Resources for Children With Learning Difficulties

If you're a parent who has a child with a learning disability, or a teacher working with special needs students, you may find that the more resources and information you have on hand, the better you can help you child or student to succeed. Being armed with information and privy to networks supporting children with learning disabilities may also enhance your own experience and abilities.

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

• This site seeks to educate parents, teachers and the public about children with disabilities. It offers the "Building the Legacy" training program designed to provide anyone working with children with disabilities information on special education basics, laws and regulations regarding children with learning (and other) disabilities and evaluation of children for disabilities. The site also offers guidance on addressing specific academic and behavioral issues ("Effective Mathematics Instruction", for example). Each guide gives an overview and specific examples of how to implement the information. The site also provides a searchable database of projects funded by the Office of Special Education.

National Center for Learning Disabilities

• This organization provides information and support to parents and educators working with students who have learning disabilities. The site includes podcasts and audio stories, a list of learning disability assessment services by area, worksheets, checklists and other publications. The organization also provides information on your child's rights pertaining to education, a teachers' resource page and information on transitioning your child to college or work. The "LD Insights" blog offers posts by a variety of experts, parents and teachers on topics concerning learning disabilities. The blog focuses on presenting a variety of perspectives on experiencing, studying or working in the area.

LD Online

• This resource also provides a variety of basic information on learning disabilities, with an emphasis on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). The site offers resources for parents, teachers and kids. The kids section provides a book list for kids with LD and ADHD. The books are for various ages and reading levels. An art gallery section displays art works submitted to LD Online by children. The "Your Stories" page publishes original writing authored by kids with learning disabilities. The site also offers tips for parents and teachers.

Family Education

• Family Education features resources for general education but has a learning disabilities section with information on helping your child or student develop tools to thrive in school and life. The page has various tool kits to help you and your child stay organized, get homework done and study effectively. You can also read up on strategies from other parents on how to support your child.