This exploratory study tested the feasibility of using the Transcendental Meditation[R] technique to reduce stress and anxiety as a means of reducing symptoms of ADHD. Students ages 11-14 were taught the technique, and practiced it twice daily in school. Common ADHD inventories and performance measures of executive function were administered at…

Education is a fundamental right for all children which must be guaranteed in every nation. Unfortunately, children with disabilities have been marginalized in many countries preventing them from accessing an appropriate education. Although some countries have legislation that guarantees educational rights to children with disabilities, some of…

This guide is designed to assist people with learning disabilities to recognize their disabilities and the connection between learning disabilities and substance abuse. It begins by defining learning disabilities and providing a self-test checklist for common signs and symptoms of learning disabilities. Difficulties with organization, memory,…

Addressed to parents of children with learning disabilities (LD) or attention deficit disorder, this paper explores the dangers of falling into codependent behaviors and stresses the importance of parents taking care of themselves. The codependent parent is described as always putting the child first and as trying to control everything about the…

Responding to a previous article written by a college student with learning disabilities (LD), this article discusses cognitive and affective barriers faced by college populations with LD and the need to provide support. The anxiety, alienation, drive to succeed, and "masks" of students with LD are explored. (CR)

Students with learning disabilities typically experience more stress than other students at school, as a result of peer rejection, academic difficulties, and changing classroom environments, but may have fewer resources and abilities to cope with this stress. This paper outlines the knowledge and skills that teachers need to help alleviate stress…

This article examines the runaway reaction as it was displayed by Barry, a 14-year-old eighth-grade boy with learning disabilities. It identifies some of the common characteristics of this response and proposes school intervention methods. Functional behavioral assessments and strength-based assessments are encouraged, along with using strategy…

Discusses the anxiety and stress students with learning disabilities experience in the college environment. Cognitive strategies to overcome negative thinking patterns are discussed, including discussing anxiety with peers, positive imagining, playing out worst-case scenarios, confronting sources of anxiety, and accepting learning disabilities and…

Intended for adolescents and young adults with learning disabilities and their parents, this curriculum addresses specific social skill problems identified in a needs assessment completed by parents. Two introductory chapters, one for parents and one for young adults, precede the curriculum. Chapter 1 examines how the individual's surroundings…

A 20-year follow-up study of 41 individuals with learning disabilities revealed attributes that differentiated the successful from the unsuccessful group. Some themes discussed include the critical influence of the learning disability across the entire lifespan, differences in participants' family functioning, and differences in participants'…

The sociocultural context of the lives of five Hispanic American and five Anglo learning-disabled adolescents was studied over a school year to determine everyday stressors and coping strategies. In addition to the typical concerns of adolescents, cultural conflicts and learning handicapped status are major sources of stress. (SLD)

This book provides adolescents with strategies for building developmental assets that have been identified as crucial to success. The assets were identified using data from a survey of more than 250,000 students in grades 6-12. The 40 highlighted assets, grouped into two main types, are designated as either external or internal. The external…

Intended for use by parents of learning-disabled children, this curriculum was developed in response to a needs assessment completed by parents. Presented in a workbook format, each chapter offers guidelines and specific activities to encourage parents to identify specific social skills problem areas and to plan change strategies. Chapter 1…

The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families and protecting every child from harm. By publishing a diverse range of views on a wide array of topics, "Children's Voice"…

This book approaches school reform from the perspective of high school students and their individual views of life within their high schools. Included are essays from students who have behavior disorders, attention deficit disorders, and learning disabilities. The introductory chapter suggests that administrators, teachers, and students all live…