Education and Learning Disabilities Therapists in District of Columbia

Photo of Cheryl Shapiro, Psychologist in District of Columbia
Cheryl Shapiro
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
It is very rewarding to help them gain insight into their child's learning style so that they can use that information to find the right educational fit.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in assessment for children and adolescents. I conduct independent school admissions testing, as well as more comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations to assess for learning disorders, ADHD, and developmental delay. The goal of my evaluations is to identify my client's learning style and understand the individual as a whole person. I strive to provide feedback that is thorough, objective, well-reasoned, and understandable. My written reports include straightforward results and practical, solution-focused recommendations for parents and teachers. These reports are often used for educational planning and to request academic support and accommodations.
It is very rewarding to help them gain insight into their child's learning style so that they can use that information to find the right educational fit.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in assessment for children and adolescents. I conduct independent school admissions testing, as well as more comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations to assess for learning disorders, ADHD, and developmental delay. The goal of my evaluations is to identify my client's learning style and understand the individual as a whole person. I strive to provide feedback that is thorough, objective, well-reasoned, and understandable. My written reports include straightforward results and practical, solution-focused recommendations for parents and teachers. These reports are often used for educational planning and to request academic support and accommodations.
(202) 796-7068 View (202) 796-7068
Photo of Lindsey Dogali, Psychologist in District of Columbia
Lindsey Dogali
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008
Testing Services Offered Include: Psychoeducational Testing (assessment of intellectual functioning, learning and memory, processing, attention, and academic achievement), Social/Emotional Testing (assessment of mood, anxiety, self-confidence, coping, and personality), ADHD Testing (targeted assessment of attention and executive functioning), and Admissions Testing (assessment of intellectual functioning).
I am licensed clinical psychologist specializing in assessment services for children and adolescents. I am passionate about helping families get answers as to why their child may be struggling in school, at home, or with peers. My goal is to make the testing experience as fun and enjoyable as possible for your child or teenager, and to ensure that you, as a parent, feel heard and supported throughout the process. I utilize state-of-the-art assessment measures and will provide you a comprehensive and useful report in record time.
Testing Services Offered Include: Psychoeducational Testing (assessment of intellectual functioning, learning and memory, processing, attention, and academic achievement), Social/Emotional Testing (assessment of mood, anxiety, self-confidence, coping, and personality), ADHD Testing (targeted assessment of attention and executive functioning), and Admissions Testing (assessment of intellectual functioning).
I am licensed clinical psychologist specializing in assessment services for children and adolescents. I am passionate about helping families get answers as to why their child may be struggling in school, at home, or with peers. My goal is to make the testing experience as fun and enjoyable as possible for your child or teenager, and to ensure that you, as a parent, feel heard and supported throughout the process. I utilize state-of-the-art assessment measures and will provide you a comprehensive and useful report in record time.
(571) 526-0103 View (571) 526-0103
Photo of Myra L. Burgee, Psychologist in District of Columbia
Myra L. Burgee
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001
Welcome! I conduct comprehensive and individualized psychoeducational evaluations for clients age 6 through adults when there are concerns regarding learning, attention, cognitive functioning and/or personal adjustment in the academic or work settings. Assessment of learning disabilities, ADHD/ADD, depression and anxiety are conducted.
Welcome! I conduct comprehensive and individualized psychoeducational evaluations for clients age 6 through adults when there are concerns regarding learning, attention, cognitive functioning and/or personal adjustment in the academic or work settings. Assessment of learning disabilities, ADHD/ADD, depression and anxiety are conducted.
(301) 417-5982 View (301) 417-5982
Photo of Dr. Lauren Siegel, Psychologist in District of Columbia
Dr. Lauren Siegel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20011
I am a clinical psychologist with The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to high quality psychotherapy and neuropsychological testing services to families in the DMV area. I help kids with big feelings improve their emotional awareness and advocate for their needs so that they can be more engaged both academically and socially. I also work with adults, and my work focuses on processing challenges related to parenting and life transitions so that they can find balance in their career and home lives.
