the topic at a conference for teachers next week -- the first of its kind in Bermuda.

The conference, scheduled for February 11 at the Bermuda College, aims to help teachers identify children with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and demonstrate current teaching techniques.

"The average school doesn't have anyone to identify learning disorders or treat them,'' said Mrs. Ann Dunstan, trustee of the Reading Clinic and conference organiser.

"We wanted to increase awareness and show that the child is not just naughty or disruptive.'' Key speaker is director of the Dyslexia Research Laboratory at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital, Dr. Gordon Sherman. His talk on neuro-anatomical differences in dyslexics, will encompass up-to-the-minute findings of research into dyslexia.

More than 100 teachers, paediatricians and school psychiatrists are expected to attend the conference.

"This is the first of what we hope will be a series of efforts by the clinic to support schools and teachers,'' Mrs. Dunstan said. "The Reading Clinic is not just an elitist clinic -- we wanted to help the community at large.'' The conference aims to provide teachers with the tools to teaching dyslexic children and how to cope with the emotional strain that goes with learning problems.

New York learning specialist and author of "Smart Kids with School Problems'' and "About Dyslexia -- Unravelling the Myth'', Mrs. Priscilla Vail will conduct one of five afternoon workshops.

She will explain how emotions, confidence and friendships can affect learning.

Free workshops for parents are scheduled for February 9. Information is available by contacting the Reading Clinic at 292-3938.