How Does the LD Mind Work?
Answer: Differently.
You must see the video created by Rick LaVoie entitled "How Difficult Can this Be?" It really helps you to see how our special kids process information differently than we do. It is also highly recommended to see this with the typical siblings in the family so that they get a chance to appreciate how their brother or sister sees things. This video can be purchased - but the local libraries have them available too.

For example, there is a discussion in how the LD mind processes and decodes - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx5kr2T7rK8&feature=related

For some, it is interesting and helpful to understand the mechanics and chemistry of the brain when trying to understand the LD mind. Here is a helpful video on the brain and its chemicals -http://depression.emedtv.com/depression-video/the-brain-and-its-chemicals-video.html

 Parenting Tips
A nice website providing parenting tips - including working with your ADHD/LD child

http://www.empoweringparents.com/

Another really useful website (for parents of all types of kids) is Common Sense Media - it is a great resource in reviewing for viewing - TV shows, movies, books, etc.

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/special-needs


BULLYING:
iF YOU HAVE A CHILD WITH A LEARNING dISABILITY, OR WHO IS A CHILD WITH adhd OR IS ON THE SPECTRUM, THE CHANCES ARE YOU or your child have experienced bullying. It is not Fair but it is a fact. Our precious Children are more prone to be the victim of bullying - and it can have serious consequences.

What can you DO? Educate yourself, your child and your school to the signs and strategies to deal with this.
Remember: Bystanders are part of the equation!

 a good place to start is to watch 'Bully -The Movie' 
Here is the Trailer-get out the tissue before watching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1g9RV9OKhg

Then find out how to do something about it:
http://www.thebullyproject.com/

Here are some other helpful links:

http://www.ncld.org/parents-child-disabilities/bullying

http://www.ldonline.org/article/20001/

http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/health/823-understanding-bullying-and-its-impact-on-kids-with-learning-disabilities-or-ad-hd.gs

 

Social Skills
The Playground can be a Social Skills Minefield

Does this sound familiar -
"Last one picked, first one picked on" ?

You might find it advisable for your child to receive some assistance in this area. His social challenges are as real as his academic ones. 


You Really Must See This Video

For a first rate presentation on Social Skills and LD, please see the Rick LaVoie video "The Coin of the Realm - Playdates". It is really, really good - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODxwotH5IEo&feature=related


For an article on Social Skills for an ADHD (or any LD) Playdate go to:
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/924.html
Another comprehensive collection can be found at LD Online:
http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/behavior

Social Skills Therapy
There are probably social skills groups in your area -
Here are some local groups that can work with your child

SUPER KIDS is an established resource providing much needed services (they provide sib therapy too !) - http://www.superkidsct.com/

The Connecticut Center for Child Development - specializes in 'helping people with autism lead their lives' (they have an outreach program providing in home therapy) -
http://www.cccdinc.org/

BRANCHES OF HOPE - provides services through a mentoring sort of program - -  http://www.branchesofhope.org/

In the Hartford/Tolland Area there is
Kids Cooperate
That promotes social sensory cognition therapy
http://kidscooperate.com/#axzz2NFuCd848

SIBLINGS

While there are tons of materials out there addressing the needs of our 'exceptional' children, there is a void when it comes to addressing the very real challenges that our siblings have to face.
Unfortunately, there is little out there locally by way of support for our precious siblings
Here are some resources that may help you along the way:

Fortunately, STAR, inc. of Norwalk will be hosting SIBSHOPS starting in November
There website can be accessed here
http://www.starinc-lightingtheway.org/

A SIBSHOP sign up form can be downloaded here
http://www.starinc-lightingtheway.org/starpix/Sibshop-flier.pdf


The Sibling Support Project is a national group dedicated to the needs of the brothers and sisters of people with special needs -  http://www.siblingsupport.org/
Here is a brief guidebook(kind of basic) -
http://www.permanente.net/homepage/kaiser/pdf/44897.pdf


The social skills therapy group Super Kids also offers sibling therapy (one on one sessions) - http://www.superkidsct.com/




Here Are Some Articles That Might Be Helpful In Understanding What Siblings Are Going Through

'Sharing Your Attention Evenly'
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1016.html

Here is a summary of a peer reviewed Study
http://www.adhdlibrary.org/library/adjustment-and-social-competence-in-children-with-adhd-siblings/

This Study Reveals that Academic Affects May Extend to the Sibling
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/long-term-academic-effects-of-childs-adhd-may-extend-to-siblings.shtml

Other Articles of Interest:

http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/support/learning-disabilities-sibling-issues.gs?content=680

http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/support/siblings-with-learning-disabilities.gs?content=801

http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/support/learning-disabilities-and-siblings.gs?content=732

There is a crying need for more support in this area - give your sibling a hug whenever you can !!! One might have attention deficit - the other should not have a deficit of attention !