Having a child with learning disabilities can be hard. It can seem almost daunting at times. When you, as a parent, push them, give them, the “try harder” speech, but nothing seems to work, it may seem like a failure, but it is not. According to the experts, listen up, because here are a few things that parents of kids with learning disabilities need to know to help everyone involved score big in their own way!
1. Having a learning disability doesn’t mean that your child isn’t smart.
Just because they learn differently or it takes more time than their peers to master concepts, it doesn’t mean that your child with learning disabilities isn’t smart.
“While learning disabilities may be mild or more severe, they don’t globally impact a person’s ability to develop skills for daily living and independence,” Andrew Kahn, associate director of behavior change and expertise at Understood.org, said in an interview with Huffpost.com. He continued, “The most common initial sign of a learning disability is when a child struggles with learning in a way that seems inconsistent with their intellect. Parents may initially feel that their child isn’t trying hard enough or is being avoidant due to limited interest.”
Children need extra support and help in developing academic confidence in themselves so that they know that whatever disability they have doesn’t impact their ability to learn.
2. There are different types of learning disabilities.
There are several types of learning disabilities that a child may experience. Some of these include: dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, auditory processing disorder, language processing disorder, nonverbal learning disabilities, and visual perceptual/visual motor deficit.
Note, it is not uncommon for a child to have one or more learning disabilities at a time.
3. Learning disabilities can be hereditary.
If you as a parent have been diagnosed with a earning disability, then your child may be too. Make sure if that is the case that make your child’s physician aware of the family history so that they can keep an eye out for signs in your child’s development.
4. Request evaluation from a professional if you suspect that your child may have a learning disability.
It is important for parents, if they suspect that their child may be suffering from a learning disability to contact their pediatrician immediately for further testing and diagnostics.
“A parent may request an evaluation for learning challenges at any time. Once approved, the evaluation will be provided at no cost and must be completed within a time frame determined by law,” Kahn stated.
According to Kahn, “Having a learning disability can be a frustrating and confusing experience for children, particularly when they’re accustomed to feeling capable in other areas of their life.
Therefore, early intervention is key for a child’s success not only as a young person, but well in to their future as well.
