Advocating Success for Kids (ASK) Program

The need

• The U.S. Department of Education estimates that 6 percent of public school children have learning disabilities and almost 20 percent have problems that will affect learning.
   
• In 2006, 20 percent of children in Boston Public Schools required special education for learning disabilities. However, school systems across Massachusetts have had to cut back on specialty programs and parents are finding it increasingly difficult to access services for their children.
   
• More than 35 percent of children with learning disabilities also show signs of depression.
   
• 40 percent of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have emotional issues such as anxiety disorders and depression.
   
• Environmental factors, including poverty, marginal housing and growing community violence make these developmental issues worse.
   
• Children with undiagnosed learning, behavioral and emotional issues are at the greatest risk -- they are more likely to do poorly or drop out of school and suffer a variety of other negative outcomes.