October is National Learning and Development Month and is used to celebrate educational growth and taking the time to invest in oneself learning capabilities. Although this month is important, it is just as crucial to talk about learning and developmental disabilities. Developmental and learning disabilities are prominent in today’s world. Owatonna High School honors this and has a specialized education department where kids can grow and develop at their own pace.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an ailment that can make it hard to be in a learning environment. Symptoms of ADHD are difficulty sitting still, concentrating on tasks, acting without thinking, interrupting, poor time management and trouble remembering pieces of information. In school, ADHD can affect a student’s ability to focus, listen and or put effort into school work. Prioritization and procrastination also affect students who struggle with ADHD. In honor of ADHD awareness month, addressing the learning struggles is important due to its prevalence. OHS has a reliable program that helps support and care for students with ADHD through counseling and specialized classrooms.
Beyond ADHD, health disabilities and specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, nonverbal learning disorders and other visually impairing defects also largely impact a child’s ability to learn. Emotional behavioral disorder is a disorder that can cause an inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relations with teachers and peers. Every disability should be seen, heard and understood.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disorder that can impact a child’s learning and development. Symptoms include nonverbal communication, reactions to minor changes in routine or surroundings, reactions to sound and lights, stress and anxiety due to overstimulation, having trouble picking up on social cues and more. With autism, learning can cause more anxiety than usual and it can sometimes take longer to process information.
Every learning and developmental disability is important. Kindness to others is needed because each individual’s struggles are not always visibly seen. OHS supplies all the necessary programs to fit the essential needs of all students.
For more information, look at the ADHD association
