Tools to Help Your Child Thrive
Watching your child struggle with learning, behavior, or communication can feel overwhelming, and finding the right help shouldn’t be a guessing game. We have compiled a list of trusted websites, tools, and organizations to provide you with a clear roadmap. Whether you need a clear breakdown of a new diagnosis, step-by-step guidance to secure a school IEP, or direct access to local support services and specialist databases, these groups provide the tools and legal roadmaps you need to confidently advocate for your child.
ADDitude- Living Well with Attention Deficit
Sign up to receive free e-Newsletters, subscribe to the magazine, or visit the website for an extensive list of resources for individuals with ADD and their parents.
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
DHS provides a wide range of services, including services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities, mental health and drug and alcohol services (includes 24-hour crisis counseling); child protective services; at-risk child development and education; hunger services; emergency shelters and housing for the homeless; energy assistance; non-emergency medical transportation; job training and placement for youth and adults and services for the elderly. Information about Medical Assistance is also available on this site.
In 1970, the Pennsylvania General Assembly created 29 Intermediate Units across the state. Organized as a not-for-profit branch of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) is the largest of these agencies. The mission of the AIU is to provide educational options and opportunities that maximize achievement for all learners.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)Â
ASHA provides families with a verified national database allowing parents to locate certified, licensed speech-language pathologists and audiologists in their specific ZIP code or medical network.
Autism Speaks is a major advocacy organization focused on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you are looking at their platform for resources, check out their website:
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)Â
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the leading national non-profit organization focused on supporting families and individuals living with ADHD.
International Dyslexia Association
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is the oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to dyslexia and reading difficulties. Their focus is heavily rooted in the science of reading, and they advocate for the use of “Structured Literacy”—an explicit, systematic method of teaching reading that benefits all students but is essential for those with dyslexia.
LDA (Learning Disabilities Association of America)Â
The LDA is a major national non-profit organization focused on individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. Founded in 1963 by parents, it does not focus on just one diagnosis; instead, it covers a broad umbrella of specific learning disabilities (SLDs) including dyslexia, dysgraphia (writing difficulties), dyscalculia (math difficulties), non-verbal learning disabilities, and related conditions like ADHD and dyspraxia.
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
An initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, PaTTAN’s mission is to support the Bureau of Special Education and build the capacity of local educational agencies to serve students receiving special education services. PaTTAN offices develop training courses, offer technical assistance, and provide resources to build the skills of intermediate unit and school personnel, improving student achievement.
The PEAL Center (Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership Center)
The PEAL Center serves a slightly different role than the national, diagnosis-specific organizations. PEAL is Pennsylvania’s designated Parent Training and Information Center.
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity (YCDC)Â
Founded by world-renowned physician-scientists Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz (authors of the book Overcoming Dyslexia), this center bridges the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience and everyday advocacy.
Its core purpose is to provide immediate, hands-on intervention for families dealing with behavioral, emotional, or mental health emergencies. Because it is publicly funded, all services are completely free to residents of Allegheny County, regardless of income or insurance status.
Understood is a digital resource for families navigating learning and thinking differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and executive functioning issues. It is completely free and focuses heavily on practical, real-world application.