People with LDs are two to three times more likely to experience mental health challenges (Wilson et al., 2009). When it is hard to ‘show what you know’, it is understandable that we might see higher rates of school-related stress (Sparks & Lovett, 2009) and more school drop-out. Individuals with LDs are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation (Svetaz, Ireland, & Blum, 2000).
But there are ways to cope and help manage mental health symptoms if you have an LD. Or there are stragegies to help if you’re a parent or caregiver with someone living with an LD.
Come to our workshop and hear experts Rose Freigang and Linda Di Nardo speak about the topic of mental health. Come away with practical strategies for helping with things like stress, self-esteem and depression. Bring your questions; they’ll be happy to answer them.
About our Speakers:
Rose Freigang is a Registered Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario in the areas of Clinical and School Psychology. She has provided assessment and treatment services to preschoolers, school-age children, adolescents and adults in hospital, community agency and private settings for more than twenty-five years. Rose has a particular interest in and experience with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Rose has a strong commitment to early intervention and a family-centered approach. She can be a strong advocate, who understands both the triumphs and obstacles to living with lifelong challenges.
Linda Di Nardo is a Registered Psychological Associate. She received her Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto. Linda has extensive knowledge and expertise in assessment, consultation, and working on many multi-disciplinary teams. She has worked in several school boards, and in hospital and mental health settings. Linda has been with Insight for over 10 years. Her primary interest is completing comprehensive psychological, psychoeducational and developmental assessments with children and adolescents. Her areas of expertise include Learning Disabilities, ADHD, giftedness, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and developmental issues. Linda has developed a strong interest in understanding the impact of anxiety in children’s learning needs.