1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Learning Disabilities

Learning Disabilities: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Building Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are important in learning and life. Learn what you need to know about fine motor skills, what fine motor skills are, and why fine motor skills are important. Discover practical and fun ways to help your child strengthen fine motor skills.
Gross Motor Skills
Gross Motor Skills - Learn about Gross Motor Skills, what they are, and why they are important.
Multiplication Facts Cards
Flash cards can be effective teaching tools. Download these free multiplication flash cards for teaching multiplication skills from one through twelve.
Teaching Social Skills
Teaching Social Skills and Making Friends - Does your learning disabled child struggle with social skills and making friends? You can help him by teaching social skills he needs to be successful academically and socially and develop new friendships.
Teach Sight Words
Teach Sight Words - Learning primer level sight words is one way to help your child develop stronger reading skills. Primer level words are those frequently used in preschool and kindergarten level reading material. Use this list of primer sight word vocabulary words to begin building your child's sight word skills.
Teaching Sight Word Lists
A strong sight word vocabulary is important for beginning readers. Teaching children the words that appear frequently in their reading material is one way to help them develop stronger reading skills. Use this list of beginning sight word vocabulary words to begin building your child's sight word skills.
Sight Word Lists
Teaching Sight Word Lists - Learning first grade level sight words is one way to help your child develop stronger reading skills. This list of first grade words comes from the list developed by E.W. Dolch in the 1930's. These words are commonly used in first grade picture books and school work. Use this list of words to build your child's sight word skills.
Learning Disability Testing
Testing for learning disabilities is an important part of determining if your child needs special education services. Learn about the testing and assessment process for learning disabilities. Explore how schools test students to determine if they have learning disabilities. Learn about tests and other assessment methods and how schools determine if children qualify for special education services.
Diagnosing LDs
Learning Disability diagnosis is far from being an exact diagnostic science. Even the experts in learning disability diagnosis disagree on the best ways to determine if a learning disability is present. Learn about the diagnostic processes used for learning disabilities in public schools, by evaluators in private practice.
Receptive Language Disorder
Receptive language disorders cause difficulty with communication, school work and learning, and social interactions. Learn about the characteristics of of receptive language disorders and how they are assessed. Explore treatments for disorders of receptive language and other resources.
Early Signs of Disabilities
Early Signs of Learning Disabilities - Learning disabilities are usually not diagnosed until students have been in school for about two years. Often, there are early signs of Learning Disabilities parents may notice. More importantly, there are also strategies and resources that can help. Learn more about the early signs of learning disabilities and what you can do to help your child.
Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities affect an estimated 2 to 10 percent of the population. Find out what learning disabilities are, and learn about the various types of learning disabilities.
Early Sight Word Strategies
Learn easy ways to develop early reading awareness at home for your toddler or preschooler.
Better Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension is one of the most important skills your child needs in almost every subject area. Whether your child has a learning disability in reading, or just needs to reinforce her skills, find easy-to-use strategies to help your child improve reading comprehension.
Expressive Language Disorder
Expressive Language Disorder - Learn about Expressive Language Disorders and their characteristics. Read about assessment and program planning for people with this type of learning disability.
Signs of Learning Disabilities
Does your child show characteristics of learning disabilities? Not all struggling learners have learning disabilities, but it is important to know what to look for. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and characteristics that signal a possible learning disability and how to get the help your child needs.
Improve Reading
Improve Reading Comprehension - Students with and without learning disabilities in reading can benefit from improved reading comprehension. This research-based strategy helps students understand what they read and remember it over a longer period of time.
Reading Learning Disabilities
Does your child have difficulty with reading? Do you suspect a Learning Disability? Learn about disabilities in reading comprehension, how they are diagnosed, and where to find assistance from your learning disabilities Guide on About.com.
Improve Reading Skills
Improving Reading Skills - Learn six simple and enjoyable strategies to improve your reading skills at home or in school.
Abstract Reasoning
Abstract Reasoning - If your child has a learning disability and also has difficulty understanding how to approach learning tasks, he may have weaknesses in abstract reasoning. Learn about abstract reasoning, what it is, and why it is important in special education assessment.
