Education and Learning Disabilities Therapists in Billerica, MA

Photo of Jillian Theberge, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jillian Theberge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Billerica, MA 01821
I am a strengths-based therapist who works with adults, children, and adolescents. I enjoy supporting and partnering with their parents to foster growth and change for the child-parent. I also support young adults transitioning into a new phase of life at work or personally (marriage, parenting, divorce). I am solution-focused and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to help my clients with regulating their emotional ups and downs as well as slowing down the stream of thoughts they often experience due to their busy, hectic lives.
I am a strengths-based therapist who works with adults, children, and adolescents. I enjoy supporting and partnering with their parents to foster growth and change for the child-parent. I also support young adults transitioning into a new phase of life at work or personally (marriage, parenting, divorce). I am solution-focused and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to help my clients with regulating their emotional ups and downs as well as slowing down the stream of thoughts they often experience due to their busy, hectic lives.
(978) 540-8029 View (978) 540-8029
Photo of Laura McLaughlin, LMFT, LMHC, CEIP-MH, Counselor
Laura McLaughlin
Counselor, LMFT, LMHC, CEIP-MH
Verified Verified
Billerica, MA 01821
For over 25 years, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in residential, community, home-based, outpatient, farm and nature based settings. My passion for helping in partnership with my love of horses led me to psychotherapy with equine interaction and EMDR with equine interaction. Although I value, respect and integrate a variety of techniques, I find myself astounded by the horses' ability to ground us in the moment and reflect we need to see. Within this reflection emerges a powerful awareness that can promote new opportunities for insight, understanding and freedom from burdens and traumas previously inaccessible.
For over 25 years, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in residential, community, home-based, outpatient, farm and nature based settings. My passion for helping in partnership with my love of horses led me to psychotherapy with equine interaction and EMDR with equine interaction. Although I value, respect and integrate a variety of techniques, I find myself astounded by the horses' ability to ground us in the moment and reflect we need to see. Within this reflection emerges a powerful awareness that can promote new opportunities for insight, understanding and freedom from burdens and traumas previously inaccessible.
(978) 528-3316 View (978) 528-3316
Photo of Nancy Gill, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nancy Gill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Billerica, MA 01821
For over twenty five years I have enjoyed counseling individuals. I work with them to develop coping strategies which will improve their situation and empower them to achieve more satisfying lives. My successes come because I start where my clients are and treat them non-judgmentally. As essential as that is, I also believe in solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. My goal is for them to learn from therapy, not to make therapy a way of life.
For over twenty five years I have enjoyed counseling individuals. I work with them to develop coping strategies which will improve their situation and empower them to achieve more satisfying lives. My successes come because I start where my clients are and treat them non-judgmentally. As essential as that is, I also believe in solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. My goal is for them to learn from therapy, not to make therapy a way of life.
(978) 566-9979 View (978) 566-9979
Photo of Laura McLaughlin - North Star Guidance Center, Inc., LMFT, LMHC, Counselor
North Star Guidance Center, Inc.
Counselor, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
Billerica, MA 01821
At North Star Guidance Center, is a virtual behavioral group practice. We maintain an unwavering commitment to building strong, healthy relationships between caretakers, supportive community resources and service providers. Our group provides individual, group, couples, family therapy. We work collaboratively to provide a comprehensive continuum of care that will best serve both individuals and families. As a group, we encourage integrated approaches to healing and offer a variety of trauma informed services to match particular needs.
At North Star Guidance Center, is a virtual behavioral group practice. We maintain an unwavering commitment to building strong, healthy relationships between caretakers, supportive community resources and service providers. Our group provides individual, group, couples, family therapy. We work collaboratively to provide a comprehensive continuum of care that will best serve both individuals and families. As a group, we encourage integrated approaches to healing and offer a variety of trauma informed services to match particular needs.
