Education and Learning Disabilities Therapists in Lexington, MA

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 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 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
Photo of Mary Coakley-Welch, PhD, Psychologist
Mary Coakley-Welch
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lexington, MA 02420
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 Ayelet Pravda, LMHC, Counselor
Ayelet Pravda
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
I see psychotherapy as a learning process.
In my counseling work I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. My clients include people struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. My relational and existential approach helps me understand and connect with my clients. I believe that the intent of therapy is exchanging "symptoms" for "coping skills." To accomplish this transformation, we need to understand our past to shed light on who we are in the present, where we have the power to focus on present issues and make changes that will influence our future.
I see psychotherapy as a learning process.
In my counseling work I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. My clients include people struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. My relational and existential approach helps me understand and connect with my clients. I believe that the intent of therapy is exchanging "symptoms" for "coping skills." To accomplish this transformation, we need to understand our past to shed light on who we are in the present, where we have the power to focus on present issues and make changes that will influence our future.
(617) 936-8812 View (617) 936-8812
Kathleen Gear
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
Each evaluation involves assessment of important areas such as thinking, learning, attention, organization, or mood.
When children experience challenges learning, paying attention, interacting socially, or struggling emotionally, parents often need support to better understand these challenges. Neuropsychological testing provides information about how a child is growing, identifying areas of strength and possible challenge so that parents are in a better position to support their child's development. I work collaboratively with parents to tailor an assessment to understand the nuances and unique context of each child's experience. From the assessment, recommendations are offered to develop a specific plan to address the child's particular needs.
Each evaluation involves assessment of important areas such as thinking, learning, attention, organization, or mood.
When children experience challenges learning, paying attention, interacting socially, or struggling emotionally, parents often need support to better understand these challenges. Neuropsychological testing provides information about how a child is growing, identifying areas of strength and possible challenge so that parents are in a better position to support their child's development. I work collaboratively with parents to tailor an assessment to understand the nuances and unique context of each child's experience. From the assessment, recommendations are offered to develop a specific plan to address the child's particular needs.
(339) 338-6925 View (339) 338-6925
Photo of Jeffrey P Winer, PhD, Psychologist
Jeffrey P Winer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420  (Online Only)
Welcome! I specialize in outpatient psychotherapy with adolescents/college students and adults. I am a friendly, collaborative, and knowledgeable clinician. Folks come to my practice with concerns including anxiety, OCD, depression, emotion dysregulation, academic/work performance concerns, peer/romantic relationship problems, and ADHD/ learning challenges. Across my work key strategies include helping individuals identify and behaviorally engage with their values, enhance self-efficacy, improve communication skills, and build a greater sense of belongingness.
Welcome! I specialize in outpatient psychotherapy with adolescents/college students and adults. I am a friendly, collaborative, and knowledgeable clinician. Folks come to my practice with concerns including anxiety, OCD, depression, emotion dysregulation, academic/work performance concerns, peer/romantic relationship problems, and ADHD/ learning challenges. Across my work key strategies include helping individuals identify and behaviorally engage with their values, enhance self-efficacy, improve communication skills, and build a greater sense of belongingness.
(781) 676-3592 View (781) 676-3592
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 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
Photo of Meredith Cohen, MA, PhD, Psychologist
Meredith Cohen
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02421
My neuropsychological evaluation expertise includes ADHD, learning disorders, autism, anxiety, and mood disorders.
My practice is divided between therapy and neuropsychological evaluations. I draw from several therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relational theory, family systems therapy, and other researched-based techniques, including mindfulness. My neuropsychological evaluations are comprehensive, and I provide detailed and relevant recommendations that target clients' daily life activities and settings (school, workplace, home, community). I aim to emphasize strengths and affirm all identities, including neurodiversity. Please see my website for more information-drmeredithcohen.com.
My neuropsychological evaluation expertise includes ADHD, learning disorders, autism, anxiety, and mood disorders.
