It  is quite upsetting when children continuously underachieve, despite doing their best while trying to develop a sense of mastery and autonomy.  Besides feeling frustrated and being at risk for low self-esteem, they may be punished and ridiculed by peers and family.  Often, there seems to be no apparent explanation for their difficulties.  This is typically the situation with learning disabilities. 

     Learning disabilities, often abbreviated  LD, occur in children with average or above average intelligence.  A learning disability is a neurologically based disorder, affecting one or more functions.  It can involve understanding and using spoken and written language, specifically listening, thinking, speaking, writing, and spelling.  It can affect mathematical calculations.  There may be difficulties in processing information, organizing oneself,  problems with visual and auditory memory, with verbal expression, and/or with motor control.  Further complicating matters, difficulties can interact.

     A child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD has difficulty focusing.  Whether in the classroom, at home, or in sports, the child may be inattentive, distractible, restless, and/or hyperactive.  Thus, learning suffers even if  having good academic skills and strong mental abilities.

     According to the Americans With Disability Act, people with documented disabilities, are entitled to reasonable accommodations. Children with LD or ADHD may need proof submitted to school systems and college testing services that they have such a condition to obtain special accommodations, such as longer time to take an exam.  These accommodations require that disabilities are measured with tests and documented. 

     Adults with LD or ADHD will need help adjusting to college and then the world of work.  Working adults with LD need supportive help in discussing it with an employer and explaining the accommodations they will need.

     I conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment to document disabilities and help in designing accommodations.  Baseline data from testing can provide information for implementing cost-effective interventions, such as selecting the best fit learning environment for a student.  I can help those affected choose a career that maximizes strengths and develop strategies to compensate for disabilities.  I also can help in discussing  the matter with employers and coach individuals throughout the process.