Resources for Parents at Radcliffe Creek School

Radcliffe Creek School is committed to supporting families with children who learn differently. Here's a curated list of resources, focusing on key learning differences and topics:

General Learning Differences

Learning differences are neurological conditions that affect how a person's brain processes and uses information. These can make learning academic skills like reading, writing, and math more challenging, but they are not related to intelligence. Many people with learning differences have average to above-average intelligence.

• Orinda Academy: Understanding Learning Differences Learn more about different types of learning differences, how they're identified, and strategies to support your child's success.
• Center for Parent Information and Resources: Learning Disabilities (LD) provides comprehensive information on learning disabilities, including common signs, evaluation processes, and support strategies.
• Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) offers information and resources for parents of children with learning disabilities, including articles on related disorders like ADHD and Executive Functioning.
• THH Pediatrics: Learning Disabilities: What Parents Need to Know provides information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about learning disabilities, including signs, ways to help, and further resources.
• Mayo Clinic: Learning disorders: Know the signs, how to help. details the symptoms of learning disorders and how to seek help, emphasizing that learning disorders are not a sign of low intelligence. 

 

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a child's ability to focus, control impulsive behaviors, and regulate activity levels (hyperactivity).

• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) a national nonprofit organization offering resources, parent training, support groups, and advocacy tools.
• ADDitudemag.com A comprehensive online resource featuring expert-backed articles, strategies, and guides for managing ADHD.
• NAMI Launches Online ADHD Resource Center Offers information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for ADHD, as well as tools for parenting, school, work, and relationships.
• AACAP ADHD Resource Center The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provides a resource center on ADHD, including information on research and treatment options for children and adolescents.

 

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects a person's ability to read and process written language. It can manifest as difficulties with phonological awareness, decoding, and reading fluency.

• International Dyslexia Association (IDA) offers a wealth of information about dyslexia, including fact sheets, advocacy tips, and resources for parents and educators.
• Reading Rockets provides information on reading development and strategies to help struggling readers, including book lists and research reports.
• Learning Ally offers audiobooks and resources to support students with reading disabilities like dyslexia.
• Decoding Dyslexia a parent-led advocacy group with state-level chapters offering support and information for families.
• Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) an international organization that credentials dyslexia professionals and provides information on evidence-based interventions.

 

Executive Function Disorder

Executive functions are a set of mental skills, including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, that help people manage their thoughts, emotions, and actions to get things done. Difficulties with executive functions can impact planning, organization, and problem-solving, both academically and in daily life.

• Child Mind Institute: Quick Guide to Executive Function Issues in Kids provides a quick guide on executive function issues in children, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
• Special Ed Resource: What is Executive Function Disorder in Children? Explains the nature of executive function disorder in children, the challenges it presents, and strategies to improve executive function.
• Harvard University Center on the Developing Child offers a downloadable guide with activities to strengthen executive function skills in children.
• ADDitude: Executive Dysfunction & Learning Disabilities in Kids with ADHD discusses the overlap between executive function disorder and ADHD, and how it can impact learning.
• Cleveland Clinic: Executive Dysfunction: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment provides a comprehensive overview of executive dysfunction, including symptoms, possible causes, and treatment options.

 

Speech and Language Disorders

Speech and language disorders are conditions that affect a person's ability to communicate. Speech disorders involve difficulties producing speech sounds, while language disorders relate to difficulties understanding or using language.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provides information about various speech and language disorders, and a search tool to find professionals.
• The Hanen Centre focuses on empowering parents to build speech and language skills in young children.
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) offers information and research on communication disorders.
• Mommy Speech Therapy a resource with helpful ideas and information on building speech and language skills at home.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It's called a spectrum disorder because the symptoms and their severity can vary widely among individuals. 

• Autism Society provides resources, advocacy, and support for individuals with autism and their families.
• Autism Speaks a leading autism science and advocacy organization offering family support resources, including toolkits, guides, and information on services.
• Pathfinders for Autism offers a resource center for Maryland families, including autism-specific information, resources, and a help line.
• Autism Research Institute Focuses on autism research and provides resources on the latest findings and treatment options.
• Eden II Programs: Top Autism Websites Recommended by Parents provides a list of recommended websites for autism resources and support, covering various topics like treatment and advocacy.