying part. I work with students all day long helping them build their study skill set and it can be quite overwhelming. While there are too many options to include in this short column, especially since I don’t know how your son
- [IEPs: 5 Mistakes Parents Make](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/ieps-5-mistakes-parents-make/) - Renowned disability advocates Pete and Pam Wright share the most common mistakes parents make—and they’re not what you think. www.smartkidswithld.org.
- [Strategies to Keep It Positive](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/strategies-to-keep-it-positive/) - An expert shares strategies to maintain positive parent-child communication even in heated moments. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Making Math More Fun](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/making-math-more-fun/) - Relating numbers to real life can help struggling students master important math concepts. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Get Ready for a New School Year](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/get-ready-for-a-new-school-year/) - Set your child up for success with these back-to-school strategies. www.smartkidswithld.org.
- [IQ Changes: Which Scores Matter?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/iq-changes-which-scores-matter/) - Our expert explains why IQ scores may fluctuate over time, and which ones matter when seeking services for kids with LD. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [College Bound? Focus on Readiness](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/college-bound-focus-on-readiness/) - Is your child ready for college? Use this checklist to assess their independence levels and where they need to improve. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Skills: Organizing for A New Term](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-organizing-for-a-new-term/) - Helping your child stay on top of schoolwork begins by finding the organizational system that works best for them. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Skills: Task Initiation](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-task-initiation/) - Expert advice for parents of kids with executive functioning difficulties on managing procrastination. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Break the Enabling Cycle](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/break-the-enabling-cycle/) - Your job as a parent is to empower your kids to become responsible adults who can navigate the world independently. School psychologist David P. Sylvestro refers to this as “planned obsolescence”—doing a good enough job guiding, shaping, and preparing your kids so they don’t need you anymore. When kids have learning difficulties, however, your relationship
- [Teen Driver: The End of An Era](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/teen-driver-the-end-of-an-era/) - I turned on my cell phone the minute the plane landed. Instantly the message popped up. “HE PASSED!!!!” While my husband and daughter sent me a slew of emoticons to show how happy they were for Eli, me? Well, I burst out crying. Hysterically. Like from my toes. And not the “wow, I am so
- [EF Study Skills: The Basics](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-study-skills-the-basics/) - Our Executive Functioning expert explains how the brain retains information along with science-based strategies to improve study skills. www.smartkidswithld.org.
- [Dealing with Academic Setbacks](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/dealing-with-academic-setbacks/) - What you can do to help your child overcome disappointment when their grades don’t reflect their best efforts. www.smartkidswithld.org.
- [Finding the “Best-Fit” College](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/finding-the-best-fit-college/) - How to find a college that supports your teen’s interests, talents, and learning styles. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Study Skills: Test Prep](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/study-skills-test-prep/) - Expert advice on studying for tests, quizzes, and exams. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [New Approach to ADHD Care](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/new-approach-to-adhd-care/) - This innovative approach to managing ADHD addresses conventional challenges. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Coach? I Say Yes. She Says No](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/ef-coach-i-say-yes-she-says-no/) - Our expert weighs in on overcoming your child’s reluctance to work with a learning coach. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Skills: Organization](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-organization/) - An important executive functioning skill is organization—the way one arranges their physical and mental environments. Students who struggle with organization misplace things, show up unprepared, and suffer from muddled communication. But like most skills, organization can be improved with intentional effort. Following are guidelines to help your child improve in this area. As you approach
- [Your Guide to State Complaints](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/your-guide-to-state-complaints/) - A renowned education advocate offers valuable information on filing a state complaint to resolve special education disputes. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [How To Deal with Unresponsive Teachers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/how-to-deal-with-unresponsive-teachers/) - The answers to these questions will improve communication with your child’s teachers. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Skills: Working Memory](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-working-memory/) - An important executive functioning skill is working memory, which is the ability to hold information in your mind long enough to use it. Examples of working memory include remembering multi-step instructions while completing a task, recalling the name of a new character in a book as the plot unfolds, or keeping the key information of
- [What’s the Best School for Your Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/whats-the-best-school-for-your-child/) - Given the number of school options available today, what’s the best type of school for your child with learning differences and behavioral challenges? Not surprisingly, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. Kathy Kuhl, a former teacher specializing in coaching families with ADHD and learning challenges, explains that there are pros and cons for
- [Evernote: Must-Have College App](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/evernote-must-have-college-app/) - Expert advice on how college students with ADHD can use Evernote, a cloud-based app to improve their academic performance. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Evaluating School Options](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/evaluating-school-options/) - Guidelines to help parents evaluate school options to find the best fit for their child with LD or ADHD. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [ADHD & Eating Disorders](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/adhd-eating-disorders/) - Kids with ADHD are at greater risk for eating disorders. What you need to know to keep your child healthy. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Improving Self-Advocacy Skills](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/improving-self-advocacy-skills/) - A simple 3-part process to help your child with LD become a better self advocate. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [End the Year by Prepping for Fall](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/end-the-year-by-prepping-for-fall/) - A small effort at the beginning of summer will ease back-to-school stress come next fall. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [School-Based vs. Clinical Evaluation: What’s the Difference?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/school-based-vs-clinical-evaluation-whats-the-difference/) - Understanding the differences between school-based and clinical evaluations can help determine which is appropriate for your child with learning difficulties. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Eating Disorders: Mindset Changes](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/eating-disorders-mindset-changes/) - With the recent spike in eating disorders among adolescents, an expert shares ways to prevent and address your concerns. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Coaching: Making It Work](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-coaching-making-it-work/) - If your child struggles with executive functioning (EF), they may benefit from working with a coach to build the foundational skills they may be lacking. Below are answers to the most common questions asked when deciding who to work with and how to get the most out of your relationship with an EF coach. Is
- [Get Engaged on the Social Front](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/get-engaged-on-the-social-front/) - “School is a social world,” says school psychologist David Sylvestro. “Social success rather than academic prowess is the prized currency of your child’s day-to-day life.” Yet for many kids with LD and ADHD, establishing and maintaining social relationships is a struggle. Why? “Because it takes courage to engage with other kids,” Sylvestro explains, “and their
- [Guide to Getting College Supports](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/guide-to-getting-college-supports/) - Students with learning differences who benefited from accommodations and modifications throughout their early education are often caught off guard when they get to college and find the support environment is different from what they’re used to. In higher education, modifications no longer exist, and while “reasonable accommodations” are accessible, they must meet institutional criteria and
- [Independent Evaluation: Myth vs. Fact](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/iees-myths-vs-facts/) - Our expert separates myths from facts about Independent Educational Evaluations.
- [Tips to Encourage Active Learning](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/tips-to-encourage-active-learning/) - Expert advice for helping your child with learning differences get comfortable participating in class.
- [Extraordinary Parenting; Strong Siblings](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/extraordinary-parenting-strong-siblings/) - Expert advice on managing family dynamics when one sibling has learning challenges and others do not. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Fear of Failure](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/fear-of-failure/) - For kids with ADHD, procrastination may be related to a fear of failure. Understanding it will help you address it. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Tips to Improve Vocabulary](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/tips-to-improve-vocabulary/) - An expert in language-based learning disabilities provides strategies to help build your child’s vocabulary.
- [ADHD: Nature, Nurture, or Both?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-nature-nurture-or-both/) - ADHD is the result of both genetic and environmental factors. Only one of those is modifiable.
- [Easing High-Stakes Test Anxiety](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/easing-high-stakes-test-anxiety/) - Our expert shares strategies to help your child prepare for high-stakes tests. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Who Can Give Special Ed Services?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/who-can-give-special-ed-services/) - The leading authority on education law weighs in on who can provide special education services. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Safe Practices For Teen Drivers with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/teen-drivers-with-adhd-safe-practices/) - Teens with ADHD are at heightened risk for driving mishaps. Use these strategies to help ensure your young driver’s safety. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Rethinking Support in High School](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/rethinking-support-in-high-school/) - Students with language-based learning disabilities (LBLDs) frequently need more assistance in eleventh and twelfth grades than they did in the previous years. The extra help is necessary to manage the increase in pace, volume, and complexity of the upper grades. Often the best way to move forward is to take a couple of steps backward
- [EF Skills: Paying Attention](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-paying-attention/) - For kids who have trouble with sustained attention, these strategies can help improve this important executive functioning skill. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Gaming, Screens, and ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/tech-smarts/gaming-screens-and-adhd/) - Are you worried about your child’s screen time? Use these strategies to restore balance and lower their risk of screen addiction. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [From Punishment to Problem-Solving](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/from-punishment-to-problem-solving/) - Dr. Ross Greene, the foremost authority on challenging behaviors shares strategies to help you shift from punishment to problem-solving. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [How Siblings Feel About Each Other](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/how-siblings-feel-about-each-other/) - In families where there are siblings with and without learning challenges, these kids tell you how that feels. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Skills: Self-Reflection](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-self-reflection/) - Helping your child develop their ability to self-reflect will improve their performance at school and home. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Audiobooks: AT’s Best Kept Secret](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/audiobooks-ats-best-kept-secret/) - For students who struggle with reading, audiobooks are an invaluable tool. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Teaching Teens Life Skills](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/teaching-teens-life-skills/) - Our expert shares tips on how to help teens learn basic life skills in preparation for leaving the nest. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Girls with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/girls-with-adhd/) - Learn from an expert why girls with ADHD are at risk for serious challenges, and what you can do to prevent them. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Skills: Staying on Track](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-staying-on-track/) - Staying on track is an executive functioning skill that is often confused with paying attention. While both skills require an element of focus, staying on track takes a longer view. It draws on resilience, perseverance, and focus as those elements work together to allow your child to push through to the completion of a goal
- [A Guide to “Adulting” with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/a-guide-to-adulting-with-adhd/) - A guide to “adulting” for 20-somethings living with ADHD. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Rethinking Procrastination](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/rethinking-procrastination/) - If there’s one thing that drives parents of kids with ADHD crazy it’s procrastination. Here our expert offers a different point of view. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Can Biofeedback Help Your Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/can-biofeedback-help-your-child/) - Biofeedback can teach your child how to consciously regulate some bodilyfunctions that impact their health and well-being. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Best Help for Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/best-help-for-dyslexia/) - Students struggling with dyslexia will benefit from a practitioner with expertise in the Orton-Gillingham method. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Your College Prep Action Plan](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/your-college-prep-action-plan/) - Use this adaptable tool, developed by an experienced college consultant, to ensure that your teen is ready for college when the time comes. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [ADHD Meds: Managing Side Effects](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-meds-managing-side-effects/) - Stimulant medications are widely used to treat ADHD due to their effectiveness in improving focus and reducing impulsivity. However, like any medication, they can also come with side effects that vary in severity and impact. Understanding these side effects and knowing how to manage them is crucial for both patients and caregivers. Following are some
- [The ABCs of Behavior](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/the-abcs-of-behavior/) - The ABC model is used in many schools to address challenging behaviors. Understanding it and adapting it at home can help encourage positive behaviors. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Demystifying Neurodiversity](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/demystifying-neurodiversity/) - The term neurodiversity has become mainstream, but what does it mean and how does it apply to your child with learning challenges? www.smartkidswithld.org
- [What Is Heart Rate Variability Training?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/what-is-heart-rate-variability-training/) - Kids with LD and ADHD can improve their reactions to stressful situations with HRV training. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [EF Skills: Improving Self-Control](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-improving-self-control/) - Self-control is the executive function that helps kids with learning differences better control their brain and manage their impulses. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [How to Tackle Stigma](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/how-to-tackle-stigma/) - Understanding your child’s learning challenges is key to addressing and preventing the stigma they may be experiencing. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [ADHD: The Young Adult Years](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-the-young-adult-years/) - Hints, tips, and strategies to finding the right balance when parenting your young adult child with ADHD. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Managing E-Learning Distractions](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/managing-e-learning-distractions/) - Simple strategies to help kids avoid online distractions when they’re e-learning at home. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [LD Students vs. Trump's DOE Agenda](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/ld-students-vs-trumps-doe-agenda/) - How will the Trump administration’s policy changes to public education affect your child with learning disabilities? www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Dealing with Writing Struggles](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/dealing-with-writing-struggles/) - Understanding your child’s writing struggles can lead to appropriate interventions. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Is Co-Regulated Learning Right for My Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/is-co-regulated-learning-right-for-my-child/) - What is co-regulated learning, and could your child with learning challenges benefit from it? www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Navigating Dyslexia in School](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/navigating-dyslexia-in-school/) - For parents of children with dyslexia navigating the school system can be overwhelming. This information will help you get started. www.smartkidswithld.orgA Guide to Advocacy & Support
- [EF Skills: Flexibility & Problem Solving](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/ef-skills-flexibility-problem-solving/) - Use these strategies to help your child develop cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Adulting: The Power of Soft Skills](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/adulting-the-power-of-soft-skills/) - Ensure that your child is ready for an independent life beyond high school by focusing on developing soft skills from an early age. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Brain Training Myths Busted](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/brain-training-myths-busted/) - Our expert debunks common myths about neurofeedback, an increasingly popular support for kids with learning differences. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Must Read: <i>Parenting Dyslexia</i>](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/must-read-parenting-dyslexia/) - In Parenting Dyslexia, Dr. Lisa Rappaport provides an invaluable guide for families to help their kids with learning challenges achieve their full potential. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Navigating Parenting Differences](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/navigating-parenting-differences/) - Expert guidance for families navigating the unique challenges of raising kids with learning differences. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Beyond the Website: Why College Campus Visits Matter](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/beyond-the-website-why-college-campus-visits-matter/) - College visits are an invaluable part of the application process, providing so much more than what your child will find online. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Calming From the Inside Out: Tools for Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/calming-from-the-inside-out-tools-for-kids-with-ld/) - You can teach your kids to calm themselves and regulate their emotions with this set of simple exercises. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Helping ADHD Boys Make Friends](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/helping-adhd-boys-make-friends/) - An expert who specializes in boys with ADHD offers helpful strategies for sons who have trouble making and keeping friends. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Easy Fixes for Behavior Changes](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/easy-fixes-for-behavior-changes/) - Help your child avoid problematic behaviors with these few simple lifestyle changes. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Homeschooling Rosie](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/homeschooling-rosie/) - A single mom explains why she homeschools her daughter with LD and ADHD and shares her strategies for success. www.smartkidswithLD.org
- [How to Handle Competitive Parents](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/how-to-handle-competitive-parents/) - For parents of kids with learning challenges, we have advice for how to handle competitive parents. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [10 Tips to Ease Holiday Stress](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/10-tips-to-ease-holiday-stress/) - Kids with ADHD are easily overstimulated during the holidays. Here are some tips to ease the stress. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [How Do Private Evaluations Fit In?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/how-do-private-evaluations-fit-in/) - If you choose to use a private evaluation, our expert shares tips for getting it accepted by your child’s school. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Can I Fix My Son’s ‘Senioritis’?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/adhd-and-senioritis/) - A student coach shares strategies to help parents of kids with ADHD who are dealing with senioritis. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Surviving the Tween Years](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/surviving-the-tween-years/) - The so-called tween years are a period of tremendous growth and change.
- [Behavior Contracts to Empower Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/behavior-contracts-to-empower-kids/) - Expert advice on creating a behavior contract to empower your child. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Supporting Emotional Resilience at School](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/supporting-emotional-resilience-at-school/) - Building your child’s emotional resilience requires a partnership between home and school. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [When Your Child's Lid Flips](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/when-your-childs-lid-flips/) - Strategies for managing a stressed child whose emotions have overwhelmed their ability to reason. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [School Refusal & How You Can Help](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/school-refusal/) - Kids with learning difficulties may be uniquely susceptible to school refusal, which can adversely affect their learning and social-emotional well-being. wwwsmartkidswithld.org
- [3 Steps to Managing Impulsive Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/3-steps-to-managing-impulsive-kids/) - For kids with ADHD who struggle to control impulsive behavior, this simple 3-point strategy may be helpful. www.smartkidswithLD.org
- [AI: A Learning Partner for Kids Who Learn Differently](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/ai-a-learning-partner/) - An expert provides advice on the appropriate use of AI at all grade levels. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Social-Emotional Learning: What It Is & Why It Matters](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/social-emotional-learning-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters/) - Our renowned expert explains what social-emotional learning is and why it’s important to your child with learning and attention differences. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [ADHD and the Student-Athlete](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-and-the-student-athlete/) - Here’s how student-athletes with ADHD can apply what they learn on the field to improve their classroom performance. www.smartkidswithld.org.