(978) 769-9233 View (978) 769-9233
Photo of Amanda Urato - Amanda Urato, LMHC, Anxiety Specialist, LMHC, Counselor
Amanda Urato, LMHC, Anxiety Specialist
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Billerica, MA 01821  (Online Only)
I will guide you towards FEELING better and DOING better in your life–especially in your relationships! My belief and my experience shows me that we have within us deep wells of strengths, and the capacity to heal and move forward in our lives. But it sure helps to have someone in your corner: Together, we will understand your patterns (your internal patterns, and the patterns in your relationships). With my support, with new insights, and perhaps some new skills, you'll be read to make some positive changes: ...real progress, that lasts!
I will guide you towards FEELING better and DOING better in your life–especially in your relationships! My belief and my experience shows me that we have within us deep wells of strengths, and the capacity to heal and move forward in our lives. But it sure helps to have someone in your corner: Together, we will understand your patterns (your internal patterns, and the patterns in your relationships). With my support, with new insights, and perhaps some new skills, you'll be read to make some positive changes: ...real progress, that lasts!
(508) 546-9494 View (508) 546-9494
Photo of Diane Pascucci, RN, MS, MEd, PMHCNS, BC
Diane Pascucci
RN, MS, MEd, PMHCNS, BC
Verified Verified
Billerica, MA 01821
Not accepting new clients
Sorry, not accepting new clients. Individual challenges can cause considerable pain, anxiety, and stress in many areas of life. With specialties in nursing, psychiatry & education, I am aware of the toll life events can have upon one's sense of well-being. Through my work at the COA, University and health clinics, I appreciate and understand each person has his/her unique needs. Coping with health issues can present additional challenges. With the right support, understanding of your specific needs, empathetic listening, honed skills and the passion of a skilled therapist, you can live the best possible life.
Sorry, not accepting new clients. Individual challenges can cause considerable pain, anxiety, and stress in many areas of life. With specialties in nursing, psychiatry & education, I am aware of the toll life events can have upon one's sense of well-being. Through my work at the COA, University and health clinics, I appreciate and understand each person has his/her unique needs. Coping with health issues can present additional challenges. With the right support, understanding of your specific needs, empathetic listening, honed skills and the passion of a skilled therapist, you can live the best possible life.
(781) 790-4426 View (781) 790-4426

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of David A. Perna - David A. Perna, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
David A. Perna, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
I treat a range of diagnostic presentations and specialize in working with anger challenges, self-harming issues, learning/executive function challenges, and college transition issues.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults who have often had unsuccessful prior treatment experiences. They feel that my knowledge and holistic approach to treatment will provide them with a healthier pathway forward in their life. Although I have a depth of experience to share with my patients I value learning from them on a daily basis. To facilitate change I employ a range of focused DBT and CBT strategies that I also teach to younger clinicians who train with my practice. I have maintained a professional home for 30 years at Harvard Medical School where I serve as a Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry.
I treat a range of diagnostic presentations and specialize in working with anger challenges, self-harming issues, learning/executive function challenges, and college transition issues.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults who have often had unsuccessful prior treatment experiences. They feel that my knowledge and holistic approach to treatment will provide them with a healthier pathway forward in their life. Although I have a depth of experience to share with my patients I value learning from them on a daily basis. To facilitate change I employ a range of focused DBT and CBT strategies that I also teach to younger clinicians who train with my practice. I have maintained a professional home for 30 years at Harvard Medical School where I serve as a Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry.
(617) 762-5419 View (617) 762-5419
Sandra Shaheen
Psychologist, PhD, ABPdN
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Sorting out complex medical, psychological and neurological complications to learning and behavior are among my specialties.
I welcome the opportunity to demystify concerns with learning, behavior, or adaptation in children of all ages and in young adults who may have longstanding difficulties. I use a battery of standardized tests in addition to interview and observation to help understand what underlies struggles, and what to do about it. A child may have anxiety and learning difficulties: what should you focus on first? A teen or young adult may have had a concussion, and problems with mood or attention which predate injury. How do we go about planning interventions which will work?
