Studies have shown that multiple sclerosis is very hard on people affecting some 2 in every 1000 persons. Even more problematic is the fact that some 50 % of these people are left unable to walk after some 15 from the onset of the disorder. A total cure has not yet been developed but scientists and doctors are working on treatments that will at least slow down the action of the disease. The good thing is that they really are starting to understand how the disorder works and the way it affects people, plus a new kind of monitor treatment is being developed as we speak. The bases for some new treatments have this way been developed; they include the using of disease modifying drugs that will have quite a remarkable impact on the natural course of the disease, significantly slowing it down.

Still some of these drugs are yet to be approved and clinical test are still in progress to really understand if the drugs are working and what the side effects would be. Scientist and doctors from all over the world gather more and more often to discuss their new findings and believes regarding multiple sclerosis. Because of all this effort put into defeating this disease a lot of progress has been made.

It has been seen that the disorder starts manifesting itself clinically in patients after a period of about 5 years when the disease enters the secondary progressive phase. Physical symptoms are more clear now and start affecting the patient on a regular bases, each time stronger than the last. Relapsing- remitting patients have shown to have a benign course of the disease developing little or no affect from disabilities after a period of about 10 years. Trying to predict the appearance and actions of the disabilities in the cases of multiple sclerosis patients has proven to be a major challenge for doctors. The fact is that this disorder is very variable and has a sudden way of acting.

Tests and researches done by scientist have shown that there actually are some factors that make prognosis in multiple sclerosis quite unfavorable. Male sex has been proven to be one of the grater factors to affect prognosis; also the age at witch the disease begins its onset. Some motor and cerebral signs that are present on the onset might be also be affecting the prognosis. A very confusing fact for the doctors is the rate at witch the patient has its attacks ( short intervals pose a great problem), and also the high relapse rate in the early years of the disease. Incomplete recovery after relapses can also cause a great problem if the doctors are to correctly anticipate the path of the disease.

This list of 10 parenting tips is a guideline for successful parenting of a child with learning disabilities.  In addition to the incorporation of these tips into your parenting skills, understand that often, therapy for children with learning disabilities and their parents can increase feelings of success and self acceptance, and decrease feelings of isolation.

1.  Do not underestimate your child's potential.  Encourage him or her to develop to the best of their ability while pursuing their own interests.

2.  Consult a professional specializing in working with Learning Disabled children to begin to pool the public resources available to children with Learning Disabilities.

3.  Help your child to not feel alone with their disability.  Find positive role models such as an adult living productively and successfully with a Learning Disorder.

4.  After securing appropriate educational services for your child, (IEP's, Resource Classes, Special Education Aides etc...) STAY INVOLVED with your child's educational support team and ask for recommendations of how to create a positive learning environment for your child at home.

5.  Keep in mind the feelings of your spouse and other children.  Remind them that just because your Learning Disabled child gets more of your time does not mean that he or she gets more of your love.

6.  Be honest with yourself and be aware of your own limitations.  You cannot be a perfect parent, nor do you have an unlimited reservoir of energy.  Do not foget self care.

7.  Keep a sense of humor.

8.  Do not get caught up in comparing your child to his or her other classmates.  Judge your child's progress by comparing your child only against themselves.

9.  Slow down, allow time to reflect on you and your child's accomplishments, not just his/her, or your own shortcomings.

10.  Seek out support groups for parents of children with Learning Disabilities.

More and more of today's high school students who struggle with a learning disability are not letting that keep them back, but are heading off to college in spite of their disability. There are several steps of preparation that students who have learning disabilities can take to make the transition from high school to college as smooth as possible. These preparations start in high school.

First, students who have learning disabilities need to work on developing self knowledge while in high school. They need to understand what learning style works best for them. They need to have an arsenal of learning strategies in hand that they know will allow them to achieve success in school. Such strategies might include asking for extra time to take tests, listening to books read out loud instead of reading them, or making up acronyms to help them remember important material.

Next, the learning disabled student needs to understand the legal rights that he or she is entitled to. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), which was passed in 1990, protects the confidentiality of records, so colleges do not have access to any disability records. Because of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, colleges cannot discriminate in accepting students with learning disabilities. Students with learning disabilities have to be allowed reasonable modifications in order to complete their education, such as extra time for tests, alternate test forms and other things. One difference at college over high school is the student must take the initiative to request help when at college. In high school, the law demands that the school identify and help LD students, but not so in college.

Students with learning disabilities need to make special preparation for the transition into collage life. Students need to be aware of the options they have for college. Some colleges have open admission policies, which allow anyone with a high school diploma to enter the college. Others have selective criteria and may only accept students with a certain GPA or test score. There are also two types of colleges based on the length of the education. Two-year colleges usually have open admissions policies and allow the student to earn an Associates Degree. These are sometimes referred to as Community Colleges. Four-year colleges or universities are often more selective in their admissions acceptance and offer more specialized degrees. Some colleges have programs designed for students with learning disabilities. Those with severe learning disabilities should seek one of these institutions.

Just because a student has a learning disability does not mean that he or she cannot and should not pursue higher education. The law demands reasonable accommodation for those with LD at colleges and universities. LD students who are planning to go to college need to have a good understanding of their own learning strategies and what helps them learn best. By doing some research and planning well for the transition, even students with learning disabilities can succeed and even thrive in the college setting.