Helping a Child with