Developmental Delays
Developmental Delays - Learn about Developmental Delays in early childhood. Find information on what to look for, how delays are assessed, and programs that are available to help. In many cases, delays in mental and physical development can improve. In some cases, however, developmental delays can suggest a possible future learning disability. Learn more about diagnosis and intervention for developmental delays.
Math Learning Disabilities
Math Learning Disabilities - Learn basic facts about Dyscalculia, a learning disability in math. Learn to recognize its symptoms and discover information on common treatments. Explore resources for help.
Multisensory Techniques
Multisensory teaching techniques are often helpful for students with learning disabilities and language processing deficits. Learn about multisensory teaching methods and find recipes and instructions to make your own for use at home or school.
Intelligence Testing
Learn the basics about intelligence testing, what it is, and how it is used to diagnose learning disabilities and in developing individual education programs for students with learning disabilities.
What is a Behavior Plan?
Behavior Intervention Plans - Learn about behavior plans, what they are, and how they are used reduce problem behaviors and increase desired behaviors in schools.
Improve Your Essay Writing
Improve Writing Skills - Whether you are a student with learning disabilities in writing, just looking for ways to improve your writing grades on classroom papers and assignments, or studying for upcoming written exams, learning how to write a three point five paragraph paper will help you get better grades and improve your writing skills. Learn how!
Verbal Linguistic Learners
Learning Styles with Learning Disabilities - Most children have a preferred way of learning, called a learning style. Learn about verbal linguistic learning style and how verbal linguistic learners learn best.
Impulsive Behavior Problems
Impulsive Behavior Problems - If your learning disabled child has impulsive behavior problems or ADHD, you know firsthand how the behavior can interfere with school and social relationships. These tips can help you help your child improve impulsive behaviors at home and school.
LD in Basic Math Skills
A learning disability in basic Math affects the learner's ability to perform basic mathematical operations. Learn more about this disorder, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.
Special Ed. Testing
Refer Your Child for Testing - If you suspect your child has a learning disability, learn how to begin the referral process and what it involves. Find out how to make a referral for your child.
Addition Facts Cards
Flash cards can be effective teaching tools. Download these free addition flash cards for teaching addition skills from one through twelve.
Vocabulary Word Strategies
Learn strategies to help special education and regular education students deal with new vocabulary in reading. These research-based strategies can help learning disabled and non-disabled students from elementary through college.
Dyslexia Symptoms
Dyslexia symptoms are usually seen in reading and writing. Dyslexia symptoms may be a sign of learning disabilities in reading and writing. Learn more about dyslexia symptoms and how dyslexia is diagnosed.
Response to Intervention
Response to Intervention may help your child. Has your child been tested but did not meet the special education eligibility formulas, despite continued problems in school? Learn about Response to Intervention, a new method of determining special education eligibility that may help your child get the specially designed instruction he needs with less delay and without needing to meet rigid assessment score criteria before getting help.
Adaptive Behavior
Adaptive Behavior - Learn about Adaptive Behavior. Find out what it is, how it is assessed, and why it is important for students with learning disabilities and other types of disabilities.
Standard Scores in Testing
Standard Scores - Learn how to understand your child's standard test scores, and find out how to better understand assessment results and evaluation reports. Start with learning about standard scores and how they are used in assessment.
Solving Math Problems
Solving Math Problems - Learn this problem solving strategy to help students with learning disabilities in math identify the important parts of math problems and understand how to solve them. This strategy can also help non-disabled students as well. Learn how to use the SQRQCQ strategy for math problem solving for learning disabled students.
Dysgraphia, a Writing Disorder
Learn about dysgraphia, a learning disability in writing. Learn what dysgraphia is, signs to look for, and how the disorder can be addressed in school.
What is Verbal Intelligence?
Verbal Intelligence - If your child has difficulty understanding reading and spoken language, or has difficulty expressing herself, she may have weakness in verbal intelligence skills Read about verbal intelligence, what it is, why it is important, and how it is assessed in special education programs.
What is SDI?
Learn about specially designed instruction (SDI)in special education programs for children with learning disabilities.
What is Nonverbal Intelligence
Nonverbal Intelligence - If your child has difficulty in reading but is great with hands-on learning, he may have a strength in non-verbal intelligence. If he has difficulty with hands-on tasks and visual reasoning, he may benefit from instruction to help develop non-verbal skills. Read about nonverbal intelligence. Learn what is it, how it is assessed, and why it is important.
