More than half of all children receiving special education services
in U.S. public schools are categorized as having Specific Learning
Disabilities, representing roughly 3 million children. In recent
years, the incidence of learning disabilities and attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorders has been on the rise. Many scientists, researchers and
concerned citizens see a connection between this increase in learning
and other developmental disabilities and the increasing danger surrounding
us in the form of untested environmental toxic exposure.
We are all vulnerable, but children – and most especially
developing fetuses - are highly susceptible. Normal brain development
is impaired by exposure to toxins resulting in many learning and
other developmental disabilities.
There is an immense disconnect and unacceptable delay between scientific
data and public awareness and prevention. Our choices about our
environment and products have long-term, far-reaching consequences.
The purpose of the Learning Disabilities Association of America’s
Healthy Children’s Project is to raise public awareness about
potentially harmful toxins and health risks. The project targets
women and men of reproductive age (especially those at high-risk),
their children, and the health care professionals who serve them
to make more informed and safer choices to protect our children
and future generations from preventable harm.
The project’s goals are:
To significantly increase public awareness of known preventable
precursors to developmental disabilities, focusing primarily
on Learning Disabilities, and to promote public awareness and understanding
of prevention strategies, leading to actions that reduce the potential
effects of such precursors.
To heighten awareness of women of child-bearing age, mothers
of young children, and varied professional groups who regularly
interact with them. To create informed consumers and professionals
who can advocate for preventative strategies to ensure healthy children
and healthy offspring.
To focus on two major tasks: (1) educating
individuals on current knowledge relating to environmental
factors that impact developing fetuses, the newborn or young children;
and (2) helping people advocate for themselves
and others about how to prevent environmental exposures that may
cause harm.
To direct public awareness outreach toward pediatricians,
obstetricians and gynecologists, family planning clinics,
intensive care nurseries, alternative schools for pregnant teens,
well-baby clinics, TANF and Welfare to Work caseworkers, school
social workers, and other professionals working with young children
0-5 and their mothers, and other women of child-bearing age.
To raise consciousness among public health officials,
school administrators, parents, and the public of the dangers
of pesticides in school buildings, chemically toxic playground
equipment, and other common potential hazards.
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