Behavior & Social Skills
Social competence and emotional well-being are issues for some adults and children with learning disabilities. Being liked, feeling accepted, and having self-confidence are all related to an individual’s social skills. Included in this section are the “dos and don'ts” for fostering social competence, the teacher’s role in developing social skills, and many helpful articles on behavior modification, anger management, disciplining students with disabilities, and the emotional issues experienced by some individuals with LD.
There are 70 articles in this section.
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Coaching Kids With LD and ADHD in Sports
Coaching kids with LD and ADHD in sports involves challenges and rewards for parents and coaches alike.
Success Attributes Among Individuals With Learning Disabilities
Marshall Raskind, Ph.D., describes the specific success attributes he and his colleagues identified in their research among individuals with learning disabilities.
Self-Advocacy: A Valuable Skill for Your Teenager with LD
Teens with LD can learn to be their own best advocates by understanding their strengths and needs, identifying their goals, and communicating those to other people.
What Is the Relationship Between ADHD and Self-Control?
Kids with ADHD can seem spaced out one minute but hyper-focused the next. Learn why this occurs — and how trouble with self-control is at the heart of this paradox.
Online Safety for Children with LD
Many students with learning disabilities struggle with social interactions and appropriate behavior, putting them at greater risk for bullying, harassment, and victimization online. While the internet can be beneficial for developing social and technical skills, it's important to talk children with disabilities about online safety and responsibility.
Tips for Teaching LD Children About Online Safety
It's important to talk to children with learning disabilities about the potential dangers of sharing information over the internet. Here are some guidelines about what your child needs to know.
What Is Executive Functioning?
The term "executive functioning" has become a common buzzword in schools and psychology offices. This is more than just a passing fad. Find out what executive function is, and what specific abilities are covered under the umbrella term of executive functioning.
Helping Children with Executive Functioning Problems Stop Irritating Behavior
Children with executive functioning difficulties are often given to impulsive actions that can be seen as rude or irritating by others. Here are some strategies to help a child curb these behaviors.
Helping Children with Executive Functioning Problems to Manage Physical Impulsiveness
Physical impulsiveness — such as grabbing things, pushing and shoving others, hitting, etc. — can cause problems for a child with executive functioning difficulties. Review these strategies to help a child manage physical impulsiveness.
Helping Children with Executive Functioning Problems Turn In Their Homework
How can you help the child who does his homework, but then forgets to turn it in? Learn to help children with executive functioning problems plan and organize by reading these strategies.
How to Help Your Child with LD Have a Happy Holiday
The holiday season is a time for family togetherness, fun, and friendship. But children who struggle with social and behavioral problems can feel lonely and excluded during this happy time. This article gives you a dozen ways to help you child join the fun.
Children, Self-Control and 'Executive Function'
Experts say there are ways to improve problems with organizational skills. Mental health professionals, educators, and others use the term 'executive function' when talking about ways that people exercise self-control and the skills we need to organize our lives.
Meeting the Challenge of Conformity
Many people with attention deficit disorder find that conforming to standard behavior in the workplace can be challenging. This article tells the story of Jane. Her story illustrates why conformity can be difficult, ways to identify problem areas, and how to navigate around them.
Practicing Social Skills: How to Teach Your Student Social Interactions
Learn ways to teach social skills so that your students can remember them when they need to use them — both in and out of your classroom. This article includes the latest multimedia resources.
Bullying Among Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs
Research indicates that children with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders are more likely to be bullied. This article defines bullying and tells you how to help. Read about resources from The Stop Bullying Now! Campaign.
Helping the Socially Isolated Child Make Friends
Children who are socially rejected by their peers often are preoccupied with their isolation and can't concentrate on their schoolwork. Here are some ways teachers improve kids "social stock" and help them build friendships.
When the Child with Special Needs Goes Off to Summer Camp
Are your children in summer camp? Are you wondering how to support them while they are away? Rick Lavoie gives advice on how you can help children with learning disabilities have a great time this summer — and enjoy yourself more. For example, did you know it is better to send lots of short letters than a few long ones?
From the Mouths of Babes: What Kids Tell Us About Friendships
Rick Lavoie brings teachers information on how to integrate children with special needs into their mainstream class. The Council on Exceptional Children asked students with good social skills for their suggestions to school staff. Here are some of their requests: a) time to "hang out" with peers with disabilities, b) taking a stand against bullying and teasing of students with disabilities, and c) choosing peers to work with students with disabilities carefully.
Improving Your Child's Behavior in Public Settings
Help your child behave properly in public settings. Meet the five basic physical needs that keep them calm. Community excursions, such as trips to the mall and your house of worship, are challenging for children with learning disabilities. Learn the steps that will help your child improve their behavior.