- [Be An Emotion Coach](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/be-an-emotion-coach/) - Helping your child develop social-emotional skills begins with you. Here’s how to get started. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Academic Underachievement](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/academic-underachievement/) - Is your bright child under-performing in school? Should you even worry about it? I was one of those people who did well in school without too much effort. My parents made it clear that straight A’s were expected, and I willingly complied. It never occurred to me that my children might have trouble doing the
- [Include Your Child in the Evaluation Process](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/include-your-child-in-the-evaluation-process/) - The decision to have your child evaluated for learning disabilities or ADHD sets in motion a process that, at times, can feel all-encompassing. Finding the right professional, undergoing the actual evaluation, reviewing the results and recommendations, and meeting with school personnel is time-consuming, if not anxiety-producing. And what often gets lost in the hubbub is
- [Help For an Older Child with Reading Problems](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/help-for-an-older-child-with-reading-problems/) - When it comes to adolescents with reading difficulties, research shows that interventions should consist of the core elements listed below. These are the same interventions used with younger struggling readers, however they’re adjusted for age and experience. 1. Phonemic Awareness Phonemic awareness is the ability to blend and segment speech sounds (phonemes) in words. Reading
- [Finding a Reading Specialist](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/finding-reading-specialist/) - You’ve decided to retain a reading specialist. Perhaps your child has been struggling in school and you’re hoping to learn why. Maybe they've been identified as having a learning disability, and you want to ensure that they receive appropriate school supports. Or possibly you’ve simply decided to supplement their school supports privately to accelerate progress.
- [Build Emotional Resilience at Home](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/build-emotional-resilience-at-home/) - Building emotional resilience in children with learning differences will give them tools to navigate a world that isn't always designed for how their brains work. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [High-Tech Help for Writing](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/high-tech-help-for-writing/) - An array of solutions is available for students who struggle with all facets of writing, including spelling, letter formation, and organization. Portable word processors, spelling/grammar checkers, and sentence expansion software are commonplace. Word prediction software also is a powerful tool, providing increasingly refined “guesses” at words as additional letters are entered. (A limitation of this
- [Help Getting Organized](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/help-getting-organized/) - With so many technology options available, it’s best to first zero in on your child’s particular situation. The widely-used SETT model developed by Joy Zabala will help address that issue. SETT stands for Student (strengths/needs), Environment (school or home), Tasks (what the student needs to accomplish or participate in), and the Tools needed to accomplish
- [Help the School Help Your Child with NLD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/help-school-help-child-nld/) - The job of helping teachers and other school personnel understand Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) often falls to parents. It’s therefore important to educate yourself on how NLD manifests itself, so that you can better educate those your child relies on for help and support throughout the school day. How does NLD show up in school? The kind of processing
- [A Parent Becomes A Practitioner for Her Child with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/parent-becomes-practitioner-child-ld/) - Kari Bucholz noticed something different about her son, Haley. As a preschooler, he wasn’t interested in picture books and never climbed onto her lap asking his mom to read to him as her daughter had. In Kindergarten, his teacher said, “Your son is not picking up his ABCs like other children,” but she assured Bucholz
- [Managing Strong Emotions in Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/managing-strong-emotions-in-kids/) - Have you ever been so overwhelmed with an emotion that it felt all-consuming? If so, you know that when emotions take the reins, it’s impossible to focus on the situation at hand, process logical reasoning, and problem-solve. The crippling impact of overwhelming emotion is even stronger for children and adolescents because they are still developing
- [Anxiety: 3 Tips to Take Control](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/anxiety-3-tips-to-take-control/) - The function of anxiety is to help us stay one step ahead of fear. It does that by alerting us to a possible threat so we can plan for it before it rears its head. For example, anxiety about an upcoming test ideally may motivate a child to study for the exam. In fact, research
- [Sensory Strategies for Home](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/sensory-strategies-for-home/) - With much of the country still in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, many children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) are missing their in-clinic treatments. In some states, this is likely to continue into fall with school reopenings delayed or disrupted. Thankfully, parents can pick up the slack and help their kids with at-home sensory
- [Schoolwork at Home with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/schoolwork-at-home-with-adhd/) - For many children and teens with ADHD, getting work done at home is a struggle. They get frustrated, parents get frustrated, fighting ensues, and the result is not only incomplete work, but also a child who feels badly about himself and his academic potential. Over time, this can lead to disengagement from schoolwork, strain on
- [School Life: A Kid's Eye View](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/school-life-kids-eye-view/) - Smart Kids sat down with four students with learning differences to discuss how those differences impact their academic and social experiences at school. The students, ages 11 and 12 (whose names have been changed to protect their privacy), are in middle school. Here’s what they had to say, some of which may surprise you. General
- [Educating Your Child About LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/educating-child-learning-disabilities/) - As a parent, you must make sure that your child has the right information at the right time so that she can navigate her world with confidence. The same is true for information about learning disabilities. Parents often agonize about telling a child that she has learning disabilities. But can you imagine not telling your
- [Navigating the Leap to Third Grade](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/navigating-the-leap-to-third-grade/) - The step up to third grade can be particularly challenging for kids with learning difficulties. Understanding why will help you navigate the transition. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Accessing Support in College](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/accessing-support-in-college/) - A guide for college students with learning differences to access the support they need to succeed. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [George Church: Father of Genomics](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/george-church-father-of-genomics/) - How did you discover that you were dyslexic? The main thing I was bad at was timed reading because I’ve always read very slowly. Instead I focused on images in books through elementary school. Eventually, my mother earned her PhD in clinical psychology as I was becoming a teenager, and she tested me. What type
- [Shawn A.Robinson: Dr. Dyslexia Dude](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/shawn-a-robinson-dr-dyslexia-dude/) - What was school like for you in the early days when you didn't read yet? Looking back, I was angry, bitter, and not approachable, and these emotions were attached to not being able to read. Academically, I was lost and didn’t care about school, which led to inappropriate behavior. Not being able to read was psychologically
- [Sink or Swim? A Parent's Dilemma](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/sink-or-swim-a-parents-dilemma/) - When my son Eli was in his last year of high school, he was juggling a lot: six classes, homework, play rehearsal, his school’s Shakespeare troupe, college applications, and of course all the “stuff” that comes with being a senior. It was a lot to stay on top of. So one morning when he was
- [Raising Neurodiverse Children](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/raising-neurodiverse-children/) - Our expert offers practical steps parents can take to help build their neurodiverse child’s emotional intelligence. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Dig Deeper with A QEEG Evaluation](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/dig-deeper-with-a-qeeg-evaluation/) - A qEEG is a tool that can identify the root causes underlying a child’s learning and behavior challenges. www.smartkidswithld.org.
- [Executive Functioning: An Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/executive-function-overview-2/) - According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, “executive functioning skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.” In life and in school executive functioning (EF) skills allow us to set goals, establish plans to reach those goals and then carry
- [Healthy Friendships for LD Girls](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/healthy-friendships-ld-girls/) - As if being a girl in a boys’ world isn’t hard enough, how about being a girl with LD in a mean-girls’ world—a world without the sugar & spice, where girls are not so nice? For these girls, life can be challenging; unless social skills are specifically taught, they may find themselves struggling to have
- [ADHD: Teen Boys & Self-Control](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/adhd-teen-boys-self-control/) - Your teenage son with ADHD is hyper-focused on a task. On the tip of his tongue is the answer to a question he’s been pondering. Just then, his sister asks for a pencil, breaking his concentration. Feeling he’ll never have that answer again, he explodes in frustration, cursing and storming out of the room. It
- [College Search: Services vs. Needs](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/college-search-services-vs-needs/) - Selecting an appropriate college for students with learning disabilities is vital to success. Because students leave high school with different levels of preparedness and varying abilities, a continuum of support services has emerged. Some colleges offer extensive services, while others provide minimal support. To ensure a good match for your child with LD or ADHD,
- [When College Is Not the Next Step](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/when-college-is-not-the-next-step/) - College is just one of many paths to a successful career. Rick Fiery, co-founder of Inventive Labs, emphasizes that a traditional college track may not be the natural next step for your high schooler with ADHD. Instead he suggests moving away from the mindset that success equals college to help your teen unlock a world
- [A First Timer's Guide to Evaluation](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/first-timers-guide-evaluation/) - The purpose of the evaluation process is to identify your child’s specific learning strengths, needs, and concerns in order to make recommendations for an educational program suited to their unique learning profile. The process is essentially a problem-solving exercise that involves gathering information from various sources, including informal and formal observations, schoolwork and school records,
- [Students with LD: Strategies for College Success](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/students-ld-strategies-college-success/) - College freshmen often find themselves face to face with unexpected challenges. Not knowing how to navigate the system, coupled with the rapid pace of academics (a typical semester is 15 weeks) can cause even the best students to falter that first year. For students with learning disabilities, however, a few missteps at the beginning can
- [2E Kids: What's the Best School?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/2e-kids-whats-the-best-school/) - It is possible for students to be gifted and have a learning disability. This circumstance—being particularly advanced in some domains, while facing challenges in others—is called “twice exceptional,” or “2e” for short. Identifying this learning profile and finding the right school are important steps in paving the road for 2e students to succeed. For these
- [Is a Small Boarding School Right for Your Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/is-a-small-boarding-school-right-for-your-child/) - Schools with a student body of 200 or less are a distinct and vibrant subset in the boarding school world. When first hearing of this niche, parents sometimes wonder if the size of enrollment is too limiting for teens. What they often end up discovering is that the small scale of this environment translates into
- [Study Like A College Student](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/study-like-college-student/) - There’s more to effective studying than memorizing. While that may work in some lower level high-school classes, by the time you’re a junior or senior, your teachers are likely looking for higher level thinking as a way to help prepare you for your post-high school years. In college you’ll be expected to analyze material and
- [10 Tips for Back-to-School Prep](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/10-tips-for-back-to-school-prep/) - The first days of school can be a challenge as children adjust to a new school year. While many kids (and parents) eagerly anticipate all that a new beginning promises, many students with learning challenges find going back to school daunting. In either case, you can make sure the transition is as smooth as possible
- [Raising Problem Solvers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/raising-problem-solvers/) - The following article is excerpted from What’s the Deal with Teens and Time Management? by Leslie Josel, People Tested Books, Pennington, NJ, 2015. The hardest parenting lesson I had to learn was to stop telling my children what to do. That lesson took time and patience, neither of which I had in abundance, especially when
- [Learn Your Child's Learning Style](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/learn-childs-learning-style/) - The following article is excerpted from What’s the Deal with Teens and Time Management? by Leslie Josel, People Tested Books, Pennington, NJ, 2015. How we process information, organize our thoughts, and lay down that learning is called our “learning style,” and every individual learns in a slightly different way. Learning styles begin to crystallize during
- [Can You See Your Child's Future?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/can-you-see-your-childs-future/) - My son turns 21 today. Twenty-one! Do you mind if I just take a second to process that? Now, I’ve been through the whole “my-child-is-turning-21” thing when my lovely daughter did so four years ago. But there is something about Eli turning 21 that hits me in my core so deeply that when I truly
- [Worrying About Your Other Children](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/worrying-about-your-other-children/) - As a mother, I am a huge worrier. You would think I’m talking about my son—the one with the ADHD and Executive Dysfunction. However, that’s not the case. I am referring to my oldest daughter Madelyn. You know her type: the organized child who reminds YOU when it’s time to leave. She’s who I worry
- [Audio E-Book Options](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/audio-e-book-options/) - E-readers are not designed to read text but there are two major online libraries that have books with highlighted text and audio, and they would be available to your daughter if she has a documented language-learning disability. Bookshare.org has 480,000 free books which can easily be uploaded to an iPad, Android, iPhone and computer. The
- [Paying It Forward](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/paying-forward/) - I admit I struggled in school. I hid my inability to read because I didn’t understand why I couldn’t read. For years I listened to teachers tell me I was lazy and unmotivated, but the harder I tried to be a better student, the more I failed to learn. In elementary school I spent read-aloud
- [Jonathan Mooney: Still Telling It Like It Is](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/jonathan-mooney-still-telling-like/) - Jonathan Mooney, once labeled “severely learning disabled,” is a graduate of Brown University and recipient of a Truman Fellowship for graduate study in creative language and education. He has also co-authored two award-winning books: Learning Outside the Lines and The Short Bus, and is the co-founder of Project Eye to Eye, a mentoring and advocacy
- [Financial Aid for College Students with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/financial-aid-college-students-ld-2/) - Anyone who’s been paying attention to the news knows that college tuition is an ever-increasing hardship for many American families. Over the past decade, college expenses have increased faster than the rate of inflation—faster, even, than health-care costs! According to the College Board, the average annual cost for tuition, fees, and room and board is
- [Dr. Lisa Rappaport: Fulfilling A Dream](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/dr-lisa-rappaport-fulfilling-a-dream/) - Stupid is a word children use cavalierly. But when it’s flung at a struggling 16-year-old by the dean of a prestigious private school, it can be devastating. It was at that moment when Lisa Rappaport—on academic probation, with four tutors, a handful of torturous teachers, and a painful ulcer—saw her future. She decided that one
- [Students with LD: Preparing for the SAT or ACT](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/college-bound-students-ld-preparing-sat-act/) - For students with learning disabilities, college entrance exams are often daunting. Given the intimidation factor, as well as the different biases of the SAT and ACT, it is best to select just one test on which to focus. Taking the PSAT and PLAN (pre-ACT) tests can help students determine the test that best suits them.
- [Section 504 for College Students](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/section-504-for-college-students/) - If your teen with LD or ADHD received services in high school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), it is important to understand that upon entering college, IDEA no longer applies. The familiar IEP, and all the protection it provides, disappears when students cross the threshold to higher education. At the college level,
- [Are College Consultants Worth It?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/are-college-consultants-worth-it/) - Depending on where you live, hiring a private college consultant can cost $5,000 or more. While not an incidental sum, for parents of children with learning disabilities, that may be a worthwhile investment if the consultant is able to increase your child’s chances for a successful college experience. Given the high student-counselor ratio in most
- [Getting On—And Staying On—the College Track](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/getting-on-and-staying-on-the-college-track/) - Due to the unique challenges college presents, it’s wise for students with learning disabilities to prepare early—possibly as early as middle school—to maximize their chances for postsecondary success. By following the guidelines below, parents of college-bound students can help them feel more competent with the new demands they’ll encounter upon crossing the college threshold: Avoid
- [College Bound: SAT or ACT?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/sat-v-act-what-are-the-differences/) - Until a few years ago, most high-school seniors who were preparing for college took the SAT. The lesser-known ACT was limited mostly to students living in the Midwest. Today, however, the SAT and ACT are interchangeable. While colleges consider the exams equally useful in assessing potential candidates, the tests are worlds apart in style, allowing
- [COVID 19: What to Watch For](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/covid-19-what-to-watch-for/) - There is a lot of conversation lately about parents feeling frustrated with child behavior, but keep in mind that your kids have been experiencing the same kind of collective trauma that you’re experiencing. However, they don’t always have the tools or self-awareness to express what they are truly feeling inside, and these uncomfortable feelings can
- [Focus On the Positives](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/focus-on-the-positives/) - As parents, we tend to get hung up on our kids’ shortcomings. He can’t sit still. She whines when she wants something. He’s behind in school. She stays up past her bedtime. We constantly worry about the ways our children are not living up to our hopes for them. It’s exhausting, not only for us,
- ["I'll Study Later! Really!"](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/ill-study-later-really/) - Study. Why does this small word induce so much procrastination and paralysis? It is because most children and teens with ADHD don’t know how to study effectively. The study methods they’ve been taught don’t work for their ADHD brains; they learn differently, so it follows that they should study differently as well. Here are eight
- [Is My Child Twice Exceptional?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/is-my-child-twice-exceptional/) - I’m often asked by parents of bright children with LD and/or ADHD how they can tell if their child is “2e”, or twice exceptional, meaning intellectually gifted as well as learning disabled. To know for sure, your child needs a complete neuropsych evaluation—or, in your case, a reassessment. But if you suspect your child might
- [Fostering Resiliency at School](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/fostering-resiliency-at-school/) - Resiliency is the capacity to rebound successfully, adapt in the face of adversity, and develop social and academic competence despite exposure to stress. Resilient children possess important life skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and the ability to take the initiative. They have a sense of purpose and foresee a positive future for themselves.
