LD News http://www.ldonline.org/ en-us LD OnLine Administrator hourly 1 http://backend.userland.com/rss Distinguishing ADHD from OCD Critical to Treatment Success http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Distinguishing_ADHD_from_OCD_Critical_to_Treatment_Success Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:22:57 GMT Two relatively common disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), both often include symptoms of impaired attention, memory, or behavioral control.

In a new study, clinical psychologist Dr. Reuven Dar of Tel Aviv University's School of Psychological Sciences argues that these two neuropsychological disorders have very different roots — and there are enormous consequences if they are mistaken for each other.

]]> Two relatively common disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), both often include symptoms of impaired attention, memory, or behavioral control. In a new study, clinical psychologist Dr. Reuven Dar of Tel Aviv University's School of Psychological Sciences argues that these two neuropsychological disorders have very different roots — and there are enormous consequences if they are mistaken for each other. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Distinguishing_ADHD_from_OCD_Critical_to_Treatment_Success Group Tackles Evaluation of Special Education Teachers http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Group_Tackles_Evaluation_of_Special_Education_Teachers Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:20:54 GMT For several years now, teacher evaluation has dominated education-policy discussions in statehouses and otherwise. But for the most part, the country's 430,000 special education teachers have been left out of the discussion.

The Council for Exceptional Children is trying to change that. In October, the advocacy group released a paper detailing its position on special education teacher evaluation. And today, about 30 leaders from membership organizations, state and local education offices, and schools gathered in Arlington, Va., to discuss the CEC's recommendations.

]]> For several years now, teacher evaluation has dominated education-policy discussions in statehouses and otherwise. But for the most part, the country's 430,000 special education teachers have been left out of the discussion. The Council for Exceptional Children is trying to change that. In October, the advocacy group released a paper detailing its position on special education teacher evaluation. And today, about 30 leaders from membership organizations, state and local education offices, and schools gathered in Arlington, Va., to discuss the CEC's recommendations. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Group_Tackles_Evaluation_of_Special_Education_Teachers Oxygen Deficit In Utero Ups Risk of ADHD http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Oxygen_Deficit_In_Utero_Ups_Risk_of_ADHD Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:17:29 GMT A new study discovers a difficult pregnancy and childbirth that limit the amount of oxygen to the brain of a fetus or infant may lead to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Historically, ADHD has been linked to familial and genetic influences.

]]> A new study discovers a difficult pregnancy and childbirth that limit the amount of oxygen to the brain of a fetus or infant may lead to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Historically, ADHD has been linked to familial and genetic influences. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Oxygen_Deficit_In_Utero_Ups_Risk_of_ADHD School for Students with Dyslexia Approved http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/School_for_Students_with_Dyslexia_Approved Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:15:42 GMT The Louisiana state education board has granted tentative approval to a plan to establish a charter school in Baton Rouge that would serve students with dyslexia. The Advocate reports the decision by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education overrides the recommendation of a national evaluation group.

]]> The Louisiana state education board has granted tentative approval to a plan to establish a charter school in Baton Rouge that would serve students with dyslexia. The Advocate reports the decision by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education overrides the recommendation of a national evaluation group. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/School_for_Students_with_Dyslexia_Approved Optician Using Experience to Help Those with Dyslexia http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/_Optician_Using_Experience_to_Help_Those_with_Dyslexia_ Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:12:20 GMT When optician Brenda Rainford is with a client she has all the usual tools of her trade close at hand, including letter charts and a variety of lenses. She also has some more unusual ones, such as a smart pen complete with a camera in the nib and a recording device.

She is not a secret service agent placed undercover to unearth the country's short-sighted enemies however, but a qualified optometrist tasked with solving people's visual problems. She is also dyslexic and uses a variety of devices to support her in her day-to-day work.

]]> When optician Brenda Rainford is with a client she has all the usual tools of her trade close at hand, including letter charts and a variety of lenses. She also has some more unusual ones, such as a smart pen complete with a camera in the nib and a recording device. She is not a secret service agent placed undercover to unearth the country's short-sighted enemies however, but a qualified optometrist tasked with solving people's visual problems. She is also dyslexic and uses a variety of devices to support her in her day-to-day work. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/_Optician_Using_Experience_to_Help_Those_with_Dyslexia_ Federal Appeals Court Says Districts Must Repay Parents for Special Ed Evaluations http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Federal_Appeals_Court_Says_Districts_Must_Repay_Parents_for_Special_Ed_Evaluations Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:19:39 GMT A federal appeals court has upheld a longtime U.S. Department of Education regulation requiring school districts, under certain circumstances, to reimburse parents for independent educational evaluations of their children with disabilities.

