A new learning disabilities program has wrapped up in Chatham.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent told CK News Today the six-week pilot program was launched in the Spring to help elevate children’s executive functioning skills.
The program ended on Friday and included lessons about emotional control, long-term planning, time management, decision-making, organization, and discipline.
Owen Walsh, an 11-year-old who finished the program, says it's totally worth it and he recommends it to others.
"It's been pretty good. It's been focusing a lot on ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and skills on how to handle it. It's helping a lot, it's teaching me. I've been dealing with a lot of stuff through my life and it definitely helps," Walsh said.
Owen said the program can greatly help with depression.
"I would definitely recommend it to people. It does help a lot if you're dealing through depression and stuff like that, it will definitely help. It will teach you a lot of things to help you deal with stuff and help you stay on task," he added.
Program Facilitator Tilly Battle said the program is currently capped at 12 students and runs out of Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
Executive Director Julia MacKellar hopes to apply for a "grow grant" and expand the program to highschoolers because executive functioning continues into adult and working life.
The program was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Click here for more information about the Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent.