- [Finding the Right Evaluator](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/finding-right-evaluator/) - The purpose of a psycho-educational evaluation is twofold: It is used to determine if a child has learning disabilities, and if so, how their particular disabilities can best be addressed. It is therefore critical to ensure that the person performing the evaluation is a qualified and experienced professional that can also work well with you,
- [Understanding OCD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/understanding-ocd/) - Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common neuropsychiatric condition that features a pattern of uncontrollable obsessions and/or compulsions that interfere with normal functioning and cause major distress. Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist specializing in treating ADHD and OCD, describes obsessions as recurring, unwelcome thoughts, impulses or images that “hijack” the mind and cause significant anxiety,
- [Walking in My Son’s ADHD Shoes](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/walking-in-my-sons-adhd-shoes/) - Living with me can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, since I understand the ADHD experience, and in particular, my son’s rhythms, strengths and difficulties, I pick my battles carefully. On the other hand, I look at EVERYTHING as a teaching moment. “What tool are you going to use to remind yourself to go
- [After the IEP Meeting](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/after-the-iep-meeting/) - Parents often leave their child's IEP meeting feeling as if they have selected the only options available, and that they have to make the best of what was offered. In fact, the IDEA actually intended the experience to be more like a buffet than a prix-fixe menu, with an array of choices and the right to go back
- [The Damaging Myth of Normalcy](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/damaging-myth-normalcy-2/) - LD activist Jonathan Mooney calls on personal experience to explain how kids with LD and ADHD come to believe they’re stupid. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [Transition Planning for College](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/transition-planning-for-college/) - For students with learning differences, the law recognizes that transition to adulthood may require specialized services to help them attain the skills and education they’ll need to succeed after high school. The IDEA requires that transition planning must begin, at the latest, for the year a student turns 16. The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for that year
- [LD & Asperger's: Key Differences?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/ld-aspergers-whats-difference/) - Children with learning disabilities and Asperger’s Syndrome sometimes share behaviors, which can be confusing to parents and other nonprofessionals. Below are some guidelines to help you distinguish between the two. But be aware that while we can offer some basic guidance, your child will be best served by seeing a professional who will work with
- [Find Your Child's Strengths and Interests](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/find-your-childs-strengths-and-interests/) - This is such an important question! The focus of practically every assessment and IEP is on a child’s weaknesses and how to treat his or her disabilities. This approach, known as the “medical model,” is based on the belief that disabilities are intrinsic to the individual, cause clear disadvantages, and managing them involves identifying the problems
- [NLD and Families](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/nld-and-families/) - Parents of children with NLD often struggle with feelings of isolation. Their kids are bright and verbal making their quirkiness, sensitivities, and apparently oppositional behavior that much more difficult to understand. As a result, these parents often feel ridiculed by others and blamed for their children’s special challenges. One mother I know was told by
- [Did We Make the Right Decision for Our Son with LD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/did-we-make-the-right-decision-for-our-son-with-ld/) - As I sit on the beach watching my children enjoy the freedom of summer, I think back to last year at this time. Derek had just finished a difficult school year, and our due process battle with the school district was just beginning. Now, just one year later, I see Derek in a different light.
- [Digital Literacy for Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/digital-literacy-kids-ld/) - Today’s students have come of age in an era of digital media. Yet proficiency with YouTube and Facebook does not necessarily mean that your child is digitally literate—that he has the technological skills to meet the digital demands required to succeed in school and life. What Is Digital Literacy? The American Library Association defines digital
- [How to Initiate an Evaluation](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/how-to-initiate-an-evaluation/) - Getting the process started can be as simple as having a conversation with a teacher or administrator in which you specifically request an evaluation for special education. If you make the request verbally, make sure you follow up with a written request. For example, a letter to the principal or your school district’s director of
- [Make Room for Talents & Interests](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/make-room-for-talents-interests/) - We’re getting to know more and more about the relationship between dyslexia—reading disabilities—and the wonderful abilities that children with dyslexia often have in other areas. Bright kids with learning disabilities generally have special talents in one of four areas: Performing arts, visual arts, science, and engineering and architecture. Sadly, these types of subjects are not
- [Improving Social Skillfulness](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/improving-social-skillfulness/) - A child with academic challenges but strong social skills will function more effectively and be more comfortable at school than a child lacking social skillfulness, who probably doesn’t have friends, might be teased, and feels they don’t fit in. This is a primary concern for parents of kids with NLD, ADHD, and other learning differences
- [The IEP: A Primer for Parents New to the Process](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/iep-primer-parents-new-process/) - As a parent of a child with LD or ADHD, it is your responsibility to partner with your child’s school in planning their education. In fact, the law empowers you to be a vital part of their special education process, making you an equal member of your child’s Individualized Education Planning (IEP) team. As such,
- [Progress Monitoring of Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/progress-monitoring-of-kids-with-ld/) - One purpose of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is to provide parents and teachers with a tool to monitor the progress of a student with learning disabilities. While progress is not guaranteed in an IEP, it is predicted. By law, an IEP looks forward and must be “reasonably calculated to confer an educational benefit” that is
- [IEP Meeting: 5 Rules for Success](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/iep-meeting-5-rules-for-success/) - Do you have a clear sense of your role in an IEP meeting? Do you have questions about what you should say? Not say? If you are like many parents, you don't realize that you have an essential role in developing your child's IEP. It's time to give this idea a closer look. First, you
- [Straight Talk About Medications for ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/straight-talk-about-medications-for-adhd/) - Determining if ADHD medications are appropriate for your child begins here with an overview of this important form of treatment. www.smartkidswithld.org
- [IEP Challenges: Smart with Behavior Issues](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/iep-challenges-smart-with-behavior-issues/) - Without more specific information, it is not clear what should be included in an IEP for your son. The first step, therefore, is to call for a team meeting to reach agreement on the information that is needed to provide the basis for an effective IEP. It is difficult to tell whether, in his speed and
- [Riding the ADHD Roller Coaster](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/riding-the-adhd-roller-coaster/) - Ask any parent of a child with ADHD and they’ll tell you that life often feels like a never-ending roller coaster ride. There are days when your child comes home from school demoralized, dejected, frustrated, or angry. They've had another bad day, which means you and the family are in for another stress-filled evening. They
- [Exercise: Good Medicine for ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/exercise-good-medicine-for-adhd/) - Dr. John J. Ratey, psychiatrist and world renowned authority on the effects of exercise on the brain, advises families of children with ADHD to think of exercise as medication for optimizing intellectual reasoning, increasing attention, and improving mood. For both inattentive and hyperactive ADHD, Ratey stresses that exercise sharpens focus, increases time on task, decreases
- [Finding the Perfect Career Path](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/finding-perfect-career-path/) - For many students with ADHD, the leap from high school to college can be formidable. Given your newly minted high-school grad’s executive function issues, she may not yet be ready (or able) to successfully manage a traditional college experience with limited structure and less parental oversight. Rick Fiery, co-founder of InventiveLabs, believes that with the
- [ADHD Myths: Setting the Record Straight](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-myths-setting-record-straight/) - When it comes to ADHD (and other learning challenges), misinformation often guides the interactions between those with the condition, and well-meaning friends, family, and school personnel. Below we’ve addressed many of the common misconceptions regarding ADHD and how it impacts the lives of those that have it. Myth: ADHD is not a true medical diagnosis.
- [School Discipline: Your Child's Rights](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/school-discipline-your-childs-rights/) - Students with IEPs and Section 504 plans are at higher risk for school discipline than their peers without learning differences. But when students with LD or ADHD get into trouble, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act offer them more protection from harsh school discipline than students without
- [Strategies for Parenting a Child with NLD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/strategies-for-parenting-a-child-with-nld/) - Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) are not just learning disabilities; the motor, sensory, and social issues associated with NLD affect life on every level. Children with NLD have difficulty combining information coming at them from different channels—visual, auditory, sensory—into a “big picture” that they can understand and use. For them, life is an endless series of curve
- [Ben Foss: Changing the Conversation About Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/ben-foss-changing-the-conversation-about-dyslexia/) - Ben Foss has a way with words. In fact, as a graduate student, Foss won the World Debating Championship, just two years after becoming the first American to win the British Isles Debating Championship. Foss’s facility with the spoken word belies the mountain of difficulties he has with the written word. That’s been his greatest
- [High Alert: It's A New School Year](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/high-alert-its-a-new-school-year/) - For students who learn differently, summer provides a respite from the social, emotional, behavioral, and learning issues that can make school challenging. But summer’s temporary lull can make returning to school even more difficult. Being vigilant can help prevent problems before they reach crisis proportions. First Things First Before the semester gets into full swing,
- [Glimpsing the Future: Life with Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/glimpsing-future-adult-life-dyslexia/) - As a professional in the field of learning disabilities, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is, “How long will it take for my child to catch up to everyone else and for his dyslexia no longer to be an issue?" My answer is always the same: Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their
- [Gifted & ADHD: A Fine Balance](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/gifted-adhd-a-fine-balance/) - My stomach tightened as I saw my handsome, accomplished senior enter the arena in his cap and gown, walking out of adolescence and into his future. I felt relief that he was in his place—along with the usual fear that he had forgotten something vital. But his tassel was attached, his saxophone was in its
- [To Spy or Not to Spy?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/tech-smarts/to-spy-or-not-to-spy/) - There are several reasons parents use to justify monitoring their child’s online activity, most of which come from the well-intentioned desire to protect their child from online abuse or misuse (cyberbullying, sexual predation, inappropriate content). That coupled with a growing market for parental surveillance products has made it easy for well-meaning parents to monitor their
- [ADHD: New Name; New Approach](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-new-name-new-approach/) - The name Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) makes many practitioners and researchers uncomfortable, including world-renowned ADHD authorities, Drs. Edward Hallowell and John J. Ratey. Both doctors have the condition and agree that the “D” for Deficit is inaccurate and insulting. They prefer to use Variable Attention Stimulus Trait (VAST), a more precise, constructive and less
- [Increasing the Odds of Success for Your Child with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/increasing-odds-success-child-adhd/) - Most parents of children with ADHD worry about their child’s potential for success. The truth is there are countless powerful, confident, high-achieving leaders who have managed to capitalize on behaviors associated with ADHD. Many Fortune 500 company founders, plus numerous artists, inventors, and athletes are leaders in their fields because of their ADHD—not despite it.
- [Self-Advocacy: Strategies for All Ages](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/self-advocacy-strategies-ages/) - Students who know how to self-advocate have an important skill that supports lifelong success, yet few children actually are taught how to understand their needs and communicate those needs to others. Following are some strategies to help your child acquire the skills that will serve her well as she goes through school and beyond. Start
- [Handling Disputes with the School](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/handling-disputes-school/) - When schools fail to provide the services parents believe their child needs, a due process hearing—a formal, contested, adversarial trial—is the ultimate route provided by law to resolve disputes. But litigation via due process is not the best way to resolve disputes. Special education due process cases are similar to medical malpractice cases or bitterly
- [Fundamentals of an AT Evaluation](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/fundamentals-evaluation/) - Students with learning disabilities have benefited tremendously from the technology boom of the past few decades. As Assistive Technology continues to evolve, students are utilizing it in new and different ways to help even the playing field. To figure out how technology can best help your child, you must begin with an AT evaluation. An AT
- [Anxiety in the Age of Gun Violence](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/anxiety-in-the-age-of-gun-violence/) - When mass shootings and random gun violence dominate headlines, it’s not surprising for kids (and parents) to become nervous about their safety at school and other public places. But it’s challenging to allay your child’s fears when we’re anxious as well. The first and most important point is that you need to talk about this
- [Get SETT to Help AT Users](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/get-sett-to-help-at-users/) - By definition, assistive technology (AT) spans a continuum of technological devices from simple low-tech items to complex electronics—all of them designed to help level the playing field for kids with learning and other disabilities. But none of them have value if your child won’t use them. Students with LD who are entitled to AT and
- [A New School Year Like None Other](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/a-new-school-year-like-none-other/) - For students who learn differently, summer usually provides a respite from the social, emotional, behavioral, and learning issues that can make school challenging. Ideally, come fall, these kids are refreshed and ready to start anew. That’s not the case this year. The uncertainties and disruptions from managing pandemic life for the past several months have
- [Putting the AT Plan Into Action](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/implementation-plan/) - The assistive technology (AT) evaluation has been completed, the report has been reviewed by the IEP team, and some or all of the recommendations have been accepted. It’s now time to implement the recommendations everyone has signed off on. While this may seem like the easy part, it’s not. In fact AT often fails due to
- [Assistive Technology: An Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/assistive-technology-an-overview/) - There is a perception on the part of some that Assistive Technology (AT) may undermine a student’s ability and desire to perform independently. In fact, just the opposite is true. By definition, students with learning disabilities have a gap between their potential, and their functional knowledge and performance. In order to prevent that gap from
- [iPad: Powerhouse in the Classroom](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/ipad-a-powerhouse-in-the-classroom/) - The Apple iPad (and the host of other tablets that followed in its wake) has changed the world of technology, including the world of Assistive Technology (AT). With its intuitive interface, long battery life, instant access to learning apps, small, portable size, and big cool factor, this readily available, relatively inexpensive little machine has become
- [Aja Capel: Different Is Amazing](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/aja-capel-different-is-amazing/) - James Baldwin once said “a journey is called a journey because you cannot know what you will discover on the journey, what you will do with what you find, or what you find will do to you.” On my fantastic journey I found me and my voice. I am a different thinker. I have what
- [Are SLD and Dyslexia the Same Diagnosis?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/sld-dyslexia-diagnosis/) - The IDEA defines Specific Learning Disability as “a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations.” A child who is diagnosed with a Specific
- [Your Right to Parental Involvement](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/your-right-to-parental-involvement/) - Parent participation in the educational decision-making process for a child with LD is a fundamental principle of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The law is specific about this point, and includes a number of safeguards to ensure that school systems involve parents at every stage of the process, including placement, transition planning, and,
- [New School Year: Meet the Teacher](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/new-school-year-meet-the-teacher/) - Some years your child will have a teacher who is a perfect match for his or her learning needs. Other years, the match might not be as good. As a parent, your job is to forge a positive working relationship with every teacher your child has. This encourages teachers and school administrators to recognize and
- [Raising Teen Boys with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/raising-teen-boys-with-adhd/) - The journey from adolescence to independence can be a long and bumpy road for teen boys: they’re dealing with rapidly changing bodies, emerging feelings of sexuality, and establishing a sense of self-worth while managing increased academic demands and complex social interactions. That’s a lot for any adolescent, but when ADHD is added to the mix,
- [Is This Behavior Related to ADHD or OCD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/is-this-behavior-related-to-adhd-or-ocd/) - The OCD spectrum includes a number of related disorders, including hoarding, specific body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB), Tourette’s Syndrome (impulsive vocal utterances or motor tics); and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD, obsessive preoccupations with perceived flaws in body image leading to repetitive and ritualistic grooming or checking behaviors). Typically, the behaviors associated with these disorders are assumed
- [DBT May Help Regulate Emotions](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/dbt-may-help-regulate-emotions/) - Fifteen-year-old Thomas was diagnosed with ADHD, learning disabilities, and depression. Despite participating in mental health treatment programs, his level of depression increased, and he grew more impulsive and defiant. His relationship with his family became fraught with conflict, anger, and misunderstandings. As he continued to struggle, he began to shut down and withdraw from his
- [School Suspension for ADHD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/school-suspension-for-adhd/) - Students with learning and attention disorders appear to be in the midst of a school-suspension epidemic. According to a 2017 report from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, students with learning differences are more than twice as likely as their peers to be suspended or expelled because of social, emotional, or behavioral problems. The NCLD
- [Dr. Amen's 7 Types of ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/7-types-adhd/) - ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis, and no one knows that better than Dr. Daniel G. Amen. Amen, a psychiatrist and brain imaging specialist, has been studying ADHD for more than two decades, and what he’s learned is challenging conventional wisdom about the condition that affects 5 to10% of the population. Some describe his findings
- [Central Auditory Processing Disorder: An Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/central-auditory-processing-disorder-an-overview/) - The American Speech and Hearing Association defines Central Auditory Processing as the efficiency and effectiveness with which the central nervous system uses auditory information. In other words, it’s what the brain does with what the ears hear. A Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD, also referred to as Auditory Processing Disorder or APD) occurs when the
- [The Power of Positive Communication](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/the-power-of-positive-communication/) - It’s important for parents of children with LD and ADHD to help their kids live independent and responsible lives. However, even the most well-intentioned parents often struggle with how to help their child become self-reliant. Below are guidelines to encourage your child to move from a “can’t-do” attitude to a “can-do” attitude. Principles to Encourage
- [FERPA: The Right to Review Records](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/ferpa-right-review-records/) - The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), often called the Buckley Amendment, is a federal law enacted in 1984. It gives all parents of students under 18 years of age and all students over 18 years of age the right to see, correct, and control access to student records. Any school that receives federal
- [Functional Behavioral Assessment: Diagnosing Behavior Problems](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/functional-behavioral-assessment-diagnosing-behavior-problems/) - Some children with learning disabilities have problems controlling their behavior. They may be overly anxious or depressed, throw tantrums or scream, exhibit vocal “tics,” or engage in self-injury (e.g. head banging). Such behaviors may cause serious problems in school and interfere with the child’s ability to succeed in other settings. The first step in addressing
- [Stress and the LD Puzzle](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/stress-ld-puzzle/) - Children today experience a considerable amount of stress. Their lives are full and fast-paced. Adults often have unrealistic expectations: performance is emphasized over process, and a lack of respect is shown for cooperative learning and alternative ways of demonstrating competence. In a culture where “more is better,” kids take more tests, write more essays, enroll
- [RTI: A Tool for Early Identification of LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/rti-a-tool-for-early-identification-of-ld/) - Response to Intervention (RTI) is an assessment tool aimed at early identification of children with learning issues. Based on the notion that students who receive intensive, effective interventions at the earliest point possible are most likely to succeed, RTI is being heralded as a potential game-changer for Special Ed. Before RTI, children with learning disabilities
- [From Evaluation to IEP](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/from-evaluation-to-iep/) - Understanding the results of your child’s LD evaluation provides you with the information you need to create meaningful goals and objectives—the basis upon which her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is built. Based on the evaluation results, advocate for annual goals and short-term objectives that address the underlying issues affecting her performance. Goals and objectives should aim to
- [Beyond Medication: Evidence-Based ADHD Care](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/beyond-medication-evidence-based-adhd-care/) - ADHD is a condition that is often managed safely and effectively with prescription medications. But for a segment of the ADHD population, drugs are not the answer. Some people don’t respond to them at all; others suffer adverse side effects; and some parents refuse to have medication prescribed for their children. In addition, even kids
- [ADHD: Who Can Make the Diagnosis?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-can-make-diagnosis/) - You’re concerned about your child. The warning signs are there, but you don’t know what they mean. You just know something isn’t right. Your child is four or seven or twelve. She’s in her own world; can’t get going in the morning; doesn’t complete assignments because she’s “daydreaming.” At school, he’s not able to sit
- [Summertime: Exploring Interests](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/summertime-exploring-interests/) - Summer is upon us raising the age-old question of what your child should/could do with two to three months of free time. For many the school year is jam-packed with activities. Even though we worry our children are over-scheduled, we don’t want them to miss out on any important activity, be it sports, music lessons,
- [Understanding Your Teen](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/understanding-your-teen/) - Adolescence is a time of change and growth coupled with uncertainty and insecurity. As parents, it’s important to understand how adolescents think and how best to respond in order to help your teenager—and yourself—get through this tumultuous passage successfully. Studies show that the decision-making centers of the brain are not yet fully developed in adolescence.