]]> A federal appeals court has upheld a longtime U.S. Department of Education regulation requiring school districts, under certain circumstances, to reimburse parents for independent educational evaluations of their children with disabilities. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Federal_Appeals_Court_Says_Districts_Must_Repay_Parents_for_Special_Ed_Evaluations Psychiatrists Officially Voted Dyslexia Out of DSM-5 http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Psychiatrists_Officially_Voted_Dyslexia_Out_of_DSM-5 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:16:38 GMT On Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, the board of trustees of the American Psychiatric Association voted in Washington, D.C., that the term "dyslexia" will be eliminated from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

]]> On Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, the board of trustees of the American Psychiatric Association voted in Washington, D.C., that the term "dyslexia" will be eliminated from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Psychiatrists_Officially_Voted_Dyslexia_Out_of_DSM-5 Ratification of Treaty on Rights of Persons with Disabilities Fails http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Ratification_of_Treaty_on_Rights_of_Persons_with_Disabilities_Fails Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:15:04 GMT The U.S. Senate rejected the ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The chamber fell five votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to approve the treaty, which special education advocates hoped would pass, noting that 90 percent of children with disabilities in developing countries have no access to education. In the 61-38 vote, the Associated Press reported, all 38 no votes came from Republicans.

]]> The U.S. Senate rejected the ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The chamber fell five votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to approve the treaty, which special education advocates hoped would pass, noting that 90 percent of children with disabilities in developing countries have no access to education. In the 61-38 vote, the Associated Press reported, all 38 no votes came from Republicans. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Ratification_of_Treaty_on_Rights_of_Persons_with_Disabilities_Fails Dyslexia Rights and the Removal of Dyslexia Diagnosis from DSM-5 http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Dyslexia_Rights_and_the_Removal_of_Dyslexia_Diagnosis_from_DSM-5 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:36:27 GMT On Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, the Big Picture Film Team sent out a “Dyslexia Alert” e-mail in regard to the removal of dyslexia from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to be published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the manual used by mental health professionals for a diagnosis of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders. The DSM-5 is scheduled to be published in May 2013 and it is the first major update that the manual has undergone since 1994.

]]> On Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, the Big Picture Film Team sent out a “Dyslexia Alert” e-mail in regard to the removal of dyslexia from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to be published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the manual used by mental health professionals for a diagnosis of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders. The DSM-5 is scheduled to be published in May 2013 and it is the first major update that the manual has undergone since 1994. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Dyslexia_Rights_and_the_Removal_of_Dyslexia_Diagnosis_from_DSM-5 Keira Knightley on Dyslexia and How Her Parents Got Her to Read http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Keira_Knightley_on_Dyslexia_and_How_Her_Parents_Got_Her_to_Read Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:34:07 GMT During Keira Knightley's conversation with Tavis Smiley, Keira Knightley shared her dyslexia childhood experiences, how she is dealing with her dyslexia today, how she could read Anna Karenina, and how her parents got her to read despite her struggles with dyslexia.

]]> During Keira Knightley's conversation with Tavis Smiley, Keira Knightley shared her dyslexia childhood experiences, how she is dealing with her dyslexia today, how she could read Anna Karenina, and how her parents got her to read despite her struggles with dyslexia. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Keira_Knightley_on_Dyslexia_and_How_Her_Parents_Got_Her_to_Read People With ADHD Less Likely to Break Law When on Medication, Study Says http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/People_With_ADHD_Less_Likely_to_Break_Law_When_on_Medication%2C_Study_Says Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:33:00 GMT People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are taking medication to help control the symptoms of this illness may be less likely to commit crimes, a new Swedish study suggests.

]]> People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are taking medication to help control the symptoms of this illness may be less likely to commit crimes, a new Swedish study suggests. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/People_With_ADHD_Less_Likely_to_Break_Law_When_on_Medication%2C_Study_Says ADHD Medications Improve Decision-Making, But Are They Being Over Used? http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/ADHD_Medications_Improve_Decision-Making%2C_But_Are_They_Being_Over_Used%3F Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:31:01 GMT The latest studies show that while attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs can be effective, some kids may be wrongly diagnosed — and therefore inappropriately treated — with the stimulant medications.

]]> The latest studies show that while attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs can be effective, some kids may be wrongly diagnosed — and therefore inappropriately treated — with the stimulant medications. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/ADHD_Medications_Improve_Decision-Making%2C_But_Are_They_Being_Over_Used%3F Assisting Students with Special Needs http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Assisting_Students_with_Special_Needs Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:56:46 GMT How can teachers best assist students with special needs? It's a question facing many of us daily. Three experienced educators — Michael Thornton, Gloria Lodato Wilson, and Ira David Socol — are offering their thoughts on the topic.

]]> How can teachers best assist students with special needs? It's a question facing many of us daily. Three experienced educators — Michael Thornton, Gloria Lodato Wilson, and Ira David Socol — are offering their thoughts on the topic. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Assisting_Students_with_Special_Needs Addressing Attendance Issues Concerning Students with Disabilities http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Addressing_Attendance_Issues_Concerning_Students_with_Disabilities Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:50:54 GMT Students with emotional or learning disabilities are entitled to an education. But in Chicago, they often miss weeks of school, more than other children. Advocates for the disabled say many children with learning and emotional disabilities go undiagnosed for too long and are then given inadequate assistance. Alienated from classrooms they find humiliating and unrewarding, youth tend to tune out or lash out, leading to suspensions and other missed days.