Sorting out complex medical, psychological and neurological complications to learning and behavior are among my specialties.
I welcome the opportunity to demystify concerns with learning, behavior, or adaptation in children of all ages and in young adults who may have longstanding difficulties. I use a battery of standardized tests in addition to interview and observation to help understand what underlies struggles, and what to do about it. A child may have anxiety and learning difficulties: what should you focus on first? A teen or young adult may have had a concussion, and problems with mood or attention which predate injury. How do we go about planning interventions which will work?
(617) 229-5447 View (617) 229-5447
Photo of Kelly M. Jones - Kelly M. Jones, Ph.D., PhD, Psychologist
Kelly M. Jones, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Woburn, MA 01801
Coaching can help improve attention and concentration, stop chronic disorganization and lateness, help you complete tasks in a timely manner, improve study and test taking skills, improve your quality of sleep, increase motivation by learning to break down tasks, and improve decision making.
I am a clinical neuropsychologist who provides assessment, ADHD coaching, and CBT services to individuals. My specialty areas include assessment of cognitive and behavioral changes associated with ADHD. I also provide neuropsychological services for adults with neurological, medical, psychiatric and academic-related conditions that impact cognitive functioning. I work with a wide range of clients including those with memory problems, traumatic brain injury, mood disorders or psychiatric conditions, learning disabilities, and ADHD. My doctorate is from UMass Amherst. I completed a neuropsychology internship at the Bedford VA and an adult clinical neuropsychology fellowship at Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Health Alliance.
Coaching can help improve attention and concentration, stop chronic disorganization and lateness, help you complete tasks in a timely manner, improve study and test taking skills, improve your quality of sleep, increase motivation by learning to break down tasks, and improve decision making.
I am a clinical neuropsychologist who provides assessment, ADHD coaching, and CBT services to individuals. My specialty areas include assessment of cognitive and behavioral changes associated with ADHD. I also provide neuropsychological services for adults with neurological, medical, psychiatric and academic-related conditions that impact cognitive functioning. I work with a wide range of clients including those with memory problems, traumatic brain injury, mood disorders or psychiatric conditions, learning disabilities, and ADHD. My doctorate is from UMass Amherst. I completed a neuropsychology internship at the Bedford VA and an adult clinical neuropsychology fellowship at Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Health Alliance.
(413) 687-4708 View (413) 687-4708
Photo of Troy Carr, PhD
Troy Carr
PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
If you are interested in helping your child or adolescent improve their academic and social emotional functioning, have an adolescent who is experiencing Anxiety, or would like an intellectual or neuropsychological evaluation that will help you understand your child's learning and social emotional profile, I would be happy to schedule an appointment.
For more than 20 years, I have enjoyed helping children, adolescents and young adults overcome their difficulties while also focusing on developing their many strengths. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is solution focused and clinically proven to be the most effective treatment for children and adolescents who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, and social difficulties. I have seen an enormous increase in Anxiety and over dependence on social media, vaping, and marijuana use as coping mechanisms and have developed an expertise in treating adolescents who struggle with these issues.
If you are interested in helping your child or adolescent improve their academic and social emotional functioning, have an adolescent who is experiencing Anxiety, or would like an intellectual or neuropsychological evaluation that will help you understand your child's learning and social emotional profile, I would be happy to schedule an appointment.
For more than 20 years, I have enjoyed helping children, adolescents and young adults overcome their difficulties while also focusing on developing their many strengths. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is solution focused and clinically proven to be the most effective treatment for children and adolescents who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, and social difficulties. I have seen an enormous increase in Anxiety and over dependence on social media, vaping, and marijuana use as coping mechanisms and have developed an expertise in treating adolescents who struggle with these issues.
