In spite of the fact that our society has made incredible leaps and bounds in our technological knowhow and that decades of research have opened up the once hidden corners of the brain we still often seem stymied when it comes to teaching kids with learning disabilities. Why haven’t advances in knowledge and technology translated into advances in educational techniques for these kids? A new article on Sciencemag examines these questions and more.

In the article, Damien Fair, a neuroscientist at Oregon Health and Science University puts at least part of the blame on poor diagnostic abilities:

Early identification is the first roadblock that separates special needs children from an effective education. For children with ADHD, that is due in part to the “heterogeneity problem,” in which children diagnosed with the same condition have different underlying issues in their brain.

Doctors may check the same boxes to diagnose two children with ADHD, but the cause may not be the same, making it difficult to identify the appropriate therapies.

But the problem is not limited to inadequate diagnostic techniques or children with ADHD according to Sally Shaywitz of Yale University’s Center for Dyslexia and Creativity:

Even when special needs children are identified, many children are deprived of intervention because their parents can’t afford the best programs. In the case of dyslexia, specialized schools may charge tuition that rivals an expensive university.

So special needs kids are at a disadvantage almost from the very start. First, they’re often poorly diagnosed, and then, even if their ADHD or dyslexia has been identified, their parents often can’t afford the special programs that might help them transcend their conditions. These kids then grow up to be adults who never seem able to realize their full potential.

While statistics for Canada are incomplete it’s estimated that dyslexia costs the UK some £1 billion annually. Much of this cost is the result of dyslexic adults either not being properly diagnosed and/or not getting the special educational services they needed when they were young.

Likewise, ADHD costs the Canadian economy something in the neighborhood of $10 billion annually and much of that cost must be laid at the feet of missed diagnoses and inadequate special education opportunities as well. It must be understood too that a significant percentage of the £1 billion mentioned previously along with the $10 billion noted here is money these individuals won’t earn because they didn’t get the help they needed as children.

The Disability Tax Credit Exists to Help You

The cost of failing to meet the educational requirements of special needs children then is great and impacts society on both a macro and micro level. While governments can and do debate how best to handle the situation from their end individuals and families of people with special needs like ADHD and Dyslexia are left to cope with diminished financial resources and often overwhelming medical costs.

Many of these individuals and families rely on the Disability Tax Credit to help them maintain their basic quality of life. The Disability Tax Credit was created to help those disabled by ADHD, dyslexia and other conditions find relief from the burden of excessive healthcare-related expenses and can provide up to $40,000 in annual financial assistance to those who qualify.

Sadly, as many as half of Canada’s disabled who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit are not taking advantage of this important program. Many cite the program’s lengthy and complicated application process as a major hurdle while others have been poorly advised by family members, well-intentioned friends, and misinformed healthcare professionals about their eligibility. The disability tax credit isn’t just for adults. It can help children with special needs too, To find out more about Child Disability Tax Credit check out our Child DTC Guide.

If You’re Not Sure How the Disability Tax Credit Can Help You Contact Us Today

At Disability Credit Canada we can give you a definitive professional assessment of your eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit and if you qualify we’ll handle all aspects of the application process for you. You can also read our extensive guide on the T2201 Disability Tax Credit Form. There’s no need for you and your loved ones to be struggling to make ends meet when assistance exists to help alleviate your hardship. Don’t wait another day to claim the benefits you’re entitled to. Remember: you are the reason the program exists. Don’t be reluctant to take advantage of it. Call us today at 1-855-765-4458 to get started.