- [Talking About Sex](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/talking-about-sex/) - When my teenage son was six years old, he asked me how babies get out of their mother’s belly. My three-year-old was also there at the time, and I was proud of my answer. “When you were ready to be born, we went to the hospital and the doctor took you out.” That, I was
- [Dysgraphia: An Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia-an-overview/) - Children with dysgraphia struggle to write, often causing them to experience emotional stress and anxiety. Because they have good verbal skills, parents and teachers expect them to write at the same level as they speak; when they don’t, they may be mistakenly thought of as lacking motivation or careless. Dysgraphia can occur alone, or in
- [Dear Camp Director...](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/dear-camp-director/) - Dear Camp Director, Thank you for taking the time to talk with me back in December about my children, especially my older son Jeffrey, who will be attending your camp this summer. Jeffrey is a wonderful child, and I wanted to give you some more information about him and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) to help
- [Leaving Special Ed Behind](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/leaving-special-ed-behind/) - It was one of the proudest yet most nerve-wracking moments of my life when my eighth-grader was declassified from Special Education. Though I knew my son was ready, it was still hard to leave behind the occupational therapy and resource-room help that had been his lifeline. But by using self-advocacy skills and retaining important accommodations,
- [What Is "Prior Written Notice"?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/prior-written-notice/) - Prior Written Notice is an element of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that protects children with learning and other disabilities. Under IDEA, parents of children with LD are entitled to notification—Prior Written Notice (PWN)—any time the school district adds, changes, or refuses educational services for their child. In addition, PWN
- [Managing the Online Workload](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/managing-the-online-workload/) - So many students today are feeling overwhelmed by the volume of work assigned through online learning. I am hearing similar questions from many parents in our www.orderoochaos.com community. Most of my students get easily overwhelmed by the volume of work they are assigned…especially all at the same time. Truthfully, it doesn’t matter if the homework is
- [Manage WFH & Corona-Schooling](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/manage-wfh-corona-schooling/) - I have been inundated with questions like this as we all try to navigate working from home while also overseeing our kids’ homeschooling. Before I dive into tips and tools, please give yourself some grace. In these crazy times, we are not striving for perfection — just connection! In all my years of parenting my
- [Handling IEP Disagreements](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/handling-iep-disagreements/) - If your child's team presents you with an IEP that is not appropriate for your child, speak up. Be polite but firm, letting them know that you don’t think the IEP provides your child with enough help or the right kind of help. If the program suggested is a continuation of her previous IEP, cite
- [Turning "I Can't" into "I Can"](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/turning-i-cant-into-i-can/) - Despite what we like to think about how growth and development occur, what we know is that it is rarely a linear process. To figure out how to adjust your child’s homework and projects to his ability, ask these questions: 1. How much help should I provide? This needs to be asked every day, because
- [Surviving the Teen Years](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/surviving-the-teen-years/) - Sometimes it seems as if teenagers are in a constant state of crisis, often pulling parents into their drama. But as parents, it’s your job not to get caught up in their drama, but rather to empower them to handle their problems effectively. Below are concrete ways to help your teen turn crisis into opportunity—and
- [IEP Meeting: Managing Conflict](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/iep-meeting-managing-conflict/) - It’s not unusual for differences to arise when dealing with issues related to your child’s Individual Education Program (IEP). Yet many people are uncomfortable with conflict; when faced with it, they either back down, or become overly aggressive. When that happens, the result is likely to be a meeting “gone bad”—one in which voices are
- [A Child's Right to a Parapro](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/a-childs-right-to-a-parapro/) - Students who receive special education services and have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) are protected by a federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). I encourage you to read the law and learn as much as you can about your rights. Under IDEA 2004, students receiving special education services are
- [Is Social Media Harming Your Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/tech-smarts/is-social-media-harming-your-child/) - A whopping 22 million teens in the U.S. log on to the photo sharing app Instagram each day. If you follow the news, you’re likely aware that internal research by Facebook (Instagram’s parent company) found that Instagram is associated with damaging effects on the mental health of teen users, too often exacerbating depression, anxiety, eating
- [Is it Ok to Postpone a Reevaluation?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/is-it-ok-to-postpone-a-reevaluation/) - This is an excellent question, and not just for parents of children with dyslexia, but for any parent with a child in special education. A complete reevaluation for a student with dyslexia should include at least both intelligence/cognitive testing and academic achievement testing. Plus, at your child's age, a reevaluation should also include working memory,
- [Social Skills Building Blocks](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/6-building-blocks-of-social-competency/) - Children are less likely to be happy and successful if they struggle with the social skills necessary to make friends and manage relationships. Below are six building blocks of social competency, along with simple teaching strategies drawn from everyday life. For the best results, introduce them to your child in the order they appear here. 1.
- [PCIT: Can It Work for Your Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/pcit-can-it-work-for-your-child/) - The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that doctors prescribe behavioral interventions (parent training) as the first line of treatment for children under age 6 with ADHD. In a 2010 Treatment Study, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) was found to be one of the top parent training programs available today to help reduce the symptoms and problem
- [College 101: Freshman Smarts](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/college-101-freshman-smarts/) - As exciting as going off to college is, freshman year can also be challenging—especially for students with learning disabilities who have relied on school and parental support to help them navigate K-12. By taking time before summer ends to strategize on ways to avoid some of the common pitfalls, you’ll be ahead of the game
- [Is It ADHD, OCD, or Both?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/is-it-adhd-ocd-or-both/) - Most people think of ADHD and OCD as polar opposites on a spectrum. Typically, kids with ADHD are impulsive, spontaneous, disorganized, easily distracted, and oblivious to social cues. Those with OCD are overly cautious, focused and attentive planners who think before they act and are sensitive to social innuendos. Research shows that ADHD and OCD
- [Parents Beware: Red-Flags for LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/parents-beware-red-flags-for-ld/) - Public schools are required by law to identify and address learning and behavioral issues that interfere with a child’s ability to learn. Private, religious, independent, and home schools are not held to the same standard. However, in recent years, some private and religious schools have increased the support and accommodations they are willing to offer
- [Advocacy 101: What Do Advocates Do?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/advocacy-101-what-do-advocates-do/) - Advocacy is not a mysterious process. Following is an overview of what advocates do. Gather Information Advocates gather facts and information. As they gather information and organize documents, they learn about the child’s disability and educational history. Advocates use facts and independent documentation to resolve disagreements and disputes with the school. Learn the Rules of
- [Treating Boys with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/treating-boys-with-adhd/) - Your son is seven—or 10—or 15. He has ADHD and related issues. His social, emotional, and executive functions have not developed intuitively. He has difficulty relating to others, never quite understanding their thoughts, feelings, sense of humor, or intentions. He doesn’t realize how he comes across to others. Getting the “bigger picture” is hard for
- [John Muir Laws: Nature Freak](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/john-muir-laws-nature-freak/) - John Muir Laws is a naturalist and an environmental educator in California, Wyoming and Alaska. He is also a research associate for the California Academy of Science, a scientific illustrator and an author of several nature books, including Sierra Birds: A Hiker’s Guide, and his latest, The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds. Amazingly, Laws is
- [Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Children Learn If They Can](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/oppositional-defiant-disorder-children-learn-can/) - “If there is one thing I want you to take away today,” Dr. Ross Greene tells an audience he is addressing, “it is this: Children learn if they can. If they can’t learn, we need to figure out why.” Few people are more qualified than Greene to draw that conclusion. An Associate Clinical Professor in
- [The Black and White World of the NLD Child](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/black-white-world-nld-child/) - Middle school can be tough. You’re either cool or you’re not; popular or dorky; in or out. Some kids make the cut, while others choose not to play the game. But for many children with NLD who cannot read social cues or interpret nonverbal nuances, the chance to compete is not even an option. By virtue
- [Social Emotional Skill Building](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/social-emotional-skill-building/) - The effects of the yearlong pandemic on children have been well-documented. In addition to the academic toll, the social-emotional fallout has been significant with many kids becoming more anxious, isolated, and resistant to connecting with peers as time goes on. Pre-COVID, you might have jumped in with sound social advice, but now your kids are
- [Why College Is Daunting for LD Students](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/why-college-is-daunting-for-ld-students/) - The college graduation rate for students with LD is about half that of the general population (28% versus 56% of students that start college). According to the Institute for Higher Education Policy, this poor showing is largely due to education missteps that begin in elementary school and continue through high school. From kindergarten through grade
- [Helping A Child with Anxiety](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/helping-child-anxiety-disorder/) - Anxiety disorders are the most common mental, emotional, and behavioral problems among young people. Approximately 13% of children ages 9 to 17 experience some kind of anxiety disorder. Not surprisingly, research shows that those who have learning disabilities and face daily frustrations, failures, and embarrassment at school are more likely to worry excessively about academic
- [Making Music Benefits the LD Brain](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/making-music-benefits-the-ld-brain/) - “The brain that engages in music is changed by engaging in music,” says music therapist Michael Thaut, Ph.D. Listening to music involves the brain in many positive ways, but playing an instrument or singing stimulates almost the entire brain at once. Certain fundamental changes to the structure and function of the brain occur only through
- [Looking Back at the Year](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/looking-back-year/) - As the school year comes to a close I hear a lot of parents taking a moment to look back and acknowledge their child’s growth and progress. As a parent of a child with learning disabilities, I realize I rarely take the opportunity to do this. With all the challenges associated with educating our son
- [Solving the Dyslexia Paradox](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/solving-the-dyslexia-paradox/) - The development of basic reading skills is one of the primary goals of elementary school, yet many students are not meeting that goal. According to the 2019 Nation’s Report Card (results from the largest nationally representative continuing assessment of educational performance) a shocking 64 percent of fourth-graders are reading below grade level. One cause of
- [This Year Will Be Better!](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/this-year-will-be-better/) - While some kids love being back to school after summer break, others find it challenging. For kids with LD and ADHD, getting back into the swing of things often means reliving some of their worst moments—rude classmates, poor grades, social exclusion, cafeteria taunts, struggling to keep up, etc. They start the new year worrying: “I
- [How to Build Your Child's Strengths](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/build-childs-strengths/) - For kids with learning disabilities, being forced into a strict academic protocol often stifles motivation; in contrast encouraging them to follow their interests is likely to have the opposite effect, and can help them to become active learners. The student who barely pays attention in a traditional classroom may work for eight hours straight on
- [Evan Paul: Game Boy](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/evan-paul-game-boy/) - At age 15 Evan Paul founded eGamePlace, a global online video game-trading business that earned him a top spot in the burgeoning world of electronic games. Today, at the ripe old age of 23, the young visionary is a seasoned entrepreneur with yet another startup under his belt: In 2011, with two partners, Paul started
- [NLD: Unmet Learning Challenges](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/nld-unmet-learning-challenges/) - Most students with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) are bright. They often do well in school, especially on tasks involving facts and logic. However, many of these students experience learning challenges, frequently in language skills. Following are examples of language learning challenges students with NLD may face: Difficulty with higher-level language skills such as figurative, ambiguous,
- [Collaboration Is Not “Enabling”](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/collaboration-is-not-enabling/) - I frequently encounter two types of children: children who feel ashamed because they get bad grades and children who feel ashamed because they need a lot of assistance from their parents to complete their homework. Neither needs to be true. Receiving assistance is the basis of a strong, healthy, collaborative relationship between a parent and
- [John Hoke: Nike's Design Leader](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/john-hoke-nikes-design-leader/) - How would you describe dyslexia to those who are not dyslexic? I believe that dyslexia is a gift. Dyslexics have a different way of seeing, perceiving, and experiencing language, mathematics, and learning. Dyslexia provides a lens for deeper perception, which I think is a strength. It’s just a way of viewing the world that is
- [Siblings: The Lifelong Bond](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/siblings-the-lifelong-bond/) - You, as brothers and sisters of an individual with special needs grow up seeing that not all people have an easy path in life and that some must struggle on a daily basis, often without positive results. You may feel anger at times, resentment, jealousy, or even guilt, and that is all completely normal; but
- [Does Your Child Have Grit?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/does-your-child-have-grit/) - The self-esteem movement of the 1980s had a tremendous impact on how the millennial generation was raised. Believing that high self-esteem led to positive social, emotional, and mental health, parents and educators bubble-wrapped their children, shielding them from stress, adversity, risk-taking, and anything else that might hamper their burgeoning self-confidence. While we are all invested
- [Dyscalculia: An Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia-an-overview/) - Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that impacts the ability to perform and make sense of mathematics. A life-long developmental disorder present from birth, dyscalculia is much more than a dislike of math: it is a difference in how the brain processes math. While many children may find math demanding or boring, for those with
- [Aja Capel: Teen with a Mission](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/aja-capel-teen-with-a-mission/) - Smart Kids: In talking about your learning challenges you coined the term “diffabilities.” What exactly does that mean? Aja Capel: As far as I’m concerned I do not have learning disabilities. “Dis” means lacking or without; therefore learning disabilities would mean we are lacking ability, without ability, and that definitely does not describe me. I
- [Managing Anxiety in College](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/managing-anxiety-college/) - Moving from high school to college is one of the most significant transitions in a student’s life. Unlike high schools, colleges expect students to be self-aware, understand and identify their needs, and seek support as necessary. Yet as freshmen, many students have not yet developed organizational and time management skills, and/or skills related to daily
- [Anxiety, Depression & LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/anxiety-depression-ld/) - Anxiety and depression are feelings that everyone experiences at various times in their life. Concerns arise however, when those feelings persist for weeks or months and interfere with routine functioning. Anxiety and depression—which often go hand-in-hand—may start off in one situation and gradually bleed into other aspects of life. For a child, it’s time to
- [Dyspraxia and DCD: An Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/dyspraxia-dcd-overview/) - Dyspraxia and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are neurological disorders impacting up to 10% of the population. With DCD, dexterity and coordination (fine and gross motor development) are impaired. With Dyspraxia there may be additional concerns including problems with eye movement (ocular motor), memory, judgment, processing and function, sensory issues, and language and/or speech. As of
- [Striving for Diving](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/striving-for-diving/) - Five years ago, I would’ve never thought of myself as a “smart kid.” Since first grade, I’ve struggled with reading. Throughout elementary and middle school, I worked with resource teachers and private tutors. At first it wasn’t that bad because I was also pulled out for enriched math which boosted my self-esteem. But that changed
- [NLD: Misinterpreting Voice Tone](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/nld-misinterpreting-voice-tone/) - A characteristic of NLD is the inability to pick up on nonverbal cues. Most often the focus (and intervention) is on cues having to do with facial expressions, body language, and gestures. What many don’t realize is that tone of voice is also a nonverbal cue that is often misinterpreted by children with NLD. I’ve worked
- [NLD, Social Rules,  & Choices](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/nld-social-rules-choices/) - One of the hallmarks of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) is difficulty with social rules. People with NLD don’t automatically get the social conventions that their non-NLD peers seem to absorb without even trying. People with NLD are usually smart and advanced in their areas of interest. But they also tend to be logical and inflexible
- [Hooked on Digital Devices](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/hooked-on-digital-devices/) - Kids are fascinated with screen devices and the rich array of digital platforms available. But when it comes to kids with ADHD and learning challenges, smartphones, iPads, and screen-based activities have a particularly strong hold. With excessive use, kids may become unable to control their actions, and an entertaining diversion may slip into a behavioral
- [Promote Social Skills: Step Away From the Screen](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/promote-social-skills-step-away-screen/) - With only so many hours in a day, too much screen time can inhibit the essential face-to-face time your child needs to develop the social/emotional competence necessary to navigate successfully at school, at home, and in the community. Why is this important? With enhanced social/emotional competence comes improved self-esteem, self-confidence, patience, persistence, empathy, conflict resolution,
