What is LDMH?

Children and youth with learning disabilities (LDs) are at greater risk for a number of mental health concerns:

• Research indicates that 40 per cent of people with LDs are estimated to struggle with problems such as anxiety, depression or low self-esteem
• 75 per cent of children with LDs are estimated to have difficulties with social relationships
• Depending on the nature of the LDs, it can be hard for these children to read social cues, adapt to new social situations or regulate their emotions or behaviors in order to fit in with peers
• Children and youth who have LDs may experience feelings of frustration, shame and perceived stigma, hopelessness and anxiety about not meeting expectations
• Kids with LDs are at greater risk for bullying and victimization, social isolation and rejection or feelings of loneliness

Information on LDMH

We have developed a collection of resources on LDMH. If you require further assistance after consulting the resources below, please contact us at info@childdevelop.ca.

Blog post via LD@School

• How can educators recognize and support students with LDs who experience anxiety? By Dr. Marjory Phillips, C. Psych. Director, Integra Program
• How can educators help students be empathetic towards students with learning disabilities? (Published January 2017)
  By Sarah Glover, M.Sc., Clinical Supervisor, Integra Program, Child Development Institute and Marjory Phillips, C.Psych. 

A curated list of books, videos and web links

• LDMH Resource List
• Book Recommendations

Tip Sheets

• Tip Sheet: Managing Transitions (PDF)
• Tip Sheet: Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (PDF)
• Tip Sheet: Bullying (PDF)
• Tip Sheet: 7 Tips for Caregivers on Supporting Children with Learning Disabilities and Anxiety at Home (PDF)
• Tip Sheet: Social Competence (PDF)
• Tip Sheet: Emotion Regulation (PDF)

Handbook

• Integra LDMH Handbook

Brochures developed by Integra and the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario

• What are Learning Disabilities?
• LDs: A different way of learning
• Myths & Facts about Learning Disabilities

Webinars

Recognizing and Supporting Anxiety in Students with LDs: A webinar delivered by Dr. Marjory Phillips for LD@school

Students with learning disabilities (LDs) are two to three times more likely to experience significant mental health challenges than their peers (Esmaili et al., 2015; Wilson et al., 2009). Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in childhood (Waddell et al., 2005). However, identifying anxiety and knowing when specialized supports are needed is a complicated task for educators of students with LDs. This webinar will provide educators with an understanding of the relationship between anxiety and LDs. Practical strategies for supporting students with anxiety and LDs in primary, elementary, and secondary school settings will be shared.

Intended audience: Educators, administrators and special education support staff.

Click here to watch the webinar.

Adapting Therapy For Children and Youth with Learning Disabilities:  A webinar developed for Children's Mental Health Ontario for mental health professionals

Having a learning disability complicates mental health issues and treatment. Dr. Marjory Phillips and Dr. Karen Milligan of the Integra Program discussed the implications of information processing difficulties for understanding mental health in children. This presentation addressed the questions: (1) What are learning disabilities; (2) How do they complicate mental health; and (3) What do we need to do differently in providing therapy for this population? Considerations for adapting evidence-based therapies were also presented.

Audio and visual file (Audio, 46 MB)

Videos

Supporting the mental health and well-being of students with LDs through Integra Mindfulness Martial Arts (Part 1)
Produced by the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
12 mins

 

Useful Links

Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto District
416-229-1680
www.ldatd.on.ca

Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
416-929-4311
www.ldao.ca

Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
613-238-5721
www.ldac-acta.ca

Learning Disabilities Association of America
888-300-6710
www.ldanatl.org

Asperger Society of Ontario
www.aspergers.ca

LD OnLine
www.ldonline.org

National Center for Learning Disabilities
www.ld.org

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
www.smartkidswithld.org

Ontario Council for Exceptional Children
www.cecontario.ca

Ontario Ministry of Education
www.edu.gov.on.ca