2. Learning Disabilities The term 'learning disability' means a disorder in one or more of the basic processes involved in understanding spoken or written language. It may show up as a problem in listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, or spelling or in a person's ability to do math, despite at least average intelligence.

4. Historical Perspective 1980’S : Was defined that if a child's difficulty with reading could not be explained by low intelligence, poor eye sight, poor hearing, inadequate educational opportunities, or any other problem, then the child must be dyslexic This definition however was not acceptable, and it was redefined later.

5. Today's Definition Today it is defined as an inherited condition that makes it extremely difficult to read, write, and spell in your native language—despite at least average intelligence. Dyslexia is a lifelong problem, but with time and interventions people become better.

6. Characteristics It is a learning disability that is neurological in the origin. Difficulty with word recognition, poor spelling and decoding abilities These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Problems in reading comprehension, decrease of vocabulary growth.

7. Cause Of Dyslexia Before people believed that laziness caused the disorder Dyslexia is an inherited condition. Researchers have determined that a gene on the short arm of chromosome #6 is responsible for dyslexia. That gene is dominant, making dyslexia highly heritable and It runs in families people with dyslexia have unusual "wiring". Neurons are found in unusual places in the brain, and are not as neatly ordered as in non- dyslexic brains. People with dyslexia have a larger right-hemisphere in their brains than those of normal readers. That may be one reason people with dyslexia often have significant strengths in areas controlled by the right-side of the brain. f/MRI studies have shown that people with dyslexia do not use the same part of their brain when reading, as other people, showing they don’t use the most important part of their brain for reading.

8. Phonemic Awareness The lack of it determines the likelihood of failure to read or write. If a child lacks phonemic awareness, they will have difficulty learning the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent in words, as well as applying those letter/sound correspondences to help them "sound out" unknown words.

9. It was found that even Albert Einstein the genius was a dyslexic It’s a fact the reading disability, dyslexia - often marked by deficits in the decoding of words - can affect smart people, even some famously knowledgeable, once perplexed scientists. Studies show a biological basis for this disability that affects millions of American children and adults http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=IOdZC5iBudM&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=IOdZC5iBudM&feature=related

10. References http://www.dys-add.com/define.html http://www.neuroanatomy.wisc.edu/selflearn /Dyslexia.htm http://www.neuroanatomy.wisc.edu/selflearn /Dyslexia.htm

11. Is it ADD or ADHD?

12. WHO HAS AD/HD: According to epidemiological data, approximately 4% to 6% of the U.S. population has ADHD. That is about 8 to 9 million adults. ADHD usually persists throughout a person's lifetime. It is NOT limited to children. Approximately one-half to two-thirds of children with ADHD will continue to have significant problems with ADHD symptoms and behaviors as adults, which impacts their lives on the job, within the family, and in social relationships. (Picture above is the % of people that have ADD and ADHD in the United States)

13. DEFINITION OF AD/HD: AD/HD is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a period of time. The most common core features include: Distractibility Impulsivity Hyperactivity These behaviors must be excessive, long-term, and pervasive and must appear before age 7, and continue for at least 6 months. The behaviors must create a real handicap in at least two areas of a person's life, such as school, home, work, or social settings. These criteria set ADHD apart from the "normal" distractibility and impulsive behavior of childhood.

14. Famous People Have it too! If you or someone you love has ADHD, you are in good company! Some of the most creative, innovative, and imaginative people have AD/HD /ADD. Artists Salvador Dali Pablo Picasso Vincent Van Gogh Entertainers Ann Bancroft Jim Carrey Steve McQueen Jack Nicholson Ty Pennington Elvis Presley Evil and Robbie Knievel Justin Timberlake Robin Williams Inventors Alexander Graham Bell Thomas Edison Benjamin Franklin Physicist Albert Einstein Political Figures James Carville John F. Kennedy Abraham Lincoln http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx1B7weBALE

15. Treatments There is no "cure" for ADHD, however, many treatment approaches may alleviate or significantly decrease ADHD symptoms. As a result, improvements are evident in school/work performance, relationships with others improve, and self esteem increases.ADHD symptoms Counseling, education, and support services are often helpful. Typically, a multimodal approach to treatment works best. Medications Stimulant medications have been found to be effective in alleviating ADHD symptoms. Common stimulants include Ritalin, Dexedrine, Concerta, Metadate, Focalin, and Adderall. Some people respond better to one kind of stimulant and not another. Read more about Stimulant Medications. While stimulants are typically the first choice of medication used to treat ADHD, there are a several non-stimulants that may be prescribed. These include atomoxetine, tricyclic antidepressants, and bupropion.Ritalin DexedrineConcertaMetadateFocalin AdderallStimulant Medications Alternative Treatments Exercise improves the learner. Their senses are heightened, their focus and mood are improved, they’re less fidgety and tense, and they feel more motivated and invigorated. Mood is made better by raising the levels of our neurotransmitters that we target with our antidepressants: Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Good Nutrition Good nutrition can play a complementary role in a child’s treatment. When a child’s diet is balanced and healthy, his (or her) ADHD symptoms may be a little better controlled.ADHD symptoms Fish oil rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids is thought to improve mental focus and concentration, which can be especially helpful for those with ADD / ADHD. Fish oil Improving ADD and Working Memory Research suggests that mental exercises may increase working memory in individuals with ADD / ADHD. Also Helpful: Channeling That EnergyChanneling That Energy Improving Diet Good Sleep Schedule Good Sleep The Power of Positive Attention Build Self Esteem in Your Child Work Accommodations ADHD Coaching for Adults ADHD Coaching For Students Improving Working Memory Peer Coaching St. John’s Wort

16. There is Help Out There There are numerous agencies and resources available locally and throughout the U.S. Information and Referral INFO LINE of San Diego County INFO LINE of San Diego County Greater San Diego County 619-230- 0997 North County Coastal 760-943- 0997 North County Inland 760-740-0997 Outlying Areas only 800-227-0997 Free, comprehensive information about and referrals to a wide range of health and social services in San Diego County Helpful Resources for ADHD Websites, organizations, services, information, products and social networking sites dedicated to ADHD on the Internet… ADDResources.org Attention Deficit Disorder Association http://www.add.org http://www.add.org ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO) http://www.adhdcoaches.org/ http://www.adhdcoaches.org/ National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization http://www.nsgcd.org/ http://www.nsgcd.org/ National Association of Professional Organizers http://napo.net http://napo.net National Institute for Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ National Center for Learning Disabilities http://www.ncld.org http://www.ncld.org Inside ADHD http://www.InsideADHD.org http://www.InsideADHD.org LD OnLine http://www.ldonline.org http://www.ldonline.org ADD on About.com http://add.about.com/ http://add.about.com/

17. Resources for Dyslexia Hooked on phonics Word Shark-36 different computer games that provide high interest and motivation Phonics tutor Text help- helps students find spelling errors

18. Resources for ADHD Medication Psychosocial and Behavioral Therapy Special education