Resources

The following resources offer material you can use to become more informed about learning differences. They encompass a broad range of viewpoints and approaches to the issues. The list is compiled from books, Web sites, and multimedia that we consulted during the production of this Web site, or that our advisors recommended. Further guidance about how to find resources in your community is offered below.

> General
> Attention
> Mathematics
> Reading
> Writing
> Resources For Kids

General Resources Web Sites FableVision FableVision’s educational solutions include Stationery Studio, Brain Cogs, and Essay Express. These products provide activities that strengthen basic skills, including writing, reading, and comprehension, articulation of ideas, research, and problem solving. Family Education Parents find practical guidance, grade-specific information about their children’s school experience, strategies to get involved with their children’s learning, free email newsletters, and fun and entertaining family activities. KidsHealth Created by The Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health Media, KidsHealth provides families with accurate, up-to-date, and jargon-free health information they can use. LD Online Features thousands of helpful articles on learning disabilities and ADHD, monthly columns by noted experts in the field, a free and confidential question and answer service, active bulletin boards, and a Yellow Pages referral directory of professionals, schools, and products. Learning Disabilities Association of America Provides a wealth of information on understanding learning disabilities, negotiating the special education process, and helping your child and yourself. National Center for Learning Disabilities An online guide to essential information about learning disabilities, early literacy and learning resources, support for adolescents and adults with LD, public policy, and advocacy tools. Parents’ Action for Children Parents’ Action develops parent education materials, connects parents with one another, and fights for issues such as early education, health care, and high quality and affordable child care. PBS Parents PBS Parents Guides address important aspects of your child’s early years such as school readiness and social and emotional development. You can also find information about your children’s favorite PBS KIDS programs: schedules for your local area, educational activities related to the programs, and explanations of educational goals. Understood Understood is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the millions of families of kids who learn and think differently by providing resources, support, and community.   Professional Organizations American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Provides information on child and adolescent psychiatry, fact sheets for parents and caregivers, current research, practice guidelines, managed care information, and much more. American Academy of Pediatrics Contains general information for parents of children from birth through age 21. American Psychological Association The American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. American Occupational Therapy Association Advances the quality, availability, use, and support of occupational therapy through standard-setting, advocacy, education, and research on behalf of its members and the public. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Provides resources to help you understand communication and communication disorders, as well as a professional referral service for access to qualified care. Center for Law and Education The Center for Law and Education (CLE) strives to make the right of all students to quality education a reality throughout the nation and to help enable communities to address their own public education problems effectively, with an emphasis on assistance to low-income students and communities. National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children The National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC) is a non-profit association whose mission is to represent private special education centers and their leaders. Understood Understood is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the millions of families of kids who learn and think differently by providing resources, support, and community. Locate Local Resources Remember that you’re not in this alone. Local organizations and individuals in your community can provide help to students whose lives are affected by learning differences and disabilities. To find local resources in your community, speak to school personnel, query local academic institutions, and check the general resources for online communities, community resources, local chapters, branches, or members. Many state departments of education have public information on finding local programs. Contact their public information office. Your library and school district will also be able to provide valuable information about the educational options available to your child. Disclaimer: This information is being provided in an effort to help people find local professionals and resources. We do not recommend or endorse any particular referral source, type of professional, or specific professional. > Disability Resources.org: Regional Resources Directory > Internet Special Education Resources: Special Education Advocacy Services > Internet Special Education Resources: Learning Disabilities, Special Education Assessment Professionals > American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Resource Center > National Center for Learning Disabilities: Resource Locator

 

— Back to Top

Books

A Parent’s Guide to Tutors and Tutoring: How to Support the Unique Needs of Your Child – James Mendelsohn, Ph.D. (2008): A survival guide for helping parents decide whether or not to hire a tutor, advice for choosing the right person to tutor your child, and ideas for evaluating if the job is well done. In addition, the book includes suggestions for selecting a tutor for kids with special needs, from learning disabilities to psychological difficulties.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk – Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish (2012): Employs a dialogue technique to help parents talk to their children about issues ranging from schoolwork to peer problems and how these issues interfere with learning.

 

Attention Resources

Web Sites

Children and Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Through collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education and support, CHADD provides science-based, evidence-based information about AD/HD to parents, educators, professionals, the media and the general public.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association

A member organization, ADDA focuses on building a worldwide inclusive community of supportive ADHD adults to make it possible to thrive in today’s world.

 

Attention Books

Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most Out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder – Edward Hallowell & John Ratey (2005)
Through the vivid stories of the experiences of their patients, the authors show the varied forms ADD takes and the transforming impact of precise diagnosis and treatment.

Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder — – Edward Hallowell & John Ratey (2011)
Provides accessible, engaging discussion of every aspect of Attention Deficit Disorder.

Scattered: How Attention Deficit Disorder Originates and What You Can Do About It — Gabor Maté, M.D. (2000)
A comprehensive look at the external factors that trigger ADD, the realities and effects of ADD on children and adults, and how social-emotional and environmental changes can promote health and healing.

 

Mathematics Resources

Mathematics Web Sites

youcubed — In service of their goal “to inspire, educate and empower teachers of mathematics,  transforming the latest research on maths into accessible and practical forms,” youcubed offers a rich collection of research, strategies, and resources for educators, students, and parents.

Tips for Helping Your Elementary School Child with Math Homework — There are many ways to tackle math homework and point out how math concepts are used in your home every day.

 

Math Books and Articles

Unlocking Children’s Math Potential – A post from Jo Boaler for the Parents’ League of New York, presenting recent knowledge challenging the myth that “math is a gift that some students have and some do not.”

What’s Math Got to Do with It? How Teachers and Parents Can Transform Mathematics Learning and Inspire Success by Jo Boaler (2015) — Research based practical advice for giving students the best mathematical experience possible.

 

Reading Resources

Reading Web Sites

AdLit.org
AdLit.org offers research-based information and extensive resources to parents and educators – anyone interested in helping students in grades 4-12 become better readers and writers.

Reading Rockets
Reading Rockets offers a wealth of strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn to read. These resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading and comprehension skills development.

Read•Write•Think
ReadWriteThink is a partnership between the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the MCI Foundation to provide educators and students with access to the highest quality practices and resources in reading and language arts instruction through free, Internet-based content.

 

Reading Books

[coming soon]

Back to Top

 

Writing Resources

Writing Web Sites

AdLit.org
AdLit.org offers research-based information and extensive resources to parents and educators – anyone interested in helping students in grades 4-12 become better readers and writers.

CAST: Center for Applied Special Technology
Works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through the research and development of innovative, technology-based educational resources and strategies.

Read•Write•Think
ReadWriteThink is a partnership between the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the MCI Foundation to provide educators and students with access to the highest quality practices and resources in reading and language arts instruction through free, Internet-based content.

 

Writing Books

[coming soon]

 

Writing Articles

“Developing Dimensions of Written Language” – Greg Gay (2001)

“Prevention and Intervention of Writing Difficulties for Students with Learning Disabilities” – Steve Graham, Karen Harris, & Lynn Larsen (2001)

“Understanding Why Students Avoid Writing” – Regina Richards (1999)

> Back to Top

 

 

Resources for Kids

Websites For Kids
BrainConnection.com – Brain Teasers
Games designed to exercise the processes involved in attending to and remembering information. This group of games works at training the basic fundamentals necessary for language, listening, and reading.

Brainy Kids Online
Children, parents, and teachers will find activities, lab and lesson plans, and links to excellent resources about the brain.

Discovery Channel School
Includes learning tools such as online puzzle maker, clip art, and learning adventures that explore everything from Ancient Egypt to the Space Station.

PBS Kids
Join your kids as they learn and play with all of their favorite characters through games, music, stories and more. For kids up to 8 years old.

PBS Kids Go!
PBS site for older children where they can share their opinions and stories, play games, and solve puzzles. For kids ages 6-12

 

Books for Kids

A Bird’s Eye View of Life with ADD & ADHD – Chris Zeigler Dendy & Alex Zeigler (2003)
Written expressly for teenagers, preteens, and young adults by teenagers and a young adult who are struggling with ADD or ADHD. This survival guide for teens, preteens, and young adults offers factual information and practical advice in words and examples that young people can easily understand and put into practice.

It’s So Much Work to Be Your Friend – Richard Lavoie (2005)
This book offers practical strategies to help learning disabled children ages six through seventeen navigate the treacherous social waters of their school, home, and community.

Organizing from the Inside Out for Teens – Julie Morgenstern and Jessi Morgenstern-Colon (2002)
Assesses the symptoms of disorganization and offers strategies for change, from backpacks to social calendars.

A Walk in the Rain with a Brain – Edward Hallowell (2004)
Charming illustrations and a funny, whimsical story teach children to play and learn in order to find the strengths they have — and a discussion guide at the end gives parents and educators the background support they need in order to help children understand and discover the sparkling individuality of their minds.

Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain: A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Stretch and Shape Their Brains — JoAnn Deak, PhD. (2010)
An award-winning introduction to growth mindset for young children.

 

> Back to Top