I am a clinical psychologist with The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to high quality psychotherapy and neuropsychological testing services to families in the DMV area. I help kids with big feelings improve their emotional awareness and advocate for their needs so that they can be more engaged both academically and socially. I also work with adults, and my work focuses on processing challenges related to parenting and life transitions so that they can find balance in their career and home lives.
(301) 321-7889 View (301) 321-7889
Photo of Adair Fox, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District of Columbia
Adair Fox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
I strive to build therapeutic relationships characterized by warmth, openness, thoughtfulness, firmness, direct communication, teaching, learning, and collaboration.
My practice is devoted to providing psychotherapy for older adolescents and adults from diverse walks of life. I treat clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, loss, grief, and other sources of seemingly unmanageable distress. I also help clients navigate specific life transitions -- for example, to a new school, job, relationship, or parenthood. Finally, I welcome clients who are experiencing relatively diffuse, general discontent and searching for greater fulfillment with respect to their health, relationships, education, job career, or creative endeavors.
I strive to build therapeutic relationships characterized by warmth, openness, thoughtfulness, firmness, direct communication, teaching, learning, and collaboration.
My practice is devoted to providing psychotherapy for older adolescents and adults from diverse walks of life. I treat clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, loss, grief, and other sources of seemingly unmanageable distress. I also help clients navigate specific life transitions -- for example, to a new school, job, relationship, or parenthood. Finally, I welcome clients who are experiencing relatively diffuse, general discontent and searching for greater fulfillment with respect to their health, relationships, education, job career, or creative endeavors.
(202) 559-0306 View (202) 559-0306
Photo of Michal Berkson Powell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District of Columbia
Michal Berkson Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
Life has its ups and downs. You want to have the skills, resources, and supports to weather whatever the world throws at you and you want that for your family too. As strong and resourceful as we are, no one has the ability to manage everything, all the time. Every now and then, any one of us could use a little extra help. Maybe you have been feeling more stressed. Maybe you are going through a major life change. Maybe there have been concerns about your child’s development or behavior. Maybe you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a learning or developmental disability, or you want to know more about ADHD, Autism, or Anxiety.
Life has its ups and downs. You want to have the skills, resources, and supports to weather whatever the world throws at you and you want that for your family too. As strong and resourceful as we are, no one has the ability to manage everything, all the time. Every now and then, any one of us could use a little extra help. Maybe you have been feeling more stressed. Maybe you are going through a major life change. Maybe there have been concerns about your child’s development or behavior. Maybe you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a learning or developmental disability, or you want to know more about ADHD, Autism, or Anxiety.
(202) 601-3395 View (202) 601-3395
Photo of Alicia Shelby, Licensed Professional Counselor in District of Columbia
Alicia Shelby
Licensed Professional Counselor, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
I support individuals with learning tools to manage adhd, anxiety, behavioral challenges, and mood symptoms.
I am a licensed graduate professional counselor who really enjoys working with adolescents and young adults. I have vast experience working with children, adolescents, adult students, and young professionals in a variety of environments. I am passionate about providing clients with opportunities to communicate through self expression.
I support individuals with learning tools to manage adhd, anxiety, behavioral challenges, and mood symptoms.
I am a licensed graduate professional counselor who really enjoys working with adolescents and young adults. I have vast experience working with children, adolescents, adult students, and young professionals in a variety of environments. I am passionate about providing clients with opportunities to communicate through self expression.
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Photo of Elizabeth Adams, Psychologist in District of Columbia
Elizabeth Adams
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in the Washington, DC area who specializes in working with children and families. Common themes addressed in therapy include anxiety, behavior challenges, parenting and co-parenting concerns, ADHD, learning disorders and peer relationships. I work collaboratively with the family and allied services to best understand the unique needs of the child. Cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, and family systems approaches are most commonly utilized. Therapy is delivered through play therapy for young children, individual therapy for older children, parent coaching (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy).
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in the Washington, DC area who specializes in working with children and families. Common themes addressed in therapy include anxiety, behavior challenges, parenting and co-parenting concerns, ADHD, learning disorders and peer relationships. I work collaboratively with the family and allied services to best understand the unique needs of the child. Cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, and family systems approaches are most commonly utilized. Therapy is delivered through play therapy for young children, individual therapy for older children, parent coaching (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy).
