“When life hands you lemons, make lemonade” is a common expression that means to look on the positive side of a negative situation. Children with learning disabilities are not 'duds'. Each child is unique and has at least one special thing that they do well. They may be able to take things apart and put them back together in better shape than before. Perhaps, they can sing or dance or can tell fantastic storytellers. Maybe, they simply give the best hugs in the world. There are many successful adults who were put down as children as failures, called lazy or stupid or worse. In spite of all of the negativity, many have gone on to do great things with the skills they have.

One author who was diagnosed with dyslexia, has co-written a series of books about a boy with learning problems. Hank is a boy who gets himself into a series of 'scrapes' but manages to make it through the experiences. Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver have produced a series of books about a 4^th grade boy with a learning disability. For some students, these are the first books they were able to read. Certainly, they can relate to the main character in the books with titles such as “My Dog's a Scaredy Cat” or “Barfing in the Backseat.” Children with learning disabilities may simply give up, become a behavior problem, or end up dropping out of school. If encouraged by their families and teachers, these kids can develop a fierce determination to succeed as they set and achieve small goals for themselves. Frequently, students with learning disabilities benefit greatly from being allowed to have additional time for assignments. If they have dysgraphia or problems writing, they might be allowed to give oral reports instead. Quite often, those with learning disabilities make excellent teachers for students in whom they see themselves. They can see the lemonade; the possibilities and promise that others cannot.