Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with Learning Disabilities and ADHD
Nitzan – The Israeli Association for the Advancement of Children with Learning Disabilities presenting the Diagnosis and Treatment program for which we are seeking support.
Since its establishment in 1964, the mission of Nitzan has been to enable individuals with learning, adaptive and functional disabilities to realize their full potential and become contributing members of society. On a nationwide basis, Nitzan provides remedial instruction, psychological treatment, occupational therapy and diagnosis through its network of 40 branches, as well as employment facilitation and residential training centers for adults.
From fundamental academic skills to organizational and social strategies, from specific therapies to self-awareness and self-advocacy, Nitzan is a leading resource of information on learning disabilities for parents and professionals, and Israel’s foremost developer of assessment instruments and programs that support the acquisition of academic, social and essential life skills. Nitzan also raises public awareness about learning disabilities and advocates for legislation that supports individuals with learning disabilities.
Learning disabilities (LD)
Learning disabilities (LD) are a general classification that includes difficulties and disabilities in several areas of functioning – cognitive (acquisition of academic skills, auditory and visual processing, spatial and time perception, memory, organization); emotional (self-esteem, motivation); and behavioral (coping, social skills). The signs and symptoms of learning disabilities are usually diagnosed during school years and even in preschool as children prepare for first grade. Furthermore, some children with learning disabilities also have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) with symptoms such as inattention, impulsiveness, restlessness and emotional dysregulation, placing them at a higher risk for academic failure, school dropout and removal to special education. Both learning disabilities and ADHD are a lifelong challenge. Therefore, early intervention is essential for building children’s capacity to engage in learning. It supports the fulfillment of potential and prevents the onset of secondary problems.
Our Response
The Project
The project specifically targets children in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade. This is an age level at which a child’s reading, writing and math skills are supposed to be well developed. Children who are thought to be learning disabled should be properly diagnosed at an early age so that professional treatment can commence. Although many families with children with learning disabilities cannot pay for their professional diagnosis and treatment, proper intervention is necessary to help these children keep up with their classmates, raise their self-esteem and prevent them from eventually dropping out of school.