(978) 627-7023 View (978) 627-7023
Photo of Dr. Deborah L Abber, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Deborah L Abber
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Westford, MA 01886
I provide neuropsychological testing and evaluation services for children and adolescents struggling with the various challenges that can impact learning and school success. Comprehensive neuropsychological and educational assessments help parents better understand a student's learning profile and strengths and weaknesses, and help to identify underlying processing deficits, learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia), executive functioning and organizational difficulties, attentional deficits and ADHD, as well as social-emotional-behavioral challenges that may be impacting school functioning such as ASD, anxiety, or depression.
I provide neuropsychological testing and evaluation services for children and adolescents struggling with the various challenges that can impact learning and school success. Comprehensive neuropsychological and educational assessments help parents better understand a student's learning profile and strengths and weaknesses, and help to identify underlying processing deficits, learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia), executive functioning and organizational difficulties, attentional deficits and ADHD, as well as social-emotional-behavioral challenges that may be impacting school functioning such as ASD, anxiety, or depression.
(508) 593-9809 View (508) 593-9809
Photo of Mary Coakley-Welch, PhD, Psychologist
Mary Coakley-Welch
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Concord, MA 01742
My evaluations identify strengths and weaknesses in learning and social-emotional life; diagnose Learning Disabilities in reading such as dyslexia, math, or writing; ADHD/ADD; intellectually gifted; or emotional difficulties such as anxiety or depression.
As a Neuropsychologist and Licensed Psychologist, I provide evaluations and testing to answer to your questions about learning, attention, memory, organization, language, and other cognitive skills; academic skills like reading, writing, and math; and/or social-emotional factors in yourself or your child. My neuropsychology practice is warm and welcoming. I focus on understanding you or your child so that we will identify the best specific and personalized recommendations to address your needs. I evaluate children (at least age 6 and in first grade and up), teens, college students, and adults. I don't provide therapy or counseling.
My evaluations identify strengths and weaknesses in learning and social-emotional life; diagnose Learning Disabilities in reading such as dyslexia, math, or writing; ADHD/ADD; intellectually gifted; or emotional difficulties such as anxiety or depression.
As a Neuropsychologist and Licensed Psychologist, I provide evaluations and testing to answer to your questions about learning, attention, memory, organization, language, and other cognitive skills; academic skills like reading, writing, and math; and/or social-emotional factors in yourself or your child. My neuropsychology practice is warm and welcoming. I focus on understanding you or your child so that we will identify the best specific and personalized recommendations to address your needs. I evaluate children (at least age 6 and in first grade and up), teens, college students, and adults. I don't provide therapy or counseling.
(781) 905-8014 View (781) 905-8014
Photo of Tammy Rosenthal, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tammy Rosenthal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Andover, MA 01810
I specialize in autistic spectrum disorders, and other learning differences, Additionally I specialize in couples therapy.
If you're reading this, you've already taken the hardest step- recognizing that you want some part of your life to be different. I've been in practice for over 30 years, and am humbled everyday by the strength, resilience and capacity for change I see in the people I get to work with.
I specialize in autistic spectrum disorders, and other learning differences, Additionally I specialize in couples therapy.
If you're reading this, you've already taken the hardest step- recognizing that you want some part of your life to be different. I've been in practice for over 30 years, and am humbled everyday by the strength, resilience and capacity for change I see in the people I get to work with.
(978) 906-0720 View (978) 906-0720
Photo of Casey Bridgeman, LMHC, Counselor
Casey Bridgeman
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Burlington, MA 01803  (Online Only)
It is discovering who they are and learning their needs.
My name is Casey Bridgeman and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts. I obtained my bachelor's degree in psychology at Emmanuel College and continued my education at Suffolk University. At Suffolk, I obtained a master's degree in mental health counseling. I currently work at Accept Education Collaborative, where I am a school adjustment counselor. At Accept, I work with students who are on the autism spectrum and have extreme behavioral/emotional needs. Prior to working at ACCEPT, I worked for Arbour Counseling and at Norfolk State Prison.