- [The Stigmatized Child](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/the-stigmatized-child/) - The dictionary defines stigma as “a mark of shame or discredit; a stain or reproach, as on one’s reputation,” and “a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.” Few parents would use the words “shame or discredit; a stain or reproach” when describing their child’s
- [Siblings: A Mother's Advice](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/siblings-a-mothers-advice/) - Now that both my children are independent adults, and after years of being immersed in these issues as both parent and advocate, I feel confident in offering a little advice when it comes to sibling and family issues. Acknowledge the Problem The first step in alleviating or overcoming a problem is to acknowledge the problem
- [Private Schools and IDEA](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/private-schools-and-idea/) - If you have a child in private school—including religious school—and you suspect he may have learning disabilities, it is critically important that you understand how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) applies to your child’s situation. The IDEA draws a distinction between students placed in private schools prior to being found eligible for special education
- [No Apologies, No Excuses](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/apologies-excuses/) - One and a half weeks into my kindergarten year, I informed my mother that, according to my teacher, “I had failed seven times, once every day” for misbehaving in her class. Two years later, at the age of seven, I was diagnosed with ADHD (link to ADHD Overview). Being told I had ADHD was a
- [Your Child: A Day in His Life](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/child-day-life/) - If there’s one thing that parents of kids with LD know, it’s that there are no quick fixes for their child’s learning struggles. But understanding the difficulties your child faces daily is the first step toward successfully addressing them. Real-World Challenges Language issues Kids with language learning disorders often have difficulty making themselves understood and/or understanding
- [Performance Anxiety: High Schoolers Under Pressure](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/performance-anxiety-high-schoolers-pressure/) - With social and academic challenges abounding, high school is a stressful time for many teens. We recently explored that issue with a panel of students from a suburban high school in the Northeast. Participants included boys and girls from all four grades and represented a cross-section of the student body: athletes, super-achievers, creative thinkers, and
- [Life Skills That Make a Difference](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/life-skills-make-difference-kids-ld-adhd/) - As parents of children with LD or ADHD, we often focus on their academic challenges. Research shows, however, that how children use information to solve real-life problems, manage their daily lives, and what type of learner they are may be better indicators of success than their cognitive skills. Grades and SAT scores may impact a
- [Summer Camp Guidelines for Kids with LD & ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/summer-camp-guidelines-for-kids-with-ld-adhd/) - Summer camp won’t change your child’s character (or address his learning challenges), but the right setting may give him enough self-esteem to approach the school year feeling capable and confident. Spending a summer engaged in activities that counter the low self-image students with LD often develop are likely to pay dividends beyond the summer months. The key is to find
- [5 Keys to Help Kids Achieve Success](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/5-keys-to-help-kids-achieve-success/) - How do adults get kids with LD and ADHD to love life and feel optimistic about their future? Dr. Edward Hallowell may have the answer. Hallowell, a leading expert on ADHD and co-author of Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction, offers a five-step plan for promoting successful learning and lifelong joy that parents, teachers,
- [8 Ways to Deal with Hurtful Cliques](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/8-ways-deal-hurtful-cliques/) - Has your child ever been excluded or mistreated because he was different from the powerful insiders at school? If so, he’s not alone. Research shows that highly creative students with learning differences are far more likely to be excluded or teased than other students. As if being singled out isn’t bad enough, the majority of
- [The Gift of Failure](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/gift-failure/) - “Almost everyone experiences failure at some point in their life….How a person handles failure is the key to future success. If it devastates the person and renders him/her immobile it could have a long lasting negative impact; if, on the other hand, it is viewed as a learning experience or an obstacle, it can be
- [Strategies for Raising Independent Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/strategies-raising-independent-kids/) - New parents watch with delight as their infant moves from helplessness to agility, applauding each and every accomplishment along the way. Yet somewhere between delivery and daycare, parents often lose their enthusiasm for their child’s burgeoning independence. Convinced that only they can plot the course, they begin to smother their child’s natural inclination toward autonomy.
- [Kids with ADHD: Finding the Leader Within](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/kids-adhd-natural-born-leaders/) - As parents of children with ADHD we know our kids have the potential to become future leaders, but that birthright has been diminished by a dominant culture that sees only their “disorder.” These natural born-leaders deserve to have their potential recognized and honed. So what can we do as parents to facilitate that prospect? As
- [Accommodations & College Acceptance](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/accommodations-college-acceptance/) - Most colleges are knowledgeable about learning differences and the accommodations required by certain students. When a child applies to college and has taken the SAT with extended time or another accommodation, the school will most likely want to see a long history of a documented learning difference. If a student can show that he was
- ["LD" Label: Pros & Cons](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/ld-label-pros-cons/) - Having a child diagnosed can bring tremendous relief to both parents and child. All of you finally have an answer as to why she’s been struggling. In addition, the diagnostic process should provide you with a better understanding of her strengths and weaknesses as well as the type of remediation and accommodations she needs to
- [The Damaging Myth of Normalcy](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/damaging-myth-normalcy/) - By the time I was in second grade I thought I was stupid and crazy. Why? Because that’s what I was taught. Those are not thoughts I would have come to on my own. Think about it. We all know some awesome little nutty red-headed kid who was completely happy until he went off to
- [Allison Quirion: The Accidental Community Organizer](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/share-your-story/allison-quirion-decoding-dyslexia/) - A lot can change in a year! As a parent of a child with dyslexia, I felt alone in the “dyslexic jungle.” Like many parents of children with learning disabilities, I was looking for answers on how to support my child, while at the same time looking for systemic change for all students with dyslexia
- [Dealing with Math Anxiety](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/dealing-with-math-anxiety/) - Math anxiety occurs when doing math activates the brain regions associated with fear and coping with negative emotions. The anxiety consumes a child’s ability to process information, as well as her working memory resources, and leads to poor performance. Math anxiety is quite prevalent among students: a child worries that math class will be difficult;
- [Academic Planner: Must-Have Tool for College](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/academic-planner-must-have-tool-for-college/) - For college students that struggle with organization and time-management, the academic planner is an indispensable tool. Why? Because planning and preparation are the keys to college success. Many professors give long-term assignments such as papers, projects, and presentations. Even an exam is considered long-term since most tests generally cover multiple weeks’ worth of information. Advanced
- [Keys to College Success](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/keys-college-success/) - For students with LD, success in college can be elusive. Studies show that college students with LD achieve lower grades, fail more classes, and graduate at significantly lower rates than their non-LD peers. While various factors contribute to their challenges, lack of intelligence is not one of them: By definition, students with LD have at
- [Learning to Manage Time Better](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/learning-manage-time-better/) - In order to be successful at time management, your child must know how long it takes to get things done. Having a time sense will help him establish routines, set limits, and learn to prioritize. When I first start working with a student, I gauge their time sense by asking them how long they think
- [Taming the Homework Monster](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/taming-homework-monster/) - Anyone with children knows that homework never ends! While many students consider it the toughest part of the school day, homework also can be a painful aspect of parenting—especially for those whose children have learning difficulties. However, that need not be the case. When homework is a collaborative effort between home and school, with parents
- [Time Management 101](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/time-management-101-for-kids-with-ld-adhd/) - Many children with LD and ADHD have difficulty managing their time, especially as they reach adolescence when more is required of them socially and academically. It’s important to empower your child with the skills necessary to manage and organize herself. Doing so will give her a sense of self-control, which in turn will foster independence. Start
- [Bullying: Kids with LD Are Easy Targets](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/bullying-kids-with-ld-are-easy-targets/) - School bullying is a widespread problem throughout the United States. Research shows that more than 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year; 17% of students report being bullied two to three times a month. While specific data is hard to come by, it is widely acknowledged that children with special needs make up
- [Accepting Myself—LD and All](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/accepting-myself-ld-and-all/) - I’ve always loved the social aspect of school. Talking to people and getting to know them I find enjoyable. But the learning part…not so much. I first realized I was different in second grade. I was never able to score close to my peers on math or spelling tests. Papers were returned to me with
- [College Bound: Prepare Ahead](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/college-bound-prepare-ahead/) - For high school students on their way to college, there’s no time like the present to brush up on the independent learning skills they’ll need to be successful at the next level. Below are some helpful hints and tips for how to do that. Talk It Out Set up an appointment for you and your
- [Teens and Executive Function Skills](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/teens-and-executive-function-skills/) - Have you ever wondered why adolescence is characterized by change, confusion, high emotions, and impulsive decision-making? It’s largely a function of brain development: The part of the brain responsible for decision-making (the frontal lobe) is still evolving, and will continue to do so until about age 25. Consequently, the ability for adolescents to make mature
- [Demystifying the College Application Process for Kids with LD and ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/demystifying-the-college-application-process-for-kids-with-ld-and-adhd/) - Applying to college may be the single most daunting task of adolescence. Add learning differences or ADHD to the mix and merely daunting can become overwhelming. Students with LD routinely struggle to feel competent in a world of stellar SAT scores, high-powered extracurricular resumes, and heart-warming tales of selfless community service. Pressures from parents and
- [Your Child's Rights: 6 Principles of IDEA](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/your-childs-rights-6-principles-of-idea/) - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted by the federal government to ensure that all children with disabilities are provided with “equality of [educational] opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.” Originally adopted in 1975 and amended in 2004, the IDEA aims to curb educational problems associated with low expectations and insufficient
- [Treating Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/treating-dyslexia/) - Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties with word recognition, spelling, and decoding. People without reading disabilities process a word instantly and can automatically access the definitions of words as they read. In contrast, those with dyslexia experience reading as a slow, labored, and error-prone activity. The goal of reading instruction for children
- [Who Should Be On Your Child's IEP Team?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/who-should-be-on-your-childs-iep-team/) - Federal law specifies the participants that are to be involved in developing an Individual Education Program (IEP) for students with learning disabilities or ADHD. Each member of the IEP team (sometimes referred to as the Planning and Placement Team or PPT) brings a unique perspective and expertise that contribute to a comprehensive plan designed to
- [Evaluating Your Child for Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/evaluating-your-child-for-dyslexia/) - Many children have difficulty learning how to read or improving their reading. Some read reasonably well, but their spelling and writing skills are poor. If any of these issues sound familiar, your child is a prime candidate for a reading evaluation. An estimated 80% of individuals diagnosed with learning disabilities have difficulty with various aspects
- [Evaluation Fundamentals](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/evaluation-fundamentals/) - For a child with learning disabilities or ADHD, the evaluation is the first step toward addressing his issues. Knowing what to expect will ease your fears and your child’s and ensure that the results are used appropriately. Evaluation Goals A good evaluation begins with a set of clear goals and objectives. Ask yourself the following
- [14 Ways to Help a Child with NLD Succeed](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/14-ways-to-help-a-child-with-nld-succeed/) - Because NLD is a condition with clearly defined assets and deficits, successful interventions can be developed using a child’s strengths to compensate for weaknesses. For example, students who struggle with organization, flexibility, mathematical reasoning, and social skills can be helped through using their remarkable rote memory, attention to detail, auditory retention, and innate sense of
- [ADHD: An Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/adhd-an-overview/) - ADHD is the diagnosis for an array of difficulties, but the common thread that unites them is difficulty in regulating attention—paying the right amount of attention for the appropriate amount of time. In addition, symptoms typically include distractibility, and often impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. Attentional issues are among the most common disorders affecting children. Recent studies
- [High-Tech Help for Reading](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/high-tech-help-for-reading/) - For students with language learning disabilities, Assistive Technologies (AT) are powerful and empowering tools. When matched appropriately to a student’s needs, AT enables access to grade-level content corresponding to a child’s oral language skills and cognitive abilities, thereby leveling the playing field with classroom peers. Reading Solutions Kids that struggle with decoding, fluency, comprehension, and
- [Learning Disabilities: What They Are (And What They're Not)](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-what-they-are-and-what-theyre-not/) - The term learning disabilities (LD) refers to an array of problems that cause bright and capable children to have difficulty learning using teaching methods found in most traditional classrooms. While the underlying cause of LD remains a mystery, experts agree that it is neurologically based, meaning it results from differences in the way the brain
- [Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: An Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/nld-overview/) - Nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) impact the ability to learn from and use nonverbal information. Kids with NLD have trouble understanding the “big picture.” They may also have problems with reading comprehension, math, and implied meaning. Because social interaction relies heavily on nonverbal cues (facial expression, tone, body language), these children may be socially awkward. They
- [Comprehensive Treatment for ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/treating-adhd-a-comprehensive-strategy/) - Children with ADHD who have the best outcomes are those who receive a combination of simultaneous interventions. While ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, or psychological, behavioral, emotional, or educational challenges, treating it successfully includes elements of all those components. A comprehensive treatment strategy for ADHD involves: Effective parenting and advocacy A correct diagnosis
- [Tips for Writing an IEP](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/tips-for-writing-an-iep/) - If this is your first IEP meeting, get a copy of the basic Individual Educational Program (IEP) form from your Special Education Director ahead of time. Review it carefully to understand the information required. If your child already has an IEP, make sure you review it prior to discussing a new IEP. To develop an
- [Encouraging the Reluctant Reader](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/encouraging-the-reluctant-reader/) - When parents tell me their child is having difficulty with reading, I ask if the child has received reading intervention services, and if she has been evaluated for learning disorders. If the answers are “yes,” as in this case, I suggest listening intently to the child, to identify her interests: Is it fantasy, adventure, or
- [A Cautionary Tale: When Symptoms Are Misleading](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/a-cautionary-tale-when-symptoms-are-misleading/) - “So, what do you think you’ll be doing when you’re out of high school?” “Oh, I’ll be dead by then,” my son casually responded. A social worker had posed that question to my then 16-year-old son. He was there because a few months earlier both his teacher and our family doctor had expressed concerns about
- [Understanding Section 504](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/understanding-section-504/) - If your child has diagnosed learning disabilities, you’re probably aware that she is eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). What you may not realize is that she may also qualify for protection and services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. What is Section 504? Section 504 is
- [Cyberbullying: Parents Beware](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/cyberbullying-parents-beware/) - Bullying has gotten a great deal of attention in the past several years thanks to a number of highly publicized cases in which children have been so brutally victimized by peers that they felt their only escape was suicide. In the wake of these tragedies, whole communities, school systems, and local and state governments have taken
- [Is ADHD Your Child's Only Problem?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/is-adhd-your-childs-only-problem-2/) - ADHD is a lifelong, genetic neurobiological disorder that impacts up to 11% of American children. The core of the disorder is not hyperactivity, as people generally believe, but inattention, poor executive functioning, and an inability to stay on task. Although boys with ADHD are more likely to be hyperactive than girls, ADHD affects equal numbers of
- [Untreated ADHD: Lifelong Risks](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/untreated-adhd-lifelong-risks/) - Children with ADHD who fare the best are those who have effective parents, are correctly diagnosed, and receive a combination of psychological, behavioral, educational, and pharmacological interventions. Yet even when treated, ADHD has a significant impact on an individual from childhood through adulthood. When ADHD is left unmanaged, every area of life is negatively affected.