(202) 337-3554 View (202) 337-3554
Photo of Hyacinth Wellness Counseling Services, Licensed Professional Counselor in District of Columbia
Hyacinth Wellness Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHS, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
If you’re interested in learning more about how Hyacinth Wellness can support your program and/or staff, please call the office today to schedule a free consultation.
Our goal at Hyacinth Wellness is to help clients identify obstacles and understand their needs and strengths to achieve personal growth and success within relationships and life goals. We assess current life circumstances, family and medical history, and the larger social context to promote self-awareness and a collaborative plan of growth and change.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Hyacinth Wellness can support your program and/or staff, please call the office today to schedule a free consultation.
Our goal at Hyacinth Wellness is to help clients identify obstacles and understand their needs and strengths to achieve personal growth and success within relationships and life goals. We assess current life circumstances, family and medical history, and the larger social context to promote self-awareness and a collaborative plan of growth and change.
(202) 804-8047 View (202) 804-8047
Photo of Megan M Herbets, Licensed Professional Counselor in District of Columbia
Megan M Herbets
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
She has experience working with children diagnosed with a range of learning disabilities, Autism and Asperger’s.
Oftentimes, we lose sight of what we truly want for ourselves. Megan’s goal is to empower you to focus on your own experiences rather than on what others expect of you. Born and raised in the Washington Metro area, Megan understands firsthand how the stress of the DMV lifestyle can affect one’s personal life, work life and home life. Clients describe Megan as being creative, quirky, empathetic and reliable. Megan has seven years of experience helping children and adults work through behavioral and emotional struggles related to depression, PTSD, grief, substance abuse, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, family and sexuality.
She has experience working with children diagnosed with a range of learning disabilities, Autism and Asperger’s.
Oftentimes, we lose sight of what we truly want for ourselves. Megan’s goal is to empower you to focus on your own experiences rather than on what others expect of you. Born and raised in the Washington Metro area, Megan understands firsthand how the stress of the DMV lifestyle can affect one’s personal life, work life and home life. Clients describe Megan as being creative, quirky, empathetic and reliable. Megan has seven years of experience helping children and adults work through behavioral and emotional struggles related to depression, PTSD, grief, substance abuse, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, family and sexuality.
(202) 743-7505 View (202) 743-7505
Photo of Cristiano Santostefano, Psychologist in District of Columbia
Cristiano Santostefano
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
You're looking to untie emotional knots that complicate fulfilling relationships and developing confidence. In treatment, we'll work together to uncover core emotional issues, learning techniques that foster insight about how these issues affect you, both in the past and present. I believe these insights can support you to make meaningful changes.
You're looking to untie emotional knots that complicate fulfilling relationships and developing confidence. In treatment, we'll work together to uncover core emotional issues, learning techniques that foster insight about how these issues affect you, both in the past and present. I believe these insights can support you to make meaningful changes.
(202) 839-9827 View (202) 839-9827
Photo of John C Parkhurst, Psychologist in District of Columbia
John C Parkhurst
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
Dr. Parkhurst's practice frequently centers on self esteem and identity development issues, especially, but not necessarily, as they relate to sexual orientation. Depression, anxiety, obsessiveness, relationship problems, and intimacy issues characterize the types of concerns with which he is often presented by clients. His competencies include couples counseling, parenting and child development issues, and academic concerns as counseling issues. He also has considerable experience in learning and cognition, and in career development from his years of counseling and training within the educational system.
Dr. Parkhurst's practice frequently centers on self esteem and identity development issues, especially, but not necessarily, as they relate to sexual orientation. Depression, anxiety, obsessiveness, relationship problems, and intimacy issues characterize the types of concerns with which he is often presented by clients. His competencies include couples counseling, parenting and child development issues, and academic concerns as counseling issues. He also has considerable experience in learning and cognition, and in career development from his years of counseling and training within the educational system.