Child Development Testing
Testing Development in Infants and Toddlers - Is your child's development on track? Are you concerned about delays in her development? If so, one of the assessments she may be given is the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Learn about this test, what it measures, and how it can be used for diagnosis of developmental delays and program planning.
Body Kinesthetic Learners
Learning Styles with Learning Disabilities - Most children have a preferred way of learning, called a learning style. Learn about body kinesthetic learning style and how body kinesthetic learners learn best.
Language Processing Tips
Language Processing Problems - Learn tips and strategies to adapt instructional materials to help students with language processing deficits.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcers can help reduce unwanted behaviors. Improving problem behaviors can be a challenge. If your child has a behavior intervention plan or you are developing a plan, find out ways you can reinforce positive behavior with easy reinforcers.
Least Restrictive Environment
Least Restrictive Educational Environment - Learn about special education placement decisions and the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Find out what LRE means, how it is determined, and learn about alternatives available to support your learning disabled child's learning.
Teaching Long Vowels
Long vowels are important reading skills. Find tips for teaching long vowels. Download free worksheets for teaching long vowel sounds.
Behavior Management Tips
Behavior management can help you improve your child's behavior. Some students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders usually have difficulty controlling their behavior and need behavior management at home and school. Learn helpful behavior management tips to help control behavior problems at home and at school using redirection.
What is Apraxia?
Apraxia Definition - What is apraxia? Learn the definition of apraxia and read about its characteristics.
What is an IEP?
What is an Individual Education Program? Learn about the IEP requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Find out what an IEP is, what it must contain by law, and how it is developed and monitored.
Learning Disability in Reading
Learn about Learning Disabilities in Basic reading, what they are, how they are caused, how they affect students, and what to do about them.
Infant and Toddler Development
Infant and Toddler Development - Learn about the Battelle Developmental Inventory, an assessment instrument designed to measure development in babies and young children with suspected developmental delays and disabilities.
Games for Infants & Toddlers
Every mom knows that pregnancy is a wonderful time of possibility and planning. Learn how to plan ways you will stimulate your baby's learning in infancy and early childhood. It's never too early! Strategies you use now can help prevent later learning problems. Games are a wonderful way to build new skills and prepare your baby for preschool. Learn classic games for infants and toddlers, and learn new ones to develop your child's early language and visual reasoning.
Executive Functioning
Children with learning disabilities frequently have difficulty with executive functioning. Learn what executive functioning is, the kinds of problems children with executive functioning disorders experience, and what can be done to help.
What is IDEA?
Learn about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and how it establishes programs for students with disabilities in public schools.
Easy Ways to Make Friends
Making Friends - Teach your child social skills and how to make friends with small, easy steps to friendship.
Interpersonal Learning Styles
Learning Styles with Learning Disabilities - Most children have a preferred way of learning, called a learning style. Learn about interpersonal learning style and how interpersonal learners learn best.
LD in Applied Math
A learning disability in applied math affects the learner's ability to use math skills to correctly solve problems. Learn more about this disorder, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.
Planning and Organization
Planning and Organizational Skills - Learn how to teach your child how to use a planner to organize for school. Planners can help children with learning disabilities, ADHD, and ADD organize their school work and plan time to complete tasks required for long-term projects.
Special Education Rights
Special Education IDEA Parent Rights - Children with disabilities and their parents are afforded the procedural safeguards contained in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended in 2004. Learn more about parent rights in special education programs.
Improve Reading Skills -
Improve Reading Skills - Teaching your child sight words at her grade level is one way to help her develop stronger reading skills. This list of third grade sight words comes from the classic list developed by E.W. Dolch in the 1930's and is still widely used today. These words are commonly used in second grade picture books and school work. Use this list of words to build your child's sight word skills to help improve her comprehension and fluency.
What is General Intelligence?
General intelligence is a person's ability to think, reason, solve problems, and interact appropriately in situations. Learn about general intelligence, what it is, how it is assessed, and its role in learning disabilities and special education.
Graphic Organizers
Graphic Organizers are effective study guides for any student. They can help students with language processing deficits and visual learners organize, understand, and remember concepts in many academic areas. Learn how to develop graphic organizers that meet your individual learning needs.