- [Addressing Reading Issues: Multisensory Structured Language Basics](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/addressing-reading-issues-multisensory-structured-language-basics/) - A reading disability (dyslexia) necessitates direct intervention by a trained professional in the form of a specific curriculum tailored to the child’s strengths and weaknesses. While there is no single program that meets the needs of all students, research shows that a Mulitsensory Structured Language (MSL) approach works well for many children with language-learning disabilities. MSL
- [Coming To Terms with My Child's LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/coming-to-terms-with-my-childs-ld/) - “I used to have dyslexia,” exclaimed our 11-year-old. Experts know that you don’t get over dyslexia, but our child has made such terrific progress she believes she’s “cured.” We weren’t always this open and optimistic. The journey from denial to acceptance of her LD has been an extended emotional trek. Not Our Child At the
- [Kids to Kids: Explaining ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/kids-kids-explaining-adhd/) - When kids are identified as having ADHD, they are often left in the dark about what that diagnosis means. They may be given a prescription for medication and a brochure entitled “What is ADHD?” But rarely are they provided with a clear, fact-based, age-appropriate explanation of what ADHD is and how it will impact them
- [Prioritize Relationships Over Schoolwork](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/prioritize-relationships-over-schoolwork/) - We run into problems when we allow schoolwork to undermine the relationships we have with our children. It is easy to see how this happens: parents become short tempered when an assignment is due, anxious when material hasn’t been mastered in time for a test, and disheartened when learning takes a long time. Your child’s
- [Could My Child Also Have NLD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/could-my-child-also-have-nld/) - Yes, children with NLD usually have visual-spatial disability based on testing. However, bright verbal children are often able to talk their way through visual-spatial tests. There doesn't have to be a huge discrepancy between Verbal and Visual Index scores to have visual deficits, if someone is just going by numbers. Also, there is more than
- [How to Find an ADHD College Coach](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/how-to-find-an-adhd-college-coach/) - I’m thrilled to be answering this question! I work all day long with students and see first-hand the benefits of an ADHD coach in helping students feel more empowered and in control. The right coach can teach a student the skills they need to be successful in learning and in life. Notice that I said the “right”
- [ADHD: The Non-Hyperactive Child](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-non-hyperactive-child/) - Kevin is a wonderfully imaginative eight-year-old with a talent for building things. He can turn a few cardboard boxes into an entertaining adventure, create elaborate constructions from materials he finds outdoors, and is a master with Legos. Kevin has no trouble entertaining himself but likes playing with friends, too. And he loves to be read to. Simply put, Kevin
- [Optimize the ADHD Brain with Music](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/optimize-the-adhd-brain-with-music/) - For kids with ADHD and co-existing conditions, music therapy provides a safe, structured, socially welcoming forum to improve mood and motivation; strengthen weak areas of the brain; and address core symptoms. Because the brain has the capacity to change (neuroplasticity), when musical activities re-shape the brain, it can have lasting effects on learning. “Music lights
- [The Unhealthy Toll of 24-7 Disaster News](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/tech-smarts/the-unhealthy-toll-of-24-7-disaster-news/) - While pandemics have stoked fears for millennia, we are in new territory with COVID-19. For nearly a year the world has been living with a constant barrage of catastrophic news, the sheer volume of which is unprecedented—as is the speed with which it is shared by billions of people, many of whom are teens and
- [Forging Connections in Quarantine](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/forging-connections-in-quarantine/) - It is the winter of COVID-19. Many kids are at school online and in socially distanced classrooms. Months of quarantine, remote learning, mask wearing, and lack of physical contact have caused kids and adults alike to feel isolated and stressed. For kids who struggle with social skills and emotional wellbeing, separation from peers comes at
- [Examples of Accommodations & Modifications](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/examples-of-accommodations-modifications/) - Program accommodations and modifications are available to children who receive services under IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. General Accommodations: Large print textbooks Textbooks for at-home use Additional time for assignments A locker with adapted lock Review of directions Review sessions Use of mnemonics Have student restate information Provision of notes or outlines
- [Essential Elements of an IEP](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/essential-elements-of-an-iep/) - The Individual Education Program (IEP) is the roadmap for your child’s education. It is a legal agreement between parent and school that states what your child will learn and be able to do as a result of the programs and services he will receive. Simply put, the purpose of the IEP is to set annual
- [Make Learning Math Fun](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/make-learning-math-fun/) - If a child is struggling to conceptualize addition and subtraction, the use of manipulatives and flash cards often goes a long way to making the fundamentals easier and more fun to learn. Start by making individual flash cards, such as 1+2 and 2+1 with the answers on the back. Each fact should be on its
- [Behavior Chart Dos and Don'ts](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/behavior-chart-dos-and-donts/) - A behavior chart is a visual tracker where kids earn stickers or points for completing desired behaviors, which they then exchange for rewards. There are two main kinds of behavior charts. A sticker chart is effective for younger children, where they earn one sticker every time they complete the task on their chart. When they’ve
- [Dietary Interventions for ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/dietary-interventions-for-adhd/) - Parents of kids with ADHD are constantly searching for ways to manage their kids’ hyperactivity, inattention, and reduced focus. For some kids, dietary interventions may be helpful. Clinicians and parents have long suspected a possible link between behavior and diet, especially artificial food colorings (AFCs). New research has concluded artificial dyes can worsen behavior in
- [Misdiagnosing ADHD in Black Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/misdiagnosing-adhd-in-black-kids/) - Doctors, mental health providers, teachers, special educators, and counselors are generally familiar with what ADHD looks like in White kids, especially White boys. When they see a Black child behaving similarly, they often assume he has ADHD as well, even though something else may be causing his ADHD-like symptoms. Dr. Sarah Vinson, an Atlanta-based physician
- [Sensory Processing Disorder Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/sensory-processing-disorder-overview/) - Surely, you know a child who is oversensitive, clumsy, picky, fidgety, and out of sync. That child may have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a common but misunderstood problem that affects children’s behavior, influencing the way they learn, move, relate to others, and feel about themselves. SPD (also called Sensory Integration Dysfunction) is not one specific
- [Strategies for Building EF Skills](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/strategies-for-building-ef-skills/) - For years, Peg Dawson thought of students with ADHD in terms of the diagnostic criteria: having a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. When she transitioned from working in public schools to clinical settings, Dr. Dawson realized that inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive didn’t begin to describe the children she
- [ADHD: Challenges for Black Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-challenges-for-black-kids/) - Accurate diagnosis and treatment of ADHD have significant implications for a child’s social, emotional, and educational wellbeing. Proper treatment can help a child manage her day, engage in healthy relationships, do better in school, find a satisfying career, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. Conversely, misdiagnosis and improper treatment or lack of treatment can
- [Does My Child Need Therapy?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/does-my-child-need-therapy/) - All children have problem behaviors. It’s part of growing up. But a common dilemma parents face is knowing the difference between typical behavior problems that will pass on their own versus the problems that would benefit from professional intervention. While parents are in a perfect position to identify when extra help may be warranted, they’re
- [Protecting Students' Privacy in the Data Age](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/protecting-students-privacy-data-age/) - In recent years, public schools have increased the amount of information gathered on all students, but particularly those in special education. Data routinely collected and stored runs the gamut from contact information, grades, and standardized test scores to disciplinary actions, student characteristics, and curricular planning. The purpose of all this information is to improve your
- [Is It Time for a Re-evaluation?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/is-it-time-for-a-re-evaluation/) - Yes, it’s time for your son to be re-evaluated. Typically, students are required to have a full re-evaluation every three years to continue receiving special education services from their school district. There are instances when a partial evaluation is indicated after six to nine months. This may be appropriate when there have been educational interventions put in
- [Artificial Food Dyes & Behavior](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/artificial-food-dyes-behavior/) - Although the evidence is still considered inconclusive, numerous studies have shown that food dyes can worsen behavior in some children. Three British studies in the 2000s found that certain artificial food dyes and preservatives may have negative impacts on behavior in susceptible children with and without ADHD. Those conclusions prompted the European Union to make
- [COVID-19: Work on Social Skills](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/covid-19-work-on-social-skills/) - If your child had been working steadily on social skills before the COVID-19 pandemic caused schools to close, extracurriculars to vanish, and playdates to end, you might be asking yourself, “Now what?” The good news is there are plenty of ways to fill the void and help your child continue to make progress. Stay Connected
- [Before the IEP Meeting: 6 Tips for Parents](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/iep-meeting-6-tips-parents/) - Experts, advocates, and other parents agree that preparing for the IEP meeting is the key to building a plan that will ensure your child’s success. Knowledge of your child, the school system, and federal and state laws and regulations will empower you to become the advocate your child deserves. So prepare, prepare, and prepare more,
- [COVID-19: Managing Child Anxiety](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/covid-19-managing-child-anxiety/) - For some kids with ADHD and LD, the added burden of high anxiety related to COVID-19 can make getting through the day seem like an overwhelming struggle. Below are strategies to help your kids overcome the debilitating emotions associated with fear and worry. Regulate; Relate; Reason. When your child’s brain is hijacked by anxiety and
- [CV-19: Time for a College Essay?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/cv-19-time-for-a-college-essay/) - For aspiring college students, the essay is the one component of the college application over which students have control. It’s their chance to reveal to the admissions committee who they really are, and if their GPA and test scores are less than stellar, it can potentially tip the scales in their favor. Colleges receive thousands
- [When Schools Fail to Follow an IEP](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/when-schools-fail-to-follow-an-iep/) - All program modifications and accommodations should have been provided through the Section 504 Plan
- [EFD: Raise Self-Regulated Learners](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/efd-raise-self-regulated-learners/) - With the best of intentions, parents often jump in to solve their child’s problems. It’s fast, easy, gets the job done, and enables the child to succeed at the task at hand. But it’s really the parent—not the child—who’s being successful. By providing too much support, parents risk creating a child who is dependent on
- [Monitor the Classroom Experience](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/monitor-classroom-experience/) - Just because your child has an Individual Education Plan does not mean that your days of school vigilance are behind you. Even the best-laid plans must be continually monitored to ensure that the decisions the team made were appropriate and are being implemented properly. Your elementary- or middle-school child is not likely to recognize when the
- [Evaluating Your Child for NLD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/evaluating-your-child-for-nld/) - Because children with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities are highly verbal and have strong rote memory, NLD often isn’t noticed until they are older. These children tend to do well in elementary school, and in many cases are seen as gifted. However, historical clues are there if you look. Many children with NLD have early problems with
- [LD Services: Is IQ a Disqualifier?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/ld-services-is-iq-a-disqualifier/) - When you say that your daughter's IQ was in the low-average range, the first question to ask is, are there discrepancies among various index scores? Sometimes it is better to get a General Ability Index score because children with ADHD tend to do poorly on working memory tests and processing speed but better in the
- [The Father Factor](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/the-father-factor/) - Fathers often have difficulty accepting that their child has learning differences. For some, the idea of having an “imperfect” child threatens their sense of competence or self-worth; for others—especially those who struggled with learning issues themselves—the thought that their DNA might be “to blame” is more than they want to admit. And then there are
- [ADHD: A Family Affair](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-family-affair/) - The complex dynamics of an ADHD household can be stressful, sometimes overwhelming, and often require a huge emotional commitment of time and energy. You know that your child with ADHD is different from his non-ADHD peers and that he doesn’t fit the norm. But despite good intentions, you may not know how hard to push him
- [Alexa, Where Are Your Manners?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/tech-smarts/alexa-where-are-your-manners/) - According to recent surveys from Neilsen more than 30% of U.S. households (about 66.4 million) have voice-based home assistants, also known as smart speakers or digital assistants. Many homes have multiple such devices that are being used to make day-to-day living and parenting easier. In fact, many young parents report believing that it is better
- [School Denies Evaluation Request](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/school-denies-evaluation-request/) - The short answer is that it depends on the rationale provided by the school district. In general, if you are requesting an initial evaluation for special education services there are few circumstances where a school can deny an evaluation outright. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004), gives parents, guardians, and advocates the legal
- [ADHD, Boys & Social Challenges](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-boys-social-challenges/) - Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, specializes in working with boys who have ADHD. He views the condition as a developmental delay in executive functioning and emphasizes the importance of boys with ADHD learning compensatory skills and strategies to overcome social challenges. “It’s not grades that make for a successful life,” Wexelblatt says. “It’s the ability to form
- [Team Meetings: Stay Positive](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/team-meetings-stay-positive/) - Often parents (and students) start out the school year hopeful that this time around things will be better, only to find several weeks into the new term that nothing has changed; the same struggles your child had last year are back Under those circumstances it’s hard not to become disheartened. That, however, does neither you
- [Q & A: Independent Evaluations](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/q-a-independent-evaluations/) - When there is reason to suspect a learning disability, the school district is required to do an evaluation to determine present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP). Many parents, eager to learn how to help their child, defer to the results of the district’s assessment as authoritative, and accept the findings. If, however,
- [Am I Alone in This?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/am-i-alone-in-this/) - Your intuition is on high alert. You suspect your child is having trouble learning to read. She can’t seem to remember her letters, or has trouble recognizing simple words. Maybe there is a problem with socialization. Nothing is clear yet, nothing you can point to with certainty; and yet you feel that something isn’t quite
- [Making Sense of Evaluation Results](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/making-sense-of-evaluation-results/) - When academic performance suffers, an educational diagnosis is done to help define the student’s academic strengths and learning needs and translate them into an individualized educational program (IEP). Because no single testing tool provides all the answers, a comprehensive evaluation involves multiple assessment tools including: Discussions with the child Interviews with the parents Observations in
- [Evaluating Your Child for EFD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/evaluating-your-child-for-efd/) - Executive functions have been likened to an orchestra conductor. The conductor doesn’t play the instruments, but he decides which instruments are needed, cues them, and integrates the sound to produce Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. In cognitive terms, executive functions include the ability to initiate work, plan and organize, set goals, generate problem-solving strategies, and demonstrate cognitive
- [Glossary](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/terms-definitions/glossary/) - Abstract reasoning deficit Difficulty with the ability to analyze, organize, and synthesize information—including making inferences. Accommodations Variations in time, format, setting, and/or presentation that allow students with LD to complete the same assignments as their typical peers. The purpose of accommodations is to provide a student with equal access to learning and an equal opportunity
- [Is Your Child Having Social-Adjustment Problems?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/making-friends/is-your-child-having-social-adjustment-problems/) - Many children with LD and ADHD are social by nature and have appropriate interests in relationships and social activities. Nevertheless, as a group, they are more isolated than children who do not have disabilities. Though less likely to participate in group activities, those who do are often described as bossy, rude, standoffish, impulsive, ill-mannered and
- [IEP Planning: Accommodations & Modifications](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/iep-planning-accommodations-modifications/) - The difference between success and failure for students with LD and ADHD often comes down to how effectively the curriculum is adapted to individual needs. Accommodations and modifications are the tools used by the IEP team to achieve that end. Accommodations Accommodations allow a student to complete the same tasks as their non-LD peers but
- [The 5 Commandments for Parenting Children with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/the-5-commandments-for-parenting-children-with-ld/) - This I know for sure... Children with learning disabilities have great parents with boundless dreams. We want our kids to be successful in school, happy all the time and recognized for their uniqueness. We imagine them playing on championship teams, singing the solo perfectly, and gaining everyone’s admiration. Our wishes and desires for our children
- [2014 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Honorees](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/2014-fred-j-epstein-youth-achievement-awards/) - Every spring at our annual “The Sky’s The Limit” gala, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite their learning challenges. As you’ll see from this year’s Youth Achievement Award honorees, these young people have already accomplished amazing things, leaving an indelible mark on their
- [Dyslexia and the Foreign Language Requirement](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/dyslexia-and-the-foreign-language-requirement/) - My daughter has dyslexia. She exhibits many typical characteristics that come with language learning disabilities, including difficulty understanding written text and problems with spelling. But like many with dyslexia, she possesses a number of outstanding qualities as well, including an amazing ability to learn and remember what she hears, a vibrant imagination, and a sharp
- [IDEA and the IEP Process](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/idea-iep-process/) - For students with LD and ADHD, the Individual Educational Program (IEP) serves as the vehicle to ensure participation in the general education curriculum, a right established by federal law in the IDEA. Following are 6 key provisions of IDEA to keep in mind as you undertake the IEP planning process. 1. Measuring Progress The IDEA requires
- [What Is An "Appropriate" Education?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/childs-rights-appropriate-education-child-ld/) - Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). But what exactly is an “appropriate” education? There is no simple answer, but the guidelines below will help you navigate this often confusing terrain. Defining “Appropriateness” Many parents are unaware
- [Put Social Skills in the IEP](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/putting-social-skills-iep/) - Parents of children with learning disabilities and ADHD often express concern about their child’s social skills. Yet their child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) focuses solely on academic performance. They are right to be concerned. Challenges with social skills can and do impact learning (following directions, class participation, group work, etc.), as well as life outside the
- [Interview: Ross Greene Talks About Explosive Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/interview-ross-greene-talks-explosive-kids/) - Ross Greene, Ph.D. is Director of the Collaborative Problem Solving Institute in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He specializes in the treatment of explosive, inflexible, easily frustrated children and is the author of The Explosive Child and co-author of
- [Is Your Child Depressed?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/child-depressed/) - According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry about 5% of children and teens suffer from depression serious enough to interfere with normal functioning. And, not surprisingly, children with learning disabilities have higher rates of depression than their non-LD peers. Dr. Betty Osman, author of Learning Disabilities: A Family Affair, is a psychologist
- [The Experiences of ADHD in Childhood: "I Have Always Felt Different"](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/experiences-adhd-childhood-always-felt-different-2/) - “Tell me a story about having ADHD at home, at school, and with friends.” That was the instruction given to 16 college students with ADHD by researchers from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. They were trying to learn how it felt to grow up with ADHD from a child’s perspective. In an enlightening report
- [Coming to Grips with An LD Diagnosis](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/coming-grips-ld-diagnosis/) - This beautiful smiling face looked up at me when I asked him what color the grass was and said, “Red?” My 4-year-old could not identify his colors, shapes, and had no names for letters. His teachers said it was developmental; he was a boy. My heart knew otherwise. I pursued independent testing despite the constant
- [Anne Ford Shares Her Insights and Experience](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/anne-ford-shares-insights-experience/) - Smart Kids spoke recently with Anne Ford about her new book, A Special Mother: Getting Through the Early Days of a Child’s Diagnosis with Learning Disabilities and Related Disorders. Ford is a longtime advocate for children with LD and former Chair of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Her interest in the field began when
- [A Passion for Flying](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/passion-flying/) - I look at the instrument panel and everything is foreign to me. I am used to flying with digital gauges, and the analog panel of the Cessna 172 is unfamiliar and disarming. I feel my chest constrict and my breathing quicken. I start the airplane up and hear the familiar whirl of the propeller. The
- [David Faile: Master of the Skies](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/david-faile-master-skies/) - Master Pilot and flight instructor David Faile fearlessly flies rescue missions and regularly assists law enforcement with drug busts, yet he is still haunted by a World Literature class he took in college more than 40 years ago. It was the last required course he needed for graduation, and the professor told him that he
- [Simon Pearce: Artisan Extraordinaire](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/simon-pearce-artisan-experience/) - There is a vase, a simple, clear glass creation that evokes both artistry and practicality—a Simon Pearce vase that sums up the artisan and the man. “I design with two things in mind,” says the famed Irish glassblower and craftsman, “beauty and function.” In his lifelong pursuit of both, he has become one of only
- [Jeff Franklin: Science Guy](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/jeff-franklin-science-guy/) - Jeff Franklin, Ph.D. is an assistant research professor of cell and developmental biology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN. His name appears on numerous scientific articles, published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. Yet as early as kindergarten, he was diagnosed with dyslexia, and his parents were told not to expect too much from
- [Jesse Kline: ZOOming to the Top](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/jesse-kline-zooming-top/) - In second grade, Jesse Kline couldn’t tie his shoes, tell time or ride a bike, nor was he showing any signs of reading or writing. At age 10, he was diagnosed with severe learning disabilities, including dyslexia and dysgraphia. Once full of life, he became irritable and depressed. Then Jesse started attending school for students with
- [Michael T. Sullivan: Social Justice Advocate](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/michael-t-sullivan-social-justice-advocate/) - Despite struggling for years with a host of learning disabilities and medical problems, Michael T. Sullivan, age 17, has never lost sight of what’s important. As an ardent activist, this two-sport varsity athlete (soccer and football) has already done more to impact the lives of others than most of us will do in a lifetime.