(202) 568-8626 View (202) 568-8626
Photo of Jackie Hill, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District of Columbia
Jackie Hill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSWC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
I believe all people have the power and strength to overcome challenges and achieve balance and fulfillment, we just may need some help getting there. We all have blind spots and obstacles in our lives, and a warm, understanding, and non-biased perspective can be immensely helpful. Therapy can be a powerful tool in relieving distress, learning about oneself, and living a more fulfilled life. My practice style is warm and inviting-I prioritize building strong therapeutic connections and truly enjoy getting to know my clients. Clients have described me as genuine, transparent, supportive, and that I have a good sense of humor.
I believe all people have the power and strength to overcome challenges and achieve balance and fulfillment, we just may need some help getting there. We all have blind spots and obstacles in our lives, and a warm, understanding, and non-biased perspective can be immensely helpful. Therapy can be a powerful tool in relieving distress, learning about oneself, and living a more fulfilled life. My practice style is warm and inviting-I prioritize building strong therapeutic connections and truly enjoy getting to know my clients. Clients have described me as genuine, transparent, supportive, and that I have a good sense of humor.
(202) 932-0925 View (202) 932-0925
Photo of The Meltzer Center in District of Columbia
The Meltzer Center
PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
In addition, we offer assessment services for both children and adults, including psychoeducational testing for evaluation of learning disabilities and ADHD, as well as psychological concerns.
The Meltzer Center provides a variety of low fee assessment and therapy mental health services to individuals within the Washington, DC metro area. We are located at George Washington University, near the Foggy Bottom metro. We offer evidence-based individual, family, group (see below for current group description), and couples therapy (CBT, etc.) to address a wide variety of psychological problems, relationship issues, and personal concerns.
In addition, we offer assessment services for both children and adults, including psychoeducational testing for evaluation of learning disabilities and ADHD, as well as psychological concerns.
The Meltzer Center provides a variety of low fee assessment and therapy mental health services to individuals within the Washington, DC metro area. We are located at George Washington University, near the Foggy Bottom metro. We offer evidence-based individual, family, group (see below for current group description), and couples therapy (CBT, etc.) to address a wide variety of psychological problems, relationship issues, and personal concerns.
(202) 618-5182 View (202) 618-5182
Photo of The MECCA Group LLC, Psychologist in District of Columbia
The MECCA Group LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Our therapists have specialties that include depression, anxiety, parenting/co-parenting, behavior modification, ADHD, and learning disabilities.
The MECCA Group is comprised of a clinically and culturally diverse team of professionals who provide comprehensive services for children, adolescents, young adults, and their support systems in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Our dedicated team of therapeutic professionals consists of psychologists, social workers, counselors, behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, vocational specialists, and special educators. All professional team members have extensive knowledge and experience in providing evidence-based practices as well comprehensive holistic care to help all clients reach their highest potential and to Live Fully.
Our therapists have specialties that include depression, anxiety, parenting/co-parenting, behavior modification, ADHD, and learning disabilities.
The MECCA Group is comprised of a clinically and culturally diverse team of professionals who provide comprehensive services for children, adolescents, young adults, and their support systems in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Our dedicated team of therapeutic professionals consists of psychologists, social workers, counselors, behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, vocational specialists, and special educators. All professional team members have extensive knowledge and experience in providing evidence-based practices as well comprehensive holistic care to help all clients reach their highest potential and to Live Fully.
(202) 759-8874 View (202) 759-8874
Photo of Michelle Pittman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District of Columbia
Michelle Pittman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008  (Online Only)
I've enjoyed working with children, teens, families, and adults for over 20 years. I am a seasoned clinician who relates well with teenagers and is supportive of the needs of parents and families. My approach is authentic and comforting, as well as practical and goal-oriented. My clinical experience includes treating individuals with ADHD, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, school avoidance, children adjusting to the divorce of parents, and the transition to college or emerging adulthood. I am well-versed in multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biblio-therapy, and trauma focused CBT.
I've enjoyed working with children, teens, families, and adults for over 20 years. I am a seasoned clinician who relates well with teenagers and is supportive of the needs of parents and families. My approach is authentic and comforting, as well as practical and goal-oriented. My clinical experience includes treating individuals with ADHD, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, school avoidance, children adjusting to the divorce of parents, and the transition to college or emerging adulthood. I am well-versed in multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biblio-therapy, and trauma focused CBT.
