History of Learning Disabilities

  • First published writing on ADHD

    The writing was called "The Story of Fidgety Phillip"
  • First Report of Childhood Reading Difficulties

    Although the term dyslexia wasn't used much, but reading difficulties were still recognized.
  • Ritalin used to treat "Hyperkinetic" in Children

    Although in 1955 Ritalin was used to treat depression and fatigue, but was not yet for ADHD or "hyperkinetic" until 1961
  • The term Learning Disabilties is recognized for the first time

    At an education conference Dr. Samuel Kirk used the term learning disability for the first time.
  • Association for Children with Learning Disabilites (ACLD) is created

    But not yet known as Learning Disabilities Association of America yet
  • Hyperkinetic Impluse Disorder first appears in DSM

    Now known as ADHD
  • Children with Learning Disabilties get services

    Congress passed the first federal law mandating support services for children with learning disabilities.
  • Congress passes Section 504

    Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilties in programs that recieve federal funding.
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act passed (EAHCA)

    requires free and appropriate public education for all students.
  • Hyperkinetic Impluse disorder is renamed ADD

    Also known as Attention Deficit Disorder
  • ADD is renamed ADHD

    Also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • Congress passes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    This act bans discrimination agaisnt people with disabilities in the public and work place.
  • Specific Learning Disability recognized

    broader defintion