My practice is divided between therapy and neuropsychological evaluations. I draw from several therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relational theory, family systems therapy, and other researched-based techniques, including mindfulness. My neuropsychological evaluations are comprehensive, and I provide detailed and relevant recommendations that target clients' daily life activities and settings (school, workplace, home, community). I aim to emphasize strengths and affirm all identities, including neurodiversity. Please see my website for more information-drmeredithcohen.com.
(781) 519-4731 View (781) 519-4731
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 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 Mary Calabrese, PhD, Psychologist
Mary Calabrese
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
Waitlist for new clients
Mary Calabrese is an experienced clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist practicing in Concord, Massachusetts. She conducts neuropsychological evaluations through testing of cognitive and learning issues such as ADHD and dyslexia. She also provides guidance for parents struggling to connect with their children. She takes a warm, problem solving approach to you and your concerns. Her goal is to identify blocks you put in your way, provide the tools to take control of your own life, and develop lifelong strategies to foster your independence. Adults, college students, adolescents, and children are welcome.
Mary Calabrese is an experienced clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist practicing in Concord, Massachusetts. She conducts neuropsychological evaluations through testing of cognitive and learning issues such as ADHD and dyslexia. She also provides guidance for parents struggling to connect with their children. She takes a warm, problem solving approach to you and your concerns. Her goal is to identify blocks you put in your way, provide the tools to take control of your own life, and develop lifelong strategies to foster your independence. Adults, college students, adolescents, and children are welcome.
(617) 500-0748 View (617) 500-0748
Photo of Julia W. S. Slatkin, PhD, Psychologist
Julia W. S. Slatkin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, MA 02173
, learning disorders, ADHD, mood disorders, etc.
Welcome! I specialize in providing treatment and assessment to kids, tweens, adolescents, and young adults facing a variety of mental health concerns. I'm committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges that young people (especially girls and women) encounter today. I strive to foster a safe, non-judgmental, and nurturing environment for clients to explore their emotions, better understand and express themselves, and develop the resilience and coping skills required to effectively manage the challenges they encounter. NOTE: I am only taking new testing clients (not therapy clients) at this time.
, learning disorders, ADHD, mood disorders, etc.
Welcome! I specialize in providing treatment and assessment to kids, tweens, adolescents, and young adults facing a variety of mental health concerns. I'm committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges that young people (especially girls and women) encounter today. I strive to foster a safe, non-judgmental, and nurturing environment for clients to explore their emotions, better understand and express themselves, and develop the resilience and coping skills required to effectively manage the challenges they encounter. NOTE: I am only taking new testing clients (not therapy clients) at this time.
(978) 494-1432 View (978) 494-1432
Photo of Dr. Susan F O'Brien Neuropsychologist, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Susan F O'Brien Neuropsychologist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
Questions about your child's neuropsychological functioning can arise at any point between preschool and college. I specialize in child, adolescent and young adult neuropsychological evaluations; I do NOT provide therapy. My goal is to understand what may be interfering with your child's ability to be successful in various settings - academically, behaviorally and/or socially. Examples of common parental concerns include: problems with attention and concentration, problems with organization and planning, learning disabilities, memory issues, developmental delays/intellectual disabilities, and questions of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Questions about your child's neuropsychological functioning can arise at any point between preschool and college. I specialize in child, adolescent and young adult neuropsychological evaluations; I do NOT provide therapy. My goal is to understand what may be interfering with your child's ability to be successful in various settings - academically, behaviorally and/or socially. Examples of common parental concerns include: problems with attention and concentration, problems with organization and planning, learning disabilities, memory issues, developmental delays/intellectual disabilities, and questions of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
(781) 883-2170 View (781) 883-2170
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 Michal Shapiro - Michal Shapiro, LICSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michal Shapiro, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
I provide integrated, wrap-around MMT care for my clients and their caregivers, helping facilitate an understanding of the student’s combined learning and behavioral challenges.