IEP Team Meetings
Individual Education Program Team Meetings - IEP team meetings are an important part of your child's special education program. Learn what to expect during IEP team meetings and how you can actively participate in this important decision making process to strengthen your child's special education program and ensure his needs are met.
Thinking Skills Games
Discover thinking skills games to help your child learning disabilities to practice math, language, and reasoning skills in a fun and engaging way.
Improve Children's Behavior
Improve Children's Behavior - Learn this effective way to help manage children's behavior problems. Pre-task rehearsal can prevent problem behaviors from occurring and help your child make appropriate behavior choices.
Language LDs - Math Strategies
Does your child have difficulty with listening comprehension or oral expression in math? If so, traditional classroom instruction may be frustrating for him. Learn ways you can help your child learn math concepts in ways that may reduce the impact of auditory processing deficits on learning. Find easy, fun, and engaging ways to teach math concepts with hands-on, visual learning.
Collaborative Teaching
Collaborative Teaching - Learn about common collaboration models used in public schools to provide instruction for special education students.
Disability Laws - Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is a civil rights law that covers the rights of all individuals with disabilities, not just school-aged children. It outlaws disability discrimination by any program or activity that receives federal funds.
LDs in Expressive Writing
A learning disability in expressive writing affects the learner's ability to organize thoughts in writing. Learn more about this disorder, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.
Achievement Testing
Achievement Testing - Learn how achievement is assessed in the diagnosis of learning disabilities.
Understanding Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a disorder affecting motor skills and communication. Learn about dyspraxia and how it affects children, teens, adults, and senior citizens. Learn about therapies and strategies that can help.
Early Child Development
Early Childhood Developmental Milestones - Read about your child's development as he grows from age 24 to 36 months. Read about common developmental milestones your toddler will reach during this period. Discover activities to help your child's development and learning.
Understanding Test Scores
Understanding test scores is important for your child's success. Learn about the most common types of test scores used in special education programs and what they mean.
Bullying in School
Learn about school bullying and why students with disabilities may be targeted by a bully in school. Find out ways to stop school bullying from hurting your child.
Improve Reading Fluency
Improve Reading Speed and Fluency - You can easily and quickly improve reading speed and fluency among special and regular education students with a simple, easy-to-make reading guide. This strategy can help students with learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, and it can also increase reading speed among strong readers.
What is an IQ Test?
Intelligence Quotient Tests - What is an Intelligence Quotient Test? Find out more about IQ tests and why they are important in diagnosis of educational disabilities.
Nonverbal Intelligence Tests
Nonverbal Intelligence Tests - Read an overview of the Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence. Learn what it measures, the types of tasks involved, and why it can be helpful for students with language processing problems or students with limited English proficiency.
Flash Cards for Short Vowels
Flash Cards for Teaching Short Vowels - Teach Short Vowels with Flash Cards
Tutoring Programs
Tutoring is available at no cost in many public schools. The No Child Left Behind act requires certain schools to provide tutoring. As part of the NCLB tutoring requirement, low-performing low-income schools must provide free tutoring through supplemental education services. How to find out if your child's school provides tutoring.
Writing Learning Disabilities
Writing disabilities include learning disabilities (LDs) in Basic Writing and Written Expression. Basic writing disabilities affect the learner's ability to write words with correct spelling and using appropriate word choice. Learn about this disorder, its characteristics, and how it is typically addressed.
Dyslexia - Reading Disability
Learn about dyslexia. Explore the symptoms and treatment possibilities. What is dyslexia, and how is it treated? What are the signs to look for?
Differentiated Instruction
Learn about differentiated instruction and how it can be used to meet the needs of special education students in both regular and special education classrooms.
What is a Norm-Referenced Test
Norm-Referenced Tests - If your child has a learning disability or is being referred for special education, norm-referenced tests will be used in diagnosis and program planning. Learn about norm-referenced tests, what they are, and how they are used.
Subtraction Facts Cards
Flash cards can be effective teaching tools. Download these free subtraction flash cards for teaching subtraction skills from one through twelve.
What is a Positive Reinforcer?
Positive Reinforcers - If your child has a behavior plan, or the IEP team is considering implementing one, it will likely include some form of positive reinforcement. Learn about positive reinforcers, what they are, and how they are used to improve students' behaviors at home and school.
