Chess and Learning Disabilities

Since joining the USCF I have been amazed at the number of stories I have heard of children with ADD, ADHD and autism where chess has helped the child learn focus and self-control. A call today was about a program where the kids are so dysfunctional as to require very small classes in a special school and chess is the only "mainstream" educational activity for them. So it was nice to see this post from India that, in advance of the World Championship, brings news that chess can create champions in more ways than a title. For many, chess instruction provides a key to a better life. It's a story that needs re-telling, again and again.