It is discovering who they are and learning their needs.
My name is Casey Bridgeman and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts. I obtained my bachelor's degree in psychology at Emmanuel College and continued my education at Suffolk University. At Suffolk, I obtained a master's degree in mental health counseling. I currently work at Accept Education Collaborative, where I am a school adjustment counselor. At Accept, I work with students who are on the autism spectrum and have extreme behavioral/emotional needs. Prior to working at ACCEPT, I worked for Arbour Counseling and at Norfolk State Prison.
(508) 290-6545 View (508) 290-6545
Photo of Allison Lawsky, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Allison Lawsky
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
I have worked with children, adolescents, and young adults in a range of outpatient clinical settings and K-12 school placements. My caseload includes clients of varied ages from a range of diverse backgrounds. I frequently collaborate with parents, DCF workers, schools, doctors, and prescribers regarding client care. I also provide in-depth psychological testing reports that evaluate executive function challenges, learning disabilities, attentional challenges, and emotional difficulties.
I have worked with children, adolescents, and young adults in a range of outpatient clinical settings and K-12 school placements. My caseload includes clients of varied ages from a range of diverse backgrounds. I frequently collaborate with parents, DCF workers, schools, doctors, and prescribers regarding client care. I also provide in-depth psychological testing reports that evaluate executive function challenges, learning disabilities, attentional challenges, and emotional difficulties.
(857) 678-5487 View (857) 678-5487
Photo of Thomas Draper - Thomas Draper-Aptitude Counseling LLC, LMHC, Counselor
Thomas Draper-Aptitude Counseling LLC
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Andover, MA 01810
I work with Adults, Children aged 3+ and Adolescents. Specializing in treating ADHD, Asperger/Autism, Depression, Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Learning Disabilities, OCD, ODD as well as Family Counseling. I uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Mindfulness. I use a holistic approach to clients. I hopes to provide a safe and therapeutic relationship during our time together.
I work with Adults, Children aged 3+ and Adolescents. Specializing in treating ADHD, Asperger/Autism, Depression, Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Learning Disabilities, OCD, ODD as well as Family Counseling. I uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Mindfulness. I use a holistic approach to clients. I hopes to provide a safe and therapeutic relationship during our time together.
(508) 252-0879 View (508) 252-0879
Photo of Krystal Gottilla - Krystal Gottilla, PsyD, PsyD, Psychologist
Krystal Gottilla, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
As a licensed psychologist, I have worked with children, adolescents, and young adults in a range of outpatient clinical settings and K-12 school placements. My caseload includes clients of varied ages from a range of diverse backgrounds. I frequently collaborate with guardians, DCF workers, schools, doctors, and prescribers regarding client care. I also provide in-depth psychological testing reports that evaluate executive function challenges, learning disabilities, attentional challenges, and emotional difficulties.
As a licensed psychologist, I have worked with children, adolescents, and young adults in a range of outpatient clinical settings and K-12 school placements. My caseload includes clients of varied ages from a range of diverse backgrounds. I frequently collaborate with guardians, DCF workers, schools, doctors, and prescribers regarding client care. I also provide in-depth psychological testing reports that evaluate executive function challenges, learning disabilities, attentional challenges, and emotional difficulties.
(339) 338-4145 View (339) 338-4145
Photo of Jill Pineda, PhD, Psychologist
Jill Pineda
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02173
I am a pediatric psychologist with over 10 years of experience working with children, families, schools, and providers to better understand the unique needs of each child. I have expertise in conducting neuropsychological assessments of intellectual functioning, attention, learning, and other cognitive skills to provide diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations. I strive to provide compassionate care and help each child work toward reaching their full potential.
I am a pediatric psychologist with over 10 years of experience working with children, families, schools, and providers to better understand the unique needs of each child. I have expertise in conducting neuropsychological assessments of intellectual functioning, attention, learning, and other cognitive skills to provide diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations. I strive to provide compassionate care and help each child work toward reaching their full potential.
(617) 855-0427 View (617) 855-0427
Photo of Marciana Ramos - Walk With Me Psychology, PhD, Psychologist
Walk With Me Psychology
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples, and families to assess and improve things that are interfering with your quality of life. My therapeutic approach incorporates mind and body wellness, focused on recognizing and reducing stressors while improving relationships, boundary-setting, and self-care. Therapy can occur seated in my Winchester Center office or walking on several nearby trails. I also conduct full psychological assessments for clients who are struggling with a suspected learning or attention disorder (or for those who need an updated assessment, for example, to receive accommodations). For more information about my practice, please visit my website.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to assess and improve things that are interfering with your quality of life. My therapeutic approach incorporates mind and body wellness, focused on recognizing and reducing stressors while improving relationships, boundary-setting, and self-care. Therapy can occur seated in my Winchester Center office or walking on several nearby trails. I also conduct full psychological assessments for clients who are struggling with a suspected learning or attention disorder (or for those who need an updated assessment, for example, to receive accommodations). For more information about my practice, please visit my website.
(781) 570-5777 View (781) 570-5777
Photo of Deon Mowatt - Deon Mowatt, PsyD, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Deon Mowatt, PsyD
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
I've worked extensively with parents, coaching them to facilitate positive changes in their neurodiverse children and have treated children with neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, Autism, and learning disabilities.
With over six years of clinical experience, I specialize in serving diverse communities, including adults, children, and families. Holding a PsyD in Clinical Psychology and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from William James College, I've honed my skills at well-known Boston agencies, such as Commonwealth Mental Health and Wellness Center, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, and the Brenner Center. I draw from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy, allowing me to offer customized support to individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
I've worked extensively with parents, coaching them to facilitate positive changes in their neurodiverse children and have treated children with neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, Autism, and learning disabilities.
With over six years of clinical experience, I specialize in serving diverse communities, including adults, children, and families. Holding a PsyD in Clinical Psychology and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from William James College, I've honed my skills at well-known Boston agencies, such as Commonwealth Mental Health and Wellness Center, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, and the Brenner Center. I draw from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy, allowing me to offer customized support to individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
(617) 618-5796 View (617) 618-5796
Education and Learning Disabilities Therapists

How effective is treatment for learning disabilities?

When initiated early and tailored to a child’s specific needs, learning disability treatment can be quite effective at helping a child cope with their disability, though its exact efficacy may depend on the severity of symptoms and whether comorbid disorders exist. Less is known about treatment initiated in adulthood, but it is certainly possible that an adult with a learning disability will see some improvement—or at the very least, identify workarounds and accommodations that could make symptoms less burdensome in day-to-day life.

When should someone seek treatment for learning disabilities?

It’s best to seek treatment as early as possible. Because learning disabilities often go unnoticed until a child starts school, or even until they’re a few years along, regular check-ins with teachers and doctors can help parents determine whether children are meeting milestones and keeping up with peers or whether an evaluation for learning disabilities may be warranted. And although earlier is always better, it’s never too late to be evaluated for learning disabilities and to seek treatment.

What happens if learning disabilities are left untreated?

Undiagnosed and untreated learning disabilities can be a source of significant frustration and shame for a child, who may feel that their challenges stem from a lack of intelligence or willpower. Such feelings can trigger low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety, which may push a child toward risky behaviors, including substance use. In adulthood, untreated learning disabilities can interfere with career success, and lingering feelings of self-doubt and shame can negatively affect someone’s mental health.

Are there medications for learning disabilities?

Currently, there are no medications designed to treat specific learning disabilities such as dysgraphia or dyscalculia. However, someone with a learning disability may be prescribed medication for a comorbid condition, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, which may have positive downstream effects on their learning disability; for example, a child with both ADHD and dyslexia may find that they’re better able to focus on their reading exercises after being prescribed a stimulant medication.