Musical Learners
Learning Styles with Learning Disabilities - Most children have a preferred way of learning, called a learning style. Learn about musical learning style and how musical learners learn best.
What Is Reading Fluency?
Reading Fluency - Learn what reading fluency is and why it is an important reading skill needed to improve reading comprehension.
Encourage Reluctant Readers
Is your child a reluctant reader? Many children with learning disabilities avoid reading and do not get the practice they need to improve their skills. Learn some great ways to increase their reading activities that they will actually enjoy!
Building Self-Esteem
Building Self-Esteem - A healthy sense of self confidence will support your child's overall self-esteem and sense of belonging. Developing an awareness of family values is one way to help your child develop self-confidence. Learn how to develop a set of family values to support your child's personal growth.
Measure Educational Progress
Learn about the most common ways teachers measure student educational progress for special education programs. Measuring student educational progress is important in developing and implementing instructional strategies and evaluating program effectiveness for your learning disabled child.
Watch for Signs of LDs
Learning disabilities are usually not diagnosed until students have been in school for about two years, but there are often early signs parents may notice. More importantly, there are also strategies and resources that can help
Reading Comprehension
If you or your child have difficulty with reading comprehension, this strategy and worksheet may help. Learn this easy reading comprehension strategy to improve attention to detail.
Improving Attention
Improving Attention - Inattentiveness in children can impact school performance, social relationships, and interaction with family members at home. Discover simple tips to help your child improve his attention skills at home and school.
Multiple Disabilities
What does multiple disabilities mean? Learn about the category multiple disability and what the disorder involves.
Touch Math - Multisensory Tool
Multisensory Math - Does your child struggle with math or have a learning disability in basic mathematics? If so, learn about Touch Math, a multisensory teaching method that helps kids develop the ability to perform basic operations such as adding, subtracting, multiplication, and division using hands-on, tactile materials.
Dyslexia Tips and Strategies
Dyslexia - Learn basic information about dyslexia, a learning disability affecting reading and, in some cases, writing and language processing. Find tips and resources to help your dyslexic child achieve in school.
Writing Skills Practice
Writing skills can be strengthened during school breaks. Practicing writing skills is important to prevent loss of writing and fine motor skills over breaks and to help your child be better prepared for the coming school session. Learn tips to begin.
Section 504 Compared to IDEA
Learn about the differences between Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Explore how the differences and similarities between the two sets of regulations can affect your child's education in public schools.
What is a Negative Reinforcer?
Negative Reinforcers - If your learning disabled child has behavior problems, he may benefit from a behavior plan. Negative reinforcers are sometimes used in behavior plans.
Educational Toys for Infants
Find educational toys for infants ages birth to twelve months.
High Interest Low Reading
High Interest Low Reading Level Books - Finding the right reading material for nine to twelve year olds with learning disabilities can be a challenge. Explore high interest, low reading level books by Max Elliot Anderson for children with LDs and dyslexia.
Average Test Scores
Average Test Scores - Learn about average test scores and what they mean. Discover how test scores are calculated and how they are used in assessment in special education programs and tests in schools.
Studying for Tests
Does your child have problems studying for tests? With our lives being so busy and schedules being so tight, most students have tried to cram for an examination at school. Is cramming effective? Learn more about cramming and alternatives that may help improve grades on tests.
The Importance of Parents
It has been said that parents are their children's first and most important teachers, and this is absolutely true. Learn about the importance of parent participation in the Individual Education Program (IEP) team. Explore roles and functions of the team and its members and how vital parent participation is to the child's success in school and in life.
Learning Disability Types
Types of learning disabilities include disorders of reading, writing, math, and language processing. Current researchers define a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) as a neurological condition that prevents a person from learning or severely impairs the learning process, despite his having average or higher intelligence. There are several types of learning disabilities. Learn the types and their characteristics.
Accommodation Plans
Accommodation plans are important for children identified with learning disabilities and other types of disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504. Learn what accommodation plans are and why they are critically important to your child's education.
Important Parts of an IEP
The Individual Education Program is the road map for your child's educational program. It tells you where you are, states where you want to go, and details how you will get there. Learn what the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires as essential elements of an IEP.
