Category Archives: Discussion Topics

Discussion topics, site feedback, and a place to talk about any aspect of learning disabilities. If you have an idea for a discussion topic suggest it here.

Addiction and Learning Disabilities

Posted on January 6, 2018 by Sanford

In my opinion, coming to grips with the number of teenagers with addictions who also have learning disabilities (estimates towards 60%), requires understanding how isolating it can be. School stress is often the number one stress teenagers face, and when … Continue reading →

Love, Intimate Relationships and Autism

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Sanford

This is a post from a few year back that remains highly relevant, so I thought I’d repost: Teenagers and young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome or with High Functioning Autism need some targeted and extra help understanding and negotiating romantic … Continue reading →

Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia? What’s your Preference, Pain or Pleasure?

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Sanford

The Sun or The Moon? Sometimes I feel like a bit of a downer and in contrast to other popular LD-centered websites, because a fair amount of my writings, posts and presentations concerns the risks and vulnerabilities that can go … Continue reading →

Posted in Discussion Topics, LD Support Sites, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, Social Issues and Ideas | 2 Comments

Is Special Education Labeling Helpful or Prejudicial and Damaging?

Posted on December 10, 2017 by Sanford

One of the more controversial education conversations I hear and have been a part of concerns labeling kids. Over the years I’ve met lots of parents and teachers who argue that labeling is a negative thing. I’ve been to lots … Continue reading →

Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas | 3 Comments

“You’re Never Too Old to Have a Happy Childhood”

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Sanford

Sitting at a desk alongside two of his grandchildren, Kimani Maruge first attended school in 2004 at the age of 84. Great examples of older people living joyfully … Continue reading →

Posted in Discussion Topics, News, Personal Stories | Leave a comment

Lost in My Mind, A Stanley Cup Winner’s Struggle with Dyslexia

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Sanford

Lost in My Mind This article (link above) hit home, and is one of the best and most honest accounts of the reality that many kids, teens, and adults with dyslexia face. Even a successful athlete, reaching the pinnacle of … Continue reading →

Posted in Discussion Topics, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, Personal Stories | Leave a comment

Dyslexia: Learning to Read in your Native Language is a Little Like Learning A Second Language

Posted on December 3, 2017 by Sanford

Feeling and knowing something experientially is different than hearing about it or only understanding it intellectually. You could be super bright and intelligent, but when your reading is marked by slow and inefficient … Continue reading →

Posted in Discussion Topics, Personal Stories | 2 Comments

Navigating Life On Campus When You’re On The Autism Spectrum

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Sanford

From NPR Series “Been There” Adjusting to college campus life can be particularly challenging when you struggle with the mechanics of social life because of underlying social thinking challenges endemic to students on the Autism Spectrum. Life On Campus When … Continue reading →

Posted in Colleges, Discussion Topics, News, Personal Stories | Leave a comment

Does Learning To Read Improve Overall Intelligence?

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Sanford

A study was recently published that claims learning to read and improvement in reading ability has a positive effect on intelligence overall. Where to begin? First, getting past sensational science related headlines takes effort. I have an educated and beginners … Continue reading →

Posted in Discussion Topics, Education Issues and Ideas, News | 3 Comments

“Functioning Is Non-Linear” Are we Misguided in Our Notions of “High and Low Functioning?”

Posted on June 13, 2014 by Sanford

I came across this piece written by someone with Asperger’s Syndrome. She makes some important points to consider concerning the judgmental implications of terms such as “high functioning and low functioning.” I’m a fan of precise and descriptive diagnostic work, … Continue reading →

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“The Upside of Dyslexia”- NY Times. Fact or Wishful Thinking?

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Sanford

In this recent opinion piece in the NY Times, “The Upside of Dyslexia” science writer Annie Murphy Paul cites a few experiments that causes her to wonder about the positive attributes and cognitive abilities that may occur naturally in people … Continue reading →