Developmental and learning disabilities in children are among some of the most complicated situations parents have to deal with. Not only do children with learning disabilities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia and Aspergers Syndrome (AS) struggle to fit in socially, fitting in academically presents a significant challenge. About 5-10% of American children have learning disabilities – ADHD affects a approximately 3-5 percent of school aged children, while Dyslexia and Aspergers account for around 5% of American school aged children with learning disabilities.
For children who suffer from ADHD, programs, summer camps and schools for ADHD exist to give children more academic or behavioral support. Schools for ADHD students typically run as after-school programs, and help children with ADHD review what they are currently learning in class, and assist with studying and homework tasks. Some public schools offer separate class room environments for students with ADHD. These separate classrooms will typically consist of less students than the traditional classroom, although larger classrooms may be suitable if more than one teacher or instructor is present.
Similar to schools for ADHD, schools for Dyslexia and Aspergers schools exist as well. Aspergers Syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, in addition to restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Aspergers syndrome is named after the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger. In 1944, Dr. Asperger studied and described children in his practice who lacked nonverbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy – all common symptoms of children who are diagnosed with AS. As children with AS grow older and enter the adolescent stage, they may also exhibit ongoing difficulty with self care or organization, and disturbances in social and romantic relationships. However, there is some evidence that children with AS may see a lessening of symptoms as they grow older; up to 20% of children may no longer meet the diagnostic criteria as adults. In any event, enrolling your child in a school for Aspergers is extremely important in helping them develop their social and academic skills.
References: www.vanguardschool.org