Sheila McManus
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Rewrite your past and your coping strategies will flourish. No matter how strange or painful our life or relationships are, we can understand them to minimize their power to damage us today and tomorrow. We should not deny tragedy when it visits us. And yet, we can re-conceive of most situations to make them more manageable. This is the most gratifying work we can do as people. I am a thoroughly experienced diagnostician who has trained in all popular theories of human development, with an especially strong background in women's issues. I have treated patients from highly diverse backgrounds.
Rewrite your past and your coping strategies will flourish. No matter how strange or painful our life or relationships are, we can understand them to minimize their power to damage us today and tomorrow. We should not deny tragedy when it visits us. And yet, we can re-conceive of most situations to make them more manageable. This is the most gratifying work we can do as people. I am a thoroughly experienced diagnostician who has trained in all popular theories of human development, with an especially strong background in women's issues. I have treated patients from highly diverse backgrounds.
(215) 260-2367 View (215) 260-2367
Photo of Evergreen Counseling and Psychological Associates, Psychologist in 19118, PA
Evergreen Counseling and Psychological Associates
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD, LCSW, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Waitlist for new clients
We welcome you to Evergreen! We are a private practice group of compassionate and skilled Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. We understand it's not easy to open up to someone you don't know, but we strive to make your experience as easy and comfortable as possible. We are here to support you, to help develop workable solutions, and to improve overall health and well-being. We know that change and happiness are possible. You don't have to struggle; help is available. Our office staff are here and want to hear from you.
We welcome you to Evergreen! We are a private practice group of compassionate and skilled Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. We understand it's not easy to open up to someone you don't know, but we strive to make your experience as easy and comfortable as possible. We are here to support you, to help develop workable solutions, and to improve overall health and well-being. We know that change and happiness are possible. You don't have to struggle; help is available. Our office staff are here and want to hear from you.
(215) 392-6685 View (215) 392-6685
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.