- [Jaclyn Noble: Future CEO](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/jaclyn-noble-future-ceo/) - Jaclyn Noble has struggled throughout her life with audio processing difficulties and ADHD. Nonetheless, she is described as a passionate academic risk-taker who excels in school and in business as an event planner and fundraiser. Entrepreneur in the Making At age 14, Jaclyn persuaded leading event planner Save the Date, Inc. to offer her a
- [Melissa Rey: 2010 Youth Achievement Award Winner](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/melissa-rey-2010-youth-achievement-award-winner/) - Honored as America’s Top Young Scientist by the Discovery Channel 3M Young Scientist Challenge in 2008, 16-year-old Melissa Rey took the prestigious title after two days of grueling competition at the NASA Goddard Space Center. In the culminating event, three finalists were asked to conduct an improv experiment with only five minutes of preparation, while
- [Ryan Haggerty: 2011 Youth Achievement Award Winner](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/ryan-haggarty-2011-youth-achievement-award-winner/) - Ryan Haggerty of Stamford, CT decided early on that he was not going to let his disability get in the way of his achievement—including his determination to excel at hockey. Arriving at Villa Maria School as a middle-school student with a severe reading and language disability, he took a leading role in student life and
- [2013 Youth Achievement Awards](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/2013-youth-achievement-awards/) - Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is delighted to announce the winners of the 2013 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of students 19 or younger with learning disabilities and/or ADHD. The 2013 awards will be presented at the organization’s annual benefit on the evening of Friday, April 26, 2013 at the
- [Evaluating Your Child for ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/evaluating-your-child-for-adhd/) - Many behaviors associated with ADHD—problems with taking in information, memory, processing speed, and sensory/perception—may in fact be attributable to other issues. Therefore, the only way to know if your child has ADHD is to have him undergo a thorough evaluation conducted by qualified professionals. A complete evaluation for ADHD includes the following components: 1. Sensory
- [Resolving Special Ed Disputes](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/resolving-special-education-disputes/) - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees all children with learning and other disabilities equal educational opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. To help implement this federal law, the IDEA includes a number of so-called procedural safeguards that have been put in place to ensure that your child’s rights are fully realized under
- [Dannel Malloy: Education Champion](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/governor-dannel-p-malloy/) - In 2014, Dannel P. Malloy was elected to his second consecutive term as Governor of Connecticut. That election capped a political career that included four terms as the mayor of Stamford, CT, earning him the title of longest-serving mayor in the city’s 365-year history. Not bad for a 59-year old politician who couldn’t button his
- [Improving Executive Skills](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/principles-for-improving-executive-skills/) - Executive skills are skills that youngsters need to function independently. They include planning, organization, task initiation, sustained attention, goal-setting, decision-making, and problem solving. For children with LD or attention disorders, developing these skills often does not come naturally. Instead, they must be expressly taught through direct instruction, and nurtured through close supervision. Following are some
- [7-Point Plan to End Procrastination](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/7-point-plan-to-end-procrastination/) - Parents of children with LD often complain about their child’s endless procrastination, particularly when it comes to homework. Parents find themselves having to act as homework police: tension mounts, voices rise, and before they know it, they hear themselves accusing their child of being lazy or unmotivated. Volumes have been written about ways to handle
- [Tackling Writing Problems](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/tackling-writing-problems/) - Writing can be challenging for children with LD. Those who have difficulties with reading and language, spelling, memory, attention, organization, sequencing, and fine motor coordination often struggle with both handwriting and written expression. As kids move up in school, the situation is complicated by the need to acquire, prioritize, and organize information in a meaningful
- [Never Stop Believing](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/never-stop-believing/) - The best piece of advice I ever received as a parent of a child with learning disabilities was to always believe in my child, because if I didn’t believe in him, he wouldn’t believe in himself. While this is great advice, it’s tough to follow. After all, many times he fails. Jeffrey was diagnosed with
- [LD + Math = Struggles](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/ld-math-struggles/) - Difficulties in learning math seldom lead to referrals for learning disabilities evaluation, despite being specified in both federal and state LD definitions. School systems provide assessment and special services mostly on the basis of difficulties learning to read (dyslexia). So perhaps math difficulties are uncommon, not particularly serious, or maybe they don’t impact adult functioning
- [Your Child's Rights: Addressing Behavior Problems](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/your-childs-rights-addressing-behavior-problems/) - Children with learning disabilities or ADHD may exhibit behaviors that land them in trouble at school. Often times they are punished for behaviors that are symptomatic of their diagnosis. That should not be the case. Simply put, students should not be punished, suspended, or expelled for their disability. These students’ behaviors may sometimes challenge traditional
- [Evaluating Your Child for Dysgraphia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/evaluating-your-child-for-dysgraphia/) - Dysgraphia as defined in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) is a “specific learning disorder” with impairment in written expression. Writing problems can result from one or more of the following components: Fine motor difficulties Visual-spatial difficulties Handwriting issues In addition, spelling problems, difficulty with word retrieval and verbal fluency, and language
- [Mindfulness for Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/mindfulness-kids-ld/) - What is mindfulness, and what does it have to do with your child with learning disabilities or ADHD? The terms mindfulness and meditation are often used interchangeably; either way, the critical aspect of mindfulness is the ability to focus on this moment—the “here and now.” Kids with LD spend a lot of time worrying about
- [Is This Reading Intervention Right for My Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/reading-intervention-right-child/) - Your child is eligible for special education services due to difficulties with reading and spelling—but how do you know whether the interventions offered address her unique needs? To answer that question, you must evaluate the proposed program as well as key factors that impact its implementation. By following the guidelines below, you can ensure that
- [Coming to Grips with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/coming-grips-ld/) - This beautiful smiling face looked up at me when I asked him what color the grass was and responded, “Red?” My 4-year-old could not identify his colors, shapes, and had no names for letters. His teachers said it was developmental; he was a boy. My heart knew otherwise. I pursued independent testing despite the constant
- [A Friend Like Hannah](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/a-friend-like-hannah/) - I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the beginning of second grade. Right away, I began private reading lessons every day with Lisa, my amazing teacher who is still my treasured friend. When I left my classroom to work with Lisa, some of my classmates teased me about needing special help. I rushed out of the
- [Look Back to Prepare for the IEP](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/look-back-to-prepare-for-the-iep/) - As a parent of a child with LD, there are a number of actions you can take to improve your child’s school experience, but one of the most important is to come to the annual IEP meeting thoroughly prepared. If you’re like most of us, you come home from a difficult IEP meeting exhausted, spent,
- [Setting Our Kids Up for Success](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/setting-kids-success/) - Being parents of two young adults with LD and ADHD has provided my husband and me with years of trial-and-error experience in child raising. Happily, in spite of inevitable missteps, our children are achieving, socially-responsible, loving individuals, leading productive lives and enjoying successful careers. Here are a few thoughts on how we supported our children
- [Working Memory: The Hidden Ingredient in Learning](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/executive-function-disorder/working-memory-the-hidden-ingredient-in-learning/) - Emma and Thomas: both 13 years old; both with superior IQs of 122 (93rd percentile); both in 8th grade. Emma follows directions for homework, study guides, and writing assignments, and earns consistently high grades. Thomas “tries” to follow directions, yet often forgets to do homework, submits incomplete homework, does not recall what to study for
- [ADHD Coaching: Can It Work for Your Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-coaching-can-it-work-for-your-child/) - In Driven to Distraction, authors Ned Hallowell and John Ratey offer the metaphor of a sports coach to explain the role of an ADHD coach. They write that a coach is “an individual standing on the sidelines with a whistle, barking out encouragement, directions, and reminders to the athlete. The coach may be a pain
- [Comprehension Skills for Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/comprehension-skills-kids-ld/) - Reading comprehension is essential to academic and lifelong learning. Yet despite its critical importance, comprehension has only been in the forefront of scientific study since the 1970s. Since then, we’ve learned that reading comprehension is not a passive, receptive process, as previously believed, but rather an active and intentional one; it is an ongoing interchange
- [Time Management for Kids with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/time-management-strategies-students-ld/) - Although time management can be challenging for anyone, kids with learning disabilities and ADHD often have a harder time with it than other students. If your child struggles to complete assignments, misses deadlines, procrastinates getting started, or doesn’t know where to begin, he or she needs to brush on basic time-management skills. It is important to
- [Grace Taskinsoy: LD Advocate](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/success-profiles/grace-taskinsoy-ld-advocate/) - When Grace Taskinsoy of Fountain Hills, AZ learned that she had dyslexia, she vowed to make a difference. The then 9th-grader started a blog, posting information to help other students with dyslexia. But it’s what she did next that has left a lasting impression—and explains why she is the 2016 Smart Kids Fred J. Epstein
- [6 Keys to Winning Over Your Child's Team](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/6-keys-winning-childs-team/) - Developing collaborative, non-adversarial, mutually respectful relationships with your child’s teachers is fundamental to her success in school. But oftentimes that’s easier said than done. Following are some tried and true strategies to help you establish a parent-teacher relationship that will ensure her success throughout the year. Be proactive Request a get-to-know-each-other meeting. The school year
- [AT: Building a Better Toolbox](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/tech-tools/at-building-a-better-toolbox/) - We live in an age when students are accustomed to having technology available wherever they go, always on, and instantly accessible. For students with learning disabilities, it’s important to ensure that the Assistive Technology (AT) they need is as readily available as the rest of their technology. Students with LD are increasingly finding that the
- [First Aid Tips for Parents](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/first-aid-tips-parents/) - Knowing that the daily pressures of parenting a child with LD or ADHD can zap energy and fortitude, I found it necessary to develop some basic first aid for myself. I wrote this list years ago, pulling it out when I felt my stress level tipping into the precarious zone. I find it still works
- [Your Child's Rights: Response to Intervention](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/childs-rights-response-intervention/) - In recent years, the use of Response to Intervention (RTI) by schools has become a topic of controversy. This can be traced back to the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), when the law was changed to reflect new standards for identifying and educating children with learning disabilities. The purpose of RTI
- [5 Keys to Navigating the School System](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/5-keys-navigating-school-system/) - When it comes to learning disabilities, knowing your child is half the battle—the other half is knowing how to get what your child needs from her school system. Here are some strategies to help you navigate the system. Know the law The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is federal legislation that clarifies how certain
- [Is CBT Right For Your Child?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/cbt-right-child/) - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a treatment that focuses on changing unproductive thinking and the beliefs that underlie that thinking. For example, a child who is struggling academically may think, “I'm worthless” or “My effort never pays off.” Such thoughts may lead to anxiety or depression and may be expressed in irritability, withdrawal, lack of
- [Living with Sensory Processing Disorder](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/living-sensory-processing-disorder/) - Everyone processes sensations. Some people, like those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) do it less efficiently than others. Because of SPD, their central nervous system mismanages bodily and environmental sensations, and they have difficulty responding normally to sensations that others hardly notice or simply take in stride. Unique Challenges What is life like when sensory systems
- [Challenge Me!](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/challenge-me/) - I have dyslexia. I’ve been through the ringer of Special Education classes and support and have dealt with the usual anxieties that come from comparing my learning style with that of other students. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that some parents are reluctant to set tough academic standards for their children with
- [Help for Young Readers](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/help-young-readers/) - Humans are biologically wired to learn how to speak. Reading, however is not learned instinctively. It must be taught. The earlier you begin, the greater your child’s chances are of becoming a fluent reader. It’s helpful for early elementary programs to continue with the pre-literacy activities that are often offered in preschool settings. Parents can
- [Tools to Manage Stress](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/tools-manage-stress/) - Studies show that stress causes physical changes in your body whether you’re actually faced with a stressful situation or just thinking about it. As a result of dwelling on what’s happened or worrying about what’s going to happen, many of us live in a state of chronic stress, which may manifest itself in symptoms such
- [Understanding RTI](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/dyslexia/rti-classroom/) - Prior to the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004, school districts used a “discrepancy model” to identify students with learning disabilities. If the gap—or discrepancy—between a student’s ability (as measured by IQ scores) and achievement exceeded a certain level, the child was classified as learning disabled. School districts are no
- [Normal Is Overrated](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/normal-is-overrated/) - I spent my first 15 years wishing I was normal. Now I wonder why. If AP Stats taught me anything, it’s that the 95% of the data points that lie under the bell curve are statistically less significant than the 5% that fall to the right or left of the bell. And the quirky, crazy
- [Dyslexia: An Overview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/what-are-learning-disabilities/dyslexia-an-overview/) - Dyslexia—also referred to as language-learning disabilities or reading disabilities—accounts for approximately 80% of all diagnosed learning disabilities. Although some children with dyslexia have difficulty acquiring spoken language, more often the problem is in learning to read, write, spell or do math. People with dyslexia may have problems recalling specific words and word sequences (days of
- [Big-Time Transition to the Big 10](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/big-time-transition-big-10/) - Wow! It has been an interesting month for me at Penn State. This place is huge! I was so scared for my first day of classes. Where were they? How long would it take me to get there? Luckily, the university has a lot of personnel to help out on the first day, which I
- [Understanding IQ Test Scores](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/understanding-iq-test-scores/) - The WISC-V is considered the “gold standard” intelligence test for children ages 6 through 16. As such it is an important component of every psycho-educational evaluation. It is always administered because it provides an overview of strengths and weaknesses, and offers realistic expectations for a child’s performance: a child whose potential is in the average
- [ADHD: Behind the Behavior](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/adhd-behind-behavior/) - Living with a child with ADHD can be confusing and frustrating. On any given day, he may have difficulty getting started, make impulsive decisions and poor choices, miss social cues, engage in stressful emotional interactions, and need downtime to regroup. He is likely to be disorganized and may over-react, under-react, hyperfocus, and appear oppositional. What
- [Teasing Apart Learning Problems](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/teasing-apart-learning-problems/) - The issue of complex learning issues that are difficult to tease apart is relevant to many children with LD. Schools often look at the main skills (e.g., reading, reading comprehension or math operations) and if those are fine, they conclude there’s no problem. Obviously that’s not the case with your daughter. She is a highly
- [Extended Time: Useful or Misused?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/extended-time-right-child-adhd/) - Extended time on tests is arguably the most common accommodation given to students with ADHD. But is extended time alone enough to address the challenges faced by these students? Or should you be advocating to address the issue that led to the accommodation in the first place? There are a number of reasons why children
- [Dyslexia: Reading Program Basics](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/dyslexia-reading-program-basics/) - Although I’m not familiar with the iREADY instructional program you reference, I did look at a description of it and the research supporting it. It does not appear to include and teach the elements of language explicitly, systematically, cumulatively, and diagnostically – the hallmarks of what I refer to more broadly as a Structured Literacy
- [Getting School Help for NLD Kids](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/getting-school-help-for-nld-kids/) - This is not a problem unique to your child’s school. Children with Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) often have difficulty with higher level language skills, writing and math, executive functions, and social skills. But because NLD isn’t a psychiatric diagnosis or completely accepted as a learning disability, knowledge about it is limited among professionals and, therefore, not
- [Mystifying](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/mystifying/) - The children and I hide from the evil one-eyed monster. We remain silent because Cyclopes have ultra-sensitive hearing and can discern the softest sounds. I paint a picture of our great escape for my team of youngsters. Jack is going to lead the way with his G.I. Joe; Isabella will stay behind as a diversion.
