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Dyslexia
ADD/ADHD
Central Processing Disorder
Autism
In general, the term Learning disability (LD) covers a range of conditions that affect an individual's ability to learn new information. Limitations can show up in many ways such as difficulty with spoken or written language, self-control, attention span, and coordination. Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD)
The Council for Learning Disabilities is an international organization that promotes effective teaching and research. CLD is composed of professionals who represent diverse disciplines. They are committed to enhancing the education and lifespan of individuals with learning disabilities. LD Online
LD Online is a resource for persons with disabilities and their families. This site offers helpful information in a number of areas.
Dyslexia Dyslexia is a learning disability that often causes difficulty in reading, writing and spelling. It can also affect short-term memory, mathematics skills, concentration, personal organization, and sequencing. The causes of dyslexia are generally believed to be neurological in origin and the disability tends to run in families. Environmental factors may also cause this condition. Dyslexia is NOT a direct result of poor motivation, emotional disturbance, sensory impairment or lack of opportunities. It can occur at any level of intellectual ability or economic status. The characteristics of dyslexia can largely be overcome by using different learning strategies. The International Dyslexia Association
The International Dyslexia Association maintains a website for educators, college students, children, teens, and parents. This site gives an overview of dyslexia. It also provides information on conferences, and the latest in research. Dyslexia Action
The Dyslexia Action is an educational charity founded in 1972. Their goal is to assess and teach people who suffer from dyslexia. They also train specialists to teach people who are dyslexic. Dyslexia Parents Resource
Dyslexia Parents Resource includes an overview of dyslexia, its causes, symptoms, and possible cures. It also provides tips to help parents find the right school for their child. World of Dyslexia
The World of Dyslexia combines different websites that together provide a comprehensive overview of dyslexia. It includes a "Dyslexia teaches" section, which enables the sharing of information about helping students with dyslexia. It also includes information on testing children and adults, a parent's resource section and a guide relating to dyslexia at college. Dyslexia at College
Dyslexia at College is a website designed specifically for college students with dyslexia. The site includes information on computer programs, exam techniques, study skills, taking notes, and giving presentations. Child Development Institute
This free online book includes an overview of dyslexia and its causes. It also provides some teaching strategies to help improve the reading level of students with dyslexia and information on helping children overcome spatial orientation problems. Back to Top
ADD/ADHD ADD is a neurobiological disorder often caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Many people use the term ADD as a generic term for all types of AD/HD. According to professionals in the field, whether we call it ADD or AD/HD, we are basically referring to the same thing. Those who suffer from ADD typically have the following symptoms: - Problems following through on instructions
- Difficulty paying attention
- Seem to not listen
- Disorganized
- Poor handwriting skills
- Tend to miss details
- Have trouble starting tasks or keeping on track with those tasks that require planning or long-term effort
- Appears to be easily distracted or forgetful
- Fidgety
- Verbally impulsive
It is important to remember that not all people with ADD will have all of these symptoms, and not all people with these symptoms will have ADD. ADDA or Attention Deficit Disorder Association
ADDA is a membership organization that helps people with AD/HD. Its focus is on education, research, and public advocacy related to AD/HD. The website contains information on all these topics along with a listing of professional and local support groups. CHADD, or Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
CHADD is an organization with over 20,000 members worldwide. It serves individuals with AD/HD. It does this through collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education and support. The website provides information on education, employment, disability benefits, resources, advocacy, legislation, and health insurance. National Resource Center on AD/HD
The National Resource Center on AD/HD is a website sponsored by CHADD. This website includes information on AD/HD, diagnosis and treatment information, how to deal with systems, and other educational issues. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDD)
The NCBDD shares valuable information on helping children with ADD form healthy peer relationships. Back to Top
Central Processing Disorder Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) is not a hearing loss but a "physical hearing impairment" where individuals are unable to recognize or understand sounds. Audiologist Frank Musiek says that Central Auditory Processing Disorder is to the ears what dyslexia is to the eyes. CAPD affects the hearing system beyond the ear, preventing otherwise meaningful messages from being understood clearly. The exact cause of CAPD is often unknown, yet it sometimes runs in families and could be the result of a head injury or severe illness. It is common for individuals with CAPD to be misdiagnosed as having AD/HD (Attention Deficit Disorder) because the initial symptoms are similar. It is also common that CAPD can coexist with AD/HD. Family Education Network
The Family Education Network provides a list of questions and answers concerning Central Auditory Processing Disorder and other educational issues. National Coalition on Auditory Processing Disorders, Inc.
The National Coalition on Auditory Processing Disorders, Inc. provides resources to help families address issues associated with CAPD. National Institute on Deafness
The National Institute on Deafness addresses CAPD along with other communication disorders. Back to Top
Autism Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and in varying degrees. It occurs in approximately fifteen out of every 10,000 births and is four times more common in boys than girls. The causes of autism are still unknown. Symptoms of Autism include: - Abnormal growth rate of physical, social and language skills
- Atypical responses to sensations
- Delayed speech and language
- Abnormal ways of relating to people, objects, and events
Autism is treated through different behavioral methods and medications. Autism Society of America
The Autism Society of America was founded in 1965 and supports over 20,000 member families dealing with issues associated with autism. The Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation
The Cure Autism Now Foundation supports funding for research on autism. Doug Flutie Foundation
The mission of this organization is to aid families who have autistic children and financial need. Back to Top
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