As learning disabilities like ADHD and dyslexia have become easier to recognize and diagnose, a disparity in funding has also become more easily recognizable. There are currently two groups of "special needs" children that are treated very differently  those with learning disabilities, and those with more severe developmental issues like Down Syndrome.

A child with ADHD, for example, is left in a classroom with 30 plus other students and one teacher, who has neither the time nor energy to focus on one student.

As a consequence, the student begins falling farther and farther behind. Or he may be warehoused in a classroom with students with the same disability, which is counterproductive, to say the least. (Source: Coquitlam NOW -- British Columbia, Canada)

While no solution is currently forthcoming, this disparity can be minimized by parents who advocate for their children's education. In the United States, children who are diagnosed with ADHD are guaranteed access to special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Labels: education, special-needs

Posted By: Aspen/CRC