Learning Disabled at Work
Learning disabled adults face challenges in the workplace, but they also have unique strengths that can be an advantage. Learn about how learning disabilities affect them.
Special Education Formal Complaints - Model Complaint Letter
If you plan to file a formal special education complaint, these model forms and cover letter can help you get started.
Learning Disabilities - Articles
An index of articles for the Learning Disabilities guide site.
Lying Behavior in Children
Learn about lying behavior among older toddlers and young children. Explore why it occurs and ways to address it.
Testing ELL Students
Assessment for English language learners with learning disorders is a complex process. Learn about commonly recommended considerations for testing students with limited language and English proficiency. Learn best practices for learning disabilities in students who are English language learners (ELL) or have English as a Second Language (ESL). Explore ways to determine appropriate testing methods and practices.
Strengthening Social Skills
Strengthening Social Skills - The stress of dealing with a learning disability can take a toll on your child's self esteem and confidence. Developing personal goals is one way to help children with and without learning disabilities strengthen their self confidence. Use this easy method to help your child get started in planning personal goals.
Toddlers and Biting
Toddlers sometimes bite. Sometimes a toddler biting may signal the toddler has underlying problems. Speech and language delays are sometimes causes of toddler biting. Learn about biting in toddlers with speech and language delays. Find ways to stop toddlers from biting.
Early Math Skills
Explore math early math curriculum in preschool and kindergarten years. Learn what to expect in your child's development and how that impacts learning of early math concepts.
Visual Thinking Games
Visual Thinking Games - Learn how to use common childhood visual games to build attention, concentration, listening, and communication skills in your child.
Multiple Choice Testing
Multiple Choice Testing - Did you know you can improve your test taking skills in more ways than studying alone? Learn easy strategies you can use to improved your performance on multiple choice testing.
Special Education Regulations
Learn about the new Special Education Regulations released August 3, 2006 that detail the requirements for special education programs in public schools.
Stress Management Tips
Stress management is an important skill for any parent, but it is especially important for parents of children with disabilities. Find great tips to help you reduce stress in your life.
Flash Cards for Long Vowels
Flash Cards for Teaching Long Vowels - Teach Long Vowels with Flash Cards
Visual Spatial Learning Styles
Learning Styles with Learning Disabilities - Most children have a preferred way of learning, called a learning style. Learn about visual spatial learning styles and how visual spatial learners learn best.
Parents' Emotional Challenges
Are you parenting a learning disabled child and experiencing emotional challenges and stress? If so, as a parent, you may experience a broad range of challenging feelings. Many parents experience predictable phases while processing their feelings about their child's disability. Learn more about common stages parents of learning disabled children experience.
Observations in Tests
Observations in Testing - Learn about observations as part of assessment in special education programs. Learn what they involve and how they are used in diagnosis of learning disabilities and program development.
Criterion-Referenced Tests
Criterion-Referenced Tests - Special and regular education teachers often use criterion referenced tests to help in program planning. Learn about criterion-referenced tests, what they are, and why they are used.
What are Learning Styles?
Learning Styles with Learning Disabilities - Most children have a preferred way of learning, called a learning style. Learn more about learning styles and what they are. Find out why knowing your child's learning style is important.
Mathematical Logical Learners
Learning Styles with Learning Disabilities - Most children have a preferred way of learning, called a learning style. Learn about mathematical logical learning style and how mathematical logical learners learn best.
Testing Accommodations
Testing Accommodations - Learn about testing accommodations for students under Section 504 and IDEA. Find out when they are needed, why they aren't always a good idea, and what you need to know to make the best decision for your child.
Improve Behavior Problems
Behavior Problems - Find out how an inappropriate curriculum can contribute to behavior problems for children with learning disabilities. Learn ways to prevent and address these problems.
Test Percentile Scores
Test percentile scores are one type of many different test scores you may see on assessment reports. Learn about test percentile scores.
Disability under Section 504
Disability Definition - Learn about the term "disability" as it is defined under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. What is a disability under Section 504, and who qualifies for a 504 plan?
