Learning disabilities are a big problem for our youth and not just for them, but also for the entire nation and our economy. Over 10 million teens have some form of learning disability, which is something that can develop into a bigger problem if not solved early. Plus, a learning disability does not only affects a teenager and his grades at school; it can also lead to an increasing number of substance abuse, criminal behavior, joblessness and several other society issues. In the end that costs money all of us, but we need to give money in order to save money and to help those children. An average education cost per year for a child with learning disability is $10,000. That is much smaller than what an adult with learning disability costs the state.
The sad truth about teens with learning disability is that 80% of them have trouble reading and 35% of those teens never finish high school. And that is just the start of the problems, more than 60% of teens with learning disability can’t find a job a year after they finish high school, over 25% of those kids don’t have the necessary knowledge to find a normal job. The two biggest problems in our society of getting a job are substance abuse and learning disabilities, sadly but those two are often related.
The first thing that happens with teens with learning disability is substance abuse; more than 60% of kids with learning disability are using some form of drugs. Over 50% of juvenile delinquents have learning disability. In fact 31% of kids with learning disability that do finish high school are arrested in the first 3 years. So the sad and unfortunate truth is that we have a big problem with teenage children that have some form of learning disability. They need help, and to appeal on those that think that will cost more it won’t. For a teenager with learning disability one school year costs $10,000, but for a person that ended up in jail, a year costs over $30,000, not to mention other expenses and there are many. It is better for them and for us to help them and deal with that issue while the time is right.
The fact is that if these kids are helped on time, while they are still young and they are given to proper facilities that can help them, over 70% of those kids will find a steady and a solid job in the first two years after finishing high school. The remaining 30% have a smaller chance of finding a job, but less than 5% of those will have a problem with the law.
How often have you heard parents and teachers during team meetings or teacher parent conferences say the following?
“Amy can’t read visual cues and she is not writing down the assignment posted on the blackboard” Amy is legally blind.
OR
“Jack doesn’t listen very well” Jack is hearing impaired.
Or
“Clara doesn’t follow directions when I ask the class to stand and form a single line” Clara is unable to walk and uses a wheelchair.
Hopefully you’ve never heard any of these statements. There would never be expectations of children who have physical disabilities, developmental delay, or neurological impairments to accomplish that which they will never be able to do. So why doesn’t this hold true for children with a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD?
What do I mean by that? Well there have been times when a teacher will be reporting on a student (with a diagnosis of ADD who is on an IEP) and state that he doesn’t focus and has difficulty staying on task. Or what about the comment section on a report card that lists the following: Inconsistent effort, not working to potential, poor organizational skills, and assignments not turned in.
I’ve also received emails from desperate parents asking for help and guidance because their 13 year old who has a diagnosis of ADD lacks self discipline and motivation for completing her homework on time.
Why if a child has been diagnosed with ADHD by a psychiatrist because they have met the diagnostic criteria according to the DSMIV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders) do we expect them to do what they are neurologically unable to do? Of course with support and strategies established in their IEPs they will hopefully improve in these areas.
Parents and teachers just think how you would feel if someone was consistently critical of something you are innately unable to do. Children with ADD/ADHD have a real disability, let’s be helpful and not punitive.
Comment by Mindy Mazur — April 1, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
I am currently a student at an ivy league university getting my masters in clinical psychology. I was diagnosed with a learning disability in the 1st grade. School was close to impossible for me, but i never gave up. What got me through school and all the challenges that were ahead of me, were supportive parents and teachers. My parents always taught me I could accomplish anything, and never give up.
The word “disability” really hurt me when I was younger, because I felt that I wasnt “disabled”. My parents soon taught me, honey you just learn “differently”. Which was true, I did all the same work and assignments, I just sometimes need more time, or the tests read to me or a quite room with no distractions. I learned “differently” which to me does not = a disability”
I want to help other children, teens and students who have learning disabilities to know that it is possible to succeed at your dreams and accomplish anything.
Comment by pinky — April 8, 2010 @ 12:05 pm
Over the years, I have worked with a countless number of children and teens with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning difficulties. I love helping them recognize their talents and strengths. Children who are provided with the proper learning strategies and guidance are more likely succeed in school and beyond. Ingrid Kenron, Occupational Therapist, Morton Grove, IL
Comment by Ingrid Kenron — May 2, 2010 @ 10:05 pm
As awareness increases and governments invest more in preventative measures, the help we can provide people with learning disabilities increases, meaning a better quality of life for them.
Comment by Disability Jobs — September 2, 2010 @ 10:39 am