- [The Impact of LD on Partners](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/the-impact-of-ld-on-partners/) - At best, family relationships are challenging, but raising a child with LD or ADHD can create stress that ripples through the entire family. Concerns about a child with learning challenges can impact relationships between siblings, parents and children, and even extended family. None, however, is more vulnerable than the relationship between partners, which sets the
- [Is It Time for a Full Workup?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/is-it-time-for-a-full-workup/) - Now is the time to have a full evaluation. I would suggest a neuropsychological evaluation with a Ph.D level psychologist and not a neurologist. The best approach is to have the psychologist do a comprehensive evaluation. The psychologist will take a full developmental/educational/health/social-emotional history. After you provide a complete history, the psychologist will give your
- [Getting to Know My Brain](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/eyes/getting-know-brain/) - I have ADHD, along with some kind of learning difference that doesn’t quite have a name, but has attributes associated with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) and non-verbal learning disabilities (NLD). On the one hand, I have all the hallmarks of ADHD: charisma, energy, and the ability to bring many different ideas together, plus I’m disorganized, impulsive,
- [Does My Child Have APD?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/does-my-child-have-apd/) - Auditory processing disorders are frequently misunderstood, and consequently over-diagnosed. Students with Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)—sometimes referred to as Central Auditory Processing Disorders or CAPD—frequently struggle with tuning out conflicting noises, especially in classroom settings, and thus have problems following directions that are presented verbally. These kids may have difficulty with discriminating between similar speech sounds,
- [ADHD Meds: Risk of Abuse?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/adhd-meds-risk-of-abuse/) - When prescription stimulants are taken orally and in the approved dose and manner, they are not addictive. In fact, those who do not take medication for their ADHD have a significantly higher risk of substance abuse than those who do. Prescription stimulants (such as Adderall; Ritalin; Vyvance; Concerta; and Focalin) are categorized as Schedule II
- [IEP Meeting: Business As Usual](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/iep-meeting-business-as-usual/) - Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) parents of children with LD and ADHD have a right to participate in their child’s Individual Education Program (IEP) planning meetings. Approaching an IEP meeting as you would a business meeting will increase your influence at the table, enabling you to be a more effective advocate for your
- [Is it Time For a New School?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/is-it-time-for-a-new-school/) - Many families commit to a school in pre-K or kindergarten, thinking that their child is “set” until at least fifth or eighth grades, and possibly through high school. By upper elementary and middle grades, however, personalities and learning styles have become more pronounced. Families may then be faced with decisions about how best to nurture
- [Girls with ADHD Face Unique Challenges](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/girls-with-adhd-face-unique-challenges/) - For decades, hyperactive, impulsive children have been diagnosed with ADHD. The early data describing this predominantly male population formed the basis for ADHD research, and our diagnostic criteria grew out of that research. Girls, often more inattentive than hyperactive, rarely met those early criteria, and so remained undiagnosed and unaddressed. At that point ADHD was
- [ADHD: Is There a Silver Lining?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/adhd-silver-lining/) - While ADHD can be challenging, it has also been associated with a number of strengths, including creativity and the flow of ideas and imagination (ideaphoria). Individuals with ADHD tend to be more spontaneous, allowing them to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. The late comedian Robin Williams had these qualities in spades. ADHD is
- [Strengths, Talents & Dyslexia](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/strengths-talents-dyslexia/) - There is a bright future for children with dyslexia who get the support they need early on. Among the skills and abilities often associated with dyslexia are three-dimensional spatial reasoning (necessary for architecture, engineering, science, etc.) and mechanical aptitude. Although students with dyslexia struggle with some aspects of language learning, they’re often ahead of the
- [Your Rights to Documentation](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/your-rights-to-documentation/) - Yes, you have a right to all documents in your child's file. I suggest sending a FERPA request for records noting that you would like all documents attributable to your child. In addition, it is important to request (in writing) documentation of progress in RTI in the form of data or testing. If that is not in your
- [Homeschooling: What to Consider](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/homeschooling-what-to-consider/) - Today nearly two million children are homeschooled in the U.S. Parents chose this route for a number of reasons including religious or moral considerations as well as academic and/or safety concerns. And then there are those, like us, who decided to homeschool because traditional alternatives were not meeting the needs of our children with learning
- [Helping Kids with Processing Issues](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/helping-kids-processing-issues/) - Helping a child whose processing speed is slow comes down to modifying the rate, tone, and complexity of what you say. This allows the child more time to make sense of what he’s hearing. Although it sounds simple, doing that can be challenging. Be careful not to talk down to the child, as that will
- [Talk Back to Worry](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/talk-back-to-worry/) - For children with learning difficulties, worry may be a part of their everyday experience. Is my work good enough? Are my classmates going to make fun of me? Will I fail this test? Am I going to be the last one picked for the kickball team? To help your child manage these negative, soul-crushing concerns
- [LD Is a Family Affair](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/ld-is-a-family-affair/) - When a child has LD (or any special needs), it’s important to recognize the potential impact such a diagnosis may have on the family, especially siblings. Following are some guidelines that will help foster love and respect, while minimizing contention and competition among all your children. Recognize strengths and challenges Siblings tend to have compassion
- [Determining Placement for Your Child with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/determining-placement-for-your-child-with-ld/) - In education, as with many professions, there are terms specific to the field that have special meaning in that context. “Inclusion” and “least restrictive environment” (LRE) are two such terms. Inclusion Inclusion is not a legal term; it is a philosophy that refers to placing children with disabilities in their home schools, in the general
- [Meet Your School Psychologist](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/meet-your-school-psychologist/) - For a child with learning disabilities or ADHD, each school day is fraught with risk. He may be asked to stay in at recess for not finishing classwork, sent to the office for an impulsive remark, or subject to teasing by classmates. As a parent, you know that even small slights accumulate to take their
- [New Challenges for Kids with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/new-challenges-for-kids-with-adhd/) - You’re smart to be concerned. The reality is that today more children are at risk for school failure due to attention problems than they were a generation ago. Today’s children with attention issues face a far more challenging academic environment. The skills we expect them to master and the work we expect them to perform
- [Help Your Child Manage Anxiety](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/help-your-child-manage-anxiety/) - Anxiety-related disorders are the most widespread psychiatric conditions affecting children and adults. For many kids with ADHD and LD, the added burden of high anxiety can make getting through the day seem like an overwhelming struggle. How can parents help their kids overcome the debilitating emotions associated with intense fear and worry? Following is a
- [ADHD & Brain Differences](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/adhd-brain-differences/) - Recent studies do show clear differences in the brain between kids with ADHD and kids with typical development. The field of neuro-imaging is exploding with a high volume of recent studies evaluating both structural and functional differences in individuals with ADHD compared with the general population. The hope is that findings from these studies will assist
- [10 Strategies for Managing Digital Devices](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/10-strategies-for-managing-digital-devices/) - With 95% of Americans owning mobile devices, it’s common to find children using technology for long stretches of time each day, often at the expense of engaging with the “real” world—talking face-to-face, playing outside, doing homework, etc. For many parents, knowing how to manage their child’s screen use is challenging. Some resort to Command and
- [Nothing Helps! What Can I Do?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/nothing-helps-what-can-i-do/) - At Smart Kids, we appreciate that it’s a particularly poignant dilemma to be knowledgeable and yet so perplexed. As you said, you are aware that your son “doesn’t understand.” You recognize that he is not choosing to alienate others. However, at times, all of us experience a child’s seemingly incomprehensible opposition as rude and even
- [NLD: Teach Social Understanding](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/nld/nld-teach-social-understanding/) - Many kids with NLD struggle in social situations. And since social skills are fundamental to your child’s quality of life, it’s important to help build the skills that will help her succeed. There are two kinds of social skills that children need: instrumental skills and social understanding. Instrumental skills are often taught in school. They
- [Placing a High Achiever with ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/placing-a-high-achiever-with-adhd/) - You’re faced with an important decision. You are right to be concerned about the nature of the placement and the challenges it brings. I have three important issues for you to consider as you make your decision: Your son’s academic abilities (especially with regard to production); the level of support the school provides him; and
- [Online Degrees: Pros and Cons](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/online-degrees-pros-cons/) - In the past decade, online college degrees have proliferated. They’re now a mainstay at many colleges and universities, giving students one more option to consider when evaluating their post-high school plans. For some students with learning disabilities, an online degree program may be a viable option; but for others, it may create more problems than
- [Reading Levels: What Do They Tell You?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/reading-levels-what-do-they-tell-you/) - The reading level that you’re referring to is either a number or a letter, which is meant to tell you if your child is reading at grade level. It is based on an assessment called a running record—a record that shows which words the student can and can’t read. But what this assessment does not
- [Applying to College: Use the Essay](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/applying-college-use-essay/) - For aspiring college students, the essay may be the most challenging part of the application process. After all, by the time you apply, there isn't much you can change: most of your grades are recorded; your teachers and counselors have formed their impressions of you; and your extra-curricular activities are set. The essay, however, is
- [The College Interview](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/the-college-interview/) - College interviews for students with learning disabilities or ADHD can be a valuable part of the application process. An interview gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your interest in a particular school and to make a positive impression on an admissions counselor. For students who apply directly to LD programs within a college, a formal
- [How to Speak IEP](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/how-to-speak-iep/) - At a parent-teacher conference, you hope to hear about your child’s progress and the strides she is making. You may even share your insights about her strengths with the hope that she is being appreciated for all of her positive attributes. But don’t expect that conversation at your child’s IEP meeting—In fact, prepare yourself for
- [10 Things I Wish I'd Known About LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/10-things-i-wish-id-known-about-ld/) - Jane Ross, founder and Executive Director of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, shares the lessons that she learned the hard way. Trust yourself. Although his teachers said my son was fine, I knew in my heart that something was wrong: He skipped words while reading, spelled words differently each time he wrote them, and couldn’t
- [Ross Greene on Challenging Behavior](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/ross-greene-on-challenging-behavior/) - My younger son was “that” kid. When he was four, he would run around the circle at circle time, kick sand across the playground, and refuse to obey rules, whether he was at Gymboree, preschool, home, or out in the community. With each expulsion from an activity, his challenging behaviors got worse. What I didn’t
- [College: What's the Right Fit?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/parent-to-parent/college-whats-the-right-fit/) - The college search for my son, a student with learning disabilities, began no differently than it does for many students. Erik answered the standard college search questions: Public or private? City, town, or rural campus location? State? Distance from home? Size of student body? Major? Division I, II or III sports? While an initial list
- [College Transfer Guide for Students with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/college-bound/college-transfer-guide-for-students-with-ld/) - The National Association for College Admission Counseling reports that 1 in 3 students who enroll in college will likely transfer at some point. While making the decision to transfer can be challenging, going through the actual process has its pitfalls as well. In fact, the transfer process is often more complex than the original freshman
- [Anxiety Problems: Signs & Symptoms](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/anxiety-problems-signs-symptoms/) - Clinical anxiety conditions—generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, panic disorder, and PTSD—are the most common emotional disorders diagnosed in children. The prevalence rate in 2- to 5-year-olds is 9.5% and rises to nearly 32% in 13- to 18 –year-olds. The average age of onset is age 11, and females are 60 times more likely
- [Make the Case for Section 504](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/know-your-childs-rights/make-the-case-for-section-504/) - Some students with learning disabilities that do not receive services under the IDEA may still be protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. School districts have treated Section 504 with greater flexibility than IDEA, thereby opening the door for knowledgeable parents to apply
- [Is Your Child Depressed?](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/child-depressed-2/) - According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry about 5% of children and teens suffer from depression serious enough to interfere with normal functioning. And, not surprisingly, children with learning disabilities have higher rates of depression than their non-LD peers. Dr. Betty Osman, the author of Learning Disabilities: A Family Affair, was a
- [The Impact of LD on Siblings](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/community/ask-the-experts/the-impact-of-ld-on-siblings-2/) - We all know that sibling relationships run the gamut from best friends to worst enemies. Who hasn’t been jealous of a brother or sister? Although sibling rivalry is normal, it can become problematic when one child has learning difficulties, and the parents devote a great deal of attention to that child. The situation you describe
- [IEP Meeting: Must-Ask Questions](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/the-abcs-of-ieps/iep-meeting-must-ask-questions/) - As your child’s primary advocate, it’s your job to help guide the IEP process. One way to do that is to use questions to gather information and prompt meaningful discussions. But the answers you get often depend on the questions you ask. Below are basic guidelines to help you hone the art of asking questions.
- [Mentoring for Students with LD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/mentoring-for-students-with-ld/) - The benefits of mentoring for youth have been well documented. Research shows that mentors can help build self-esteem, provide academic guidance, and improve social skills. For students with learning differences who often struggle in these areas, a positive mentor-mentee relationship is an avenue worth exploring. How does a mentor relationship work? An individual who has
- [A Plant Extract to Treat ADHD](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/plant-extract-treat-adhd/) - Nutritional psychiatry is a growing field that focuses on the importance of essential nutrients in treating mental health conditions, including ADHD. James M. Greenblatt, MD, a specialist in integrative medicine for ADHD and author of Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD, suggests that “nutrition is the one underlying cause that is most

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## First Steps

- [Evaluating Your Child](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/first-steps/evaluating-your-child/) - 2
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## Getting Help

- [Emotions & Behaviors](https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/) - 8
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## Community

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