Recognizing School Bullying
Bullying in Schools - Students with disabilities are at-risk for being bullied at school. Although all incidents of bullying should be taken seriously and addressed, there are specific warning signs that signal the need for immediate action. Learn what to look for to protect your child from potentially violent bullies. Be alert for other signs of problems that may not be listed here. Trust your instincts. If you think there is a problem, it is worth checking it out to be safe.
Reading Strategies
Reading Strategies - Learn reading strategies and tips to help you adjust and adapt reading materials to your child's learning needs at home and at school.
Special Education Complaints
Parents of children with learning disabilities may sometimes disagree with how schools manage their children's programs, and most conflicts can be resolved informally. When problems are serious, parents may need to take formal actions to get them resolved. Learn the top conflicts that cause parents to file formal complaints or take legal actions against school districts.
Learning Disabilities Tests
Testing for Learning Disabilities - Do you suspect your child has a learning disability? If so, diagnosis of the learning disability will require a full learning disability testing. Learn about the assessment process in the diagnosis of learning disabilities in public schools.
Differentiation in Teaching
Differentiated Instruction - If your child has difficulty learning in a regular classroom program, differentiated instruction may help. Learn more about differentiated instruction, what it is, and how it helps students with learning disabilities in special education programs.
Emotional Disturbance
Learn about emotional disturbance as a disability. Learn the definition and diagnostic criteria.
ESL / ELL Parent Communication
Learn ways schools can help parents of English Language Learners (ELL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) students communicate more effectively with schools. Learn about the importance of translation services and practical ways they can be provided at your school, no matter where you are!
Orthopedic Impairment
Orthopedic Impairment - Learn the definition of orthopedic impairment in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Making Good Friends
Making Good Friends - Does your child with a learning disability seem drawn to kids that may not be the best choice for healthy friendships? This is common among children with learning disabilities, who are at-risk for being socially left out may need your help in choosing positive friends. Learn ways to help them choose wisely.
Concrete Reasoning
Concrete Reasoning - Does your child have difficulty solving everyday problems involving real life skills and objects? If so, concrete reasoning may be an area of concern. Read about concrete reasoning. Learn what it is and why it is important in special education assessment.
Brain Training in LD Adults
Brain training is becoming popular among aging baby boomers and is stimulating a whole new marketing binge promoting high tech training devices to middle agers and senior citizens. Learn more about brain training, the science that supports it, and ways you can train your brain at home with things you probably already have around the house.
Improve Reading - Audio Books
Students with learning disabilities are often severely disadvantaged in learning to read and perhaps more so in later middle, high school, or college years where reading is necessary to learn in any content class. Using audio books is one way to help your child continue to learn content in the classroom despite having a reading disability. Learn how.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis - Learn about applied behavior analysis in special education programs. Lear what it is and how it is used to help children with behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Children with learning disabilities may also have behavior problems, disorders, or other diagnoses such as ADHD that can cause disruption of their school, home, and social life. Read about ABA and how it can help teach appropriate behaviors.
High Low Reading Books
If your child has learning disabilities in reading or dyslexia, you may have a difficult time encouraging her to read. High low books may help. Learn what high lo books are and how they can help your child.
Speech and Language Delays
Are you concerned about your child's speech and language development? While all children develop speech and language skills at different rates, there are common signs of potential speech and language delays that you can watch for.
Person First Language
The first step to building positive attitudes toward your child and his disability is using person first language. Learn about person first language, what it is, and how it can be used to promote focus on kids and not their disabilities.
Augmentative Communication
Augmentative Communication - Learn about augmentative communication, what it is and how it may be used in special education programs for students with learning disabilities.
Manage LDs in the Workplace
Managing Learning Disabilities at Work - With as much as 15 percent of the population having some type of disability, it is likely that most sizable workplaces have some employees with learning disabilities. With planning, policies, and appropriate practices, employers can accommodate the needs of workers with disabilities. In turn, workplaces will benefit from the diverse thinking and problem-solving skills they bring to the workplace.
Develop Self-Esteem
Children with learning disabilities, and those without disabilities, can benefit from a healthy sense of self-esteem. Developing a strong sense of family values can help your child, and the family as a group, become confident as individuals and a family group. Building self-esteem is an important social skill.
Explore Learning Disabilities
About.com Special Features

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

Reclaim the morning and your sanity with these easy recipes, tips, and timesaving ideas. More >

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Learning Disabilities

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.