(855) 625-4710 View (855) 625-4710
Photo of Dr. Faith Sproul, Psychologist in District of Columbia
Dr. Faith Sproul
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
Waitlist for new clients
If you have concerns related to learning, attention, or psychological functioning, a quality assessment can provide useful answers and help you gain valuable insight.
Welcome! I offer services primarily related to assessment and consultation for children and adults. Evaluations are comprehensive with a focus on various domains of functioning including intellectual, academic, executive functioning, attention, and mood/personality to best understand strengths and areas for improvement. Evaluations are provided for diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions using evidence-based instruments. Additional areas of testing include learning problems/disabilities, admissions testing, college accommodations, and memory and cognitive decline.
If you have concerns related to learning, attention, or psychological functioning, a quality assessment can provide useful answers and help you gain valuable insight.
Welcome! I offer services primarily related to assessment and consultation for children and adults. Evaluations are comprehensive with a focus on various domains of functioning including intellectual, academic, executive functioning, attention, and mood/personality to best understand strengths and areas for improvement. Evaluations are provided for diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions using evidence-based instruments. Additional areas of testing include learning problems/disabilities, admissions testing, college accommodations, and memory and cognitive decline.
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Photo of Amy Oberson, Licensed Professional Counselor in District of Columbia
Amy Oberson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCTP, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20018
Waitlist for new clients
Relaxation techniques, exercise/movement, art therapy, identity diagrams, and other assignments are practiced inside and encouraged outside of therapy sessions for continued learning and progress.
I currently have limited weekday openings. I am licensed in both DC and MD and have experience working with adults, young adults, and adolescents. My counseling approach is warm, empathetic, and person-centered as I am passionate about meeting each client where they are and then collectively work to establish goals to achieve personal healing and growth. I also have experience working with women's health issues, depression, anxiety, grief and trauma. I offer support to adults as they navigate familial changes and life transitions.
Relaxation techniques, exercise/movement, art therapy, identity diagrams, and other assignments are practiced inside and encouraged outside of therapy sessions for continued learning and progress.
I currently have limited weekday openings. I am licensed in both DC and MD and have experience working with adults, young adults, and adolescents. My counseling approach is warm, empathetic, and person-centered as I am passionate about meeting each client where they are and then collectively work to establish goals to achieve personal healing and growth. I also have experience working with women's health issues, depression, anxiety, grief and trauma. I offer support to adults as they navigate familial changes and life transitions.
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Photo of Kate Kelly, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District of Columbia
Kate Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
I also work with clients of all ages with depression, ADHD, self-regulation challenges, distinct learning styles, chronic illness, grief and loss, trauma, and issues of identity.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
I also work with clients of all ages with depression, ADHD, self-regulation challenges, distinct learning styles, chronic illness, grief and loss, trauma, and issues of identity.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
(202) 804-8054 View (202) 804-8054
Photo of Dolores Jones, Counselor in District of Columbia
Dolores Jones
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20011  (Online Only)
My areas of expertise include but are not limited to: Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Domestic Violence, and Learning Disorders.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have taken the first step in taking the journey toward self-discovery. At some point, most people need assistance in their lives to deal with unresolved issues, to process feelings, or to make changes in their lives that stifle their personal growth and limit their potential growth. It is during these stressful times, a supportive therapist working in a safe, honest, and open environment would help you to address unresolved issues, to process feelings and to work on maximizing your potential in all aspects of your life.
My areas of expertise include but are not limited to: Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Domestic Violence, and Learning Disorders.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have taken the first step in taking the journey toward self-discovery. At some point, most people need assistance in their lives to deal with unresolved issues, to process feelings, or to make changes in their lives that stifle their personal growth and limit their potential growth. It is during these stressful times, a supportive therapist working in a safe, honest, and open environment would help you to address unresolved issues, to process feelings and to work on maximizing your potential in all aspects of your life.
(202) 499-6631 View (202) 499-6631

See more therapy options for District of Columbia

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.