I would like to know if there is a Learning center or school for children with a learning disablity, like ADD for instance. If such a place exists is there one in the Bridgeport, Connecticut area or Hartford or closer.

The reason I am asking is this, my son is a very smart child with a learning disability and he learns within a different environment he loves computers and computer games that are challenging. He has problems in school where he sometimes get distracted and his work is not done which means he has a lot of homework, so I am looking for a place where he can learn using the tools he loves. I once heard of Microsoft developing a center like this, but then I didn't hear much about it for a while now. I wonder if they have completed it and where is it located? Also if there will be more centers like this? I am desperate to know about this so please e-mail your answer to me at shermane@hotmail.com.

Thank you,

Shermane M.


Shermane-
I know where you’re coming from. My daughter was diagnosed with ADD and had a very hard time in school at times. We still have challenges with organization, but nothing that we can’t handle with a little work.

She went to a class for social skills for ADD children, which helped her learn the social cues that she was missing. This was important. Kids with ADD don’t do well socially, because they miss so much of what’s going on around them. They’re constantly in a daydream state.

She also attended a series of neuro-feedback classes (over 60 in all) through a group called the Drake Institute. This had the biggest impact on her behavior and abilities. They were extremely helpful. It allowed me to keep my daughter off the ADD drugs, and taught me a lot about how she functioned. The mechanics involved with ADD children are very interesting.

The first thing you need to do is have your son assessed by a professional. There are a lot of counselors that specialize in this. Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a good one.

Here are some resources for you.

Drake Institute
Only in California, I’m afraid, but very helpful. They may be able to recommend help in your area.

Future Horizons
This group is in Connecticut.

Special Education Learning Centers
Two learning centers are listed for Connecticut. Please scroll down the page.

Lindamood Bell Centers
This group has one of their learning centers in Stamford.

The other thing that you can do is put systems in place to help your son’s organization skills. Kids with ADD are notorious for being disorganized. My daughter does all of her school work on a laptop. This has helped enormously. She has an Apple ibook. The built in programs such as iCalendar, iPhoto, etc. make life much easier.

I also found that she had trouble managing a binder, so she uses an expandable folder instead. There was just something about clipping things into the binder rings that she just couldn’t handle.

The professionals that work with you will be able to give you a lot of other tips to help your son. I hope this information helps. Let us know how things work out.

Learn more about ADD resources in Connecticut with the help of Google