I am a bilingual clinical social worker/therapist. My passion for working with children and adolescents stems from my years of experience with students in the Newton and Boston school systems. My understanding of the importance for social work has empowered me to continue advocating for and working with marginalized communities, diverse populations, and individuals with learning challenges. My goal as a Multi-Modality Treatment (MMT) clinician is to holistically address the wide range of contributing factors involved in my client’s treatment, including their home, school, and community relationships.
I provide integrated, wrap-around MMT care for my clients and their caregivers, helping facilitate an understanding of the student’s combined learning and behavioral challenges.
I am a bilingual clinical social worker/therapist. My passion for working with children and adolescents stems from my years of experience with students in the Newton and Boston school systems. My understanding of the importance for social work has empowered me to continue advocating for and working with marginalized communities, diverse populations, and individuals with learning challenges. My goal as a Multi-Modality Treatment (MMT) clinician is to holistically address the wide range of contributing factors involved in my client’s treatment, including their home, school, and community relationships.
(617) 841-2931 View (617) 841-2931
Photo of Jeffrey Holden Schnitzer, MEd, EdD, LSP, CogMed, IECA, Psychologist
Jeffrey Holden Schnitzer
Psychologist, MEd, EdD, LSP, CogMed, IECA
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02421
Schnitzer Associates helps students of all ages to build skills and gain confidence in school, in the admissions process, in college and graduate school, adult life and elsewhere. All services are individualized, with the goals of comfort and hopeful aspiration. Hot chocolate and bagels provided gratis. Licensed full psycho-educational assessment and a wide span of tutorial, enrichment and remedial services are available. Over a quarter-century of helping individuals reach their true potentials at almost every level of the academic process and in adult life. Discounts for public servants and low income are an ethical necessity.
Schnitzer Associates helps students of all ages to build skills and gain confidence in school, in the admissions process, in college and graduate school, adult life and elsewhere. All services are individualized, with the goals of comfort and hopeful aspiration. Hot chocolate and bagels provided gratis. Licensed full psycho-educational assessment and a wide span of tutorial, enrichment and remedial services are available. Over a quarter-century of helping individuals reach their true potentials at almost every level of the academic process and in adult life. Discounts for public servants and low income are an ethical necessity.
(781) 995-0704 View (781) 995-0704
Photo of Karin Maria Hodges - Karin Maria Hodges, Psy.D. PLLC, PsyD, HSP, Psychologist
Karin Maria Hodges, Psy.D. PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD, HSP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Lexington, MA 02173
I am a Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider (MA Lic. 9724), specializing in treating children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 for various mental health conditions. My practice includes a holistic case management component, where I coordinate with parents, educators, school counselors, tutors, physicians, nurse practitioners, and other professionals as needed. This collaborative approach often leads to a better understanding of the child’s vulnerabilities and strengths, allowing for more tailored and efficient care.
I am a Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider (MA Lic. 9724), specializing in treating children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 for various mental health conditions. My practice includes a holistic case management component, where I coordinate with parents, educators, school counselors, tutors, physicians, nurse practitioners, and other professionals as needed. This collaborative approach often leads to a better understanding of the child’s vulnerabilities and strengths, allowing for more tailored and efficient care.
(978) 290-4342 View (978) 290-4342
Photo of Michael F. Lynch, LMHC, Counselor
Michael F. Lynch
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
I've worked in schools for the last twenty-three years, helping an array of children and teens experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, as well as social, emotional, and academic challenges. I believe that young people are all amazing in their own ways. Children benefit from having someone in their corner unconditionally to help develop skills and strategies in an effort to become increasingly confident, independent, and successful both in and out of school. I value communication with parents to best help each client. I approach all of my clients in a warm and compassionate manner in an effort to develop a strong connection.
I've worked in schools for the last twenty-three years, helping an array of children and teens experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, as well as social, emotional, and academic challenges. I believe that young people are all amazing in their own ways. Children benefit from having someone in their corner unconditionally to help develop skills and strategies in an effort to become increasingly confident, independent, and successful both in and out of school. I value communication with parents to best help each client. I approach all of my clients in a warm and compassionate manner in an effort to develop a strong connection.
(978) 717-0776 View (978) 717-0776
1
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.