]]> Students with emotional or learning disabilities are entitled to an education. But in Chicago, they often miss weeks of school, more than other children. Advocates for the disabled say many children with learning and emotional disabilities go undiagnosed for too long and are then given inadequate assistance. Alienated from classrooms they find humiliating and unrewarding, youth tend to tune out or lash out, leading to suspensions and other missed days. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Addressing_Attendance_Issues_Concerning_Students_with_Disabilities District of Columbia Settles Lawsuit Over Transport of Special Ed Students http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/District_of_Columbia_Settles_Lawsuit_Over_Transport_of_Special_Ed_Students Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:45:16 GMT After nearly 18 years, the transportation of students with disabilities in the District of Columbia is expected to soon become free of federal oversight. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray said last week that the end of the oversight, triggered by a 1995 lawsuit, Petties v. District of Columbia, is a major accomplishment.

]]> After nearly 18 years, the transportation of students with disabilities in the District of Columbia is expected to soon become free of federal oversight. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray said last week that the end of the oversight, triggered by a 1995 lawsuit, Petties v. District of Columbia, is a major accomplishment. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/District_of_Columbia_Settles_Lawsuit_Over_Transport_of_Special_Ed_Students For Some Kids with ADHD, Music Has Similar Positive Effects to Medication http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/For_Some_Kids_with_ADHD%2C_Music_Has_Similar_Positive_Effects_to_Medication Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:19:13 GMT The findings are part of a study on the effects of distractors on children with ADHD. A team of researchers, led by FIU Center for Children and Families Director William E. Pelham Jr., set out to examine how distractions — such as music and television — affect children with ADHD.

]]> The findings are part of a study on the effects of distractors on children with ADHD. A team of researchers, led by FIU Center for Children and Families Director William E. Pelham Jr., set out to examine how distractions — such as music and television — affect children with ADHD. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/For_Some_Kids_with_ADHD%2C_Music_Has_Similar_Positive_Effects_to_Medication Rethinking Dyslexia http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Rethinking_Dyslexia Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:17:27 GMT A new film makes the case that dyslexia may cause difficulties in reading, but it doesn’t cause difficulties in broader learning. In some cases, it goes so far as to suggest, the condition may even be a blessing in a very good, childhood-long disguise.

]]> A new film makes the case that dyslexia may cause difficulties in reading, but it doesn’t cause difficulties in broader learning. In some cases, it goes so far as to suggest, the condition may even be a blessing in a very good, childhood-long disguise. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Rethinking_Dyslexia Richard Branson and the Dyslexia Advantage http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Richard_Branson_and_the_Dyslexia_Advantage Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:15:09 GMT At 16, Richard Branson embarked on his first business venture in publishing. Your typical entrepreneur? Hardly. His secret to success? Dyslexia. What many would consider a weakness, Branson has branded his "greatest strength."

]]> At 16, Richard Branson embarked on his first business venture in publishing. Your typical entrepreneur? Hardly. His secret to success? Dyslexia. What many would consider a weakness, Branson has branded his "greatest strength." http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Richard_Branson_and_the_Dyslexia_Advantage Exercise May Help Kids with ADHD Focus http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Exercise_May_Help_Kids_with_ADHD_Focus Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:33:44 GMT Twenty minutes of exercise may help kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) settle in to read or solve a math problem, new research suggests. The small study, of 40 eight- to 10-year-olds, looked only at the short-term effects of a single bout of exercise. And researchers caution that they are not saying exercise is the answer to ADHD.

]]> Twenty minutes of exercise may help kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) settle in to read or solve a math problem, new research suggests. The small study, of 40 eight- to 10-year-olds, looked only at the short-term effects of a single bout of exercise. And researchers caution that they are not saying exercise is the answer to ADHD. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Exercise_May_Help_Kids_with_ADHD_Focus ADHD Drugs Don't Raise Risk of Heart Conditions, Study Shows http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/ADHD_Drugs_Don%27t_Raise_Risk_of_Heart_Conditions%2C_Study_Shows Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:28:56 GMT Children taking central nervous system stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin do not face an increased risk of serious heart conditions during treatment, according to a new University of Florida study that confirms findings reported in 2011. Published in the British Medical Journal in August, the study contributes to a decade-long clinical and policy debate of treatment risks for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

]]> Children taking central nervous system stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin do not face an increased risk of serious heart conditions during treatment, according to a new University of Florida study that confirms findings reported in 2011. Published in the British Medical Journal in August, the study contributes to a decade-long clinical and policy debate of treatment risks for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/ADHD_Drugs_Don%27t_Raise_Risk_of_Heart_Conditions%2C_Study_Shows