The LD Child - Closer Than You Think

The learning disabled student has many faces.  She could be your next-door neighbor.  He could be the kid who hit that homerun last weekend.  She may ride on that  yellow school bus every morning.  He may have multiple challenges that are open and obvious or she may have an invisible disability.  They may be shy and quiet or vivacious and popular.  Some children with a learning difference or disability are able to compensate for their weakness and are never diagnosed.  Others may or may not be diagnosed later on even when they start failing.  

Other kids can’t compensate but either parental denial, unawareness or other family challange  still results with a child that is struggling no matter how hard they try, no matter what the consequences or rewards. 

Alarmingly, even as late as post high school or even college, because of poor or deficient coping strategies and/or a lack of appropriate supports, intellectual maturity can ultimately be compromised.  As a result, risky behaviors may be embraced that can lead to tragic consequences as an adult.

Children with a learning disability come in all sizes, shapes, colors and backgrounds.  It is an equal opportunity for all.  The one thing they all have in common is that they learn differently.   The way they process information is different, hence the term learning disability (LD).

A learning disability is a neurological disorder that negatively impacts a person’s ability to receive, store, process and/or produce information.  The disability can affect reading, writing, spelling, math computation, organizational skills, attention skills and social behavior.  It is so important that parents become enlightened parents and take the appropriate steps and interventions that will help their child succeed. 

The C.H.I.L.D. Organization of Scotch Plains Fanwood is committed to helping LD Children and their families by supporting and advocating for the rights of those with challenges and differences.  Throughout the year C.H.I.L.D. hosts educational workshops that promote awareness, provides resources and supports for parents, teachers and other specialists that work with LD children. 

CHILD also organizes their Transition to Middle School Program designed for ALL interested 4th graders moving up to the middle school and a Transition to High School program developed for ALL interested 8th graders moving up to the high school.  In previous years hundreds of children have benefited from these valuable and worthwhile programs.

At the end of the year there is a final program that celebrates the children that have worked so hard all year long.  This event goes a long way to help LD children recognize their strengths and self awareness to their own abilities, achievements and skills mastered all of which improves their self-worth.

This special evening is the Annual Student Recognition Night and Awards Ceremony for Scotch Plains/Fanwood children that are receiving Special Services in district and out of district. 

This year The CHILD Organization has many exciting programs planned.  There are no costs to attend our programs and all are welcome.  We encourage parents, teachers and other professionals that work with children to join us when we meet once a month in Scotch Plains or Fanwood.  Confirm locations for specific programs by calling 908.322.4020.  Registered professions with CHILD earn Professional Development Hours towards their Continuing Education.  Go to our Calendar of Events for this years programs.

If you are a professional, specialist or child advocate that would be interested in presenting to our group please contact Susan Ibarra, Director of Programming at 908.322.4020

The CHILD Organization of Scotch Plains Fanwood is a non profit group.  In previous years our events have been very successful and is due to the work of our supporters, volunteers and the donations we receive. 

If you would like to volunteer to assist CHILD in their activities, programs and fundraisers this year please call 908. 322.4020 and ask for Susan Ibarra, this year's President.

Donations are appreciated and should be made payable and mailed to The C.H.I.L.D. Organization of Scotch Plains Fanwood at 415 Cook Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ   07076. 

For more information about The C.H.I.L.D. Organization, our programs, speakers and special events please browse our website for all that we have accomplished.