New program for parents of kids with learning disabilities

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 5, 2008
CBC News

The parents of children with learning disabilities are the target for a new counselling program being funded by the United Way on P.E.I.

The two-year program, created by created by The Learning Disabilities Association of P.E.I., will offer free counselling service to parents.

Marylin Balderston, the part-time counsellor for the program, told CBC News on Friday that parents of children with ADHD and learning disabilities are more stressed than other parents, but they don’t get the support they need and they often don’t know where to go to get it.

“The more that we can support the parents, then ultimately we’re helping every child that is affected with learning disabilites and ADHD,” said Balderston.

“I’m very committed and very thankful to be a part of this program.”

Balderston currently has a list of about a dozen parents she is meeting with one-on-one, helping them with things such as information on learning disabilites and emotional support.

She expects more people to take advantage of the service as school approaches, and the stress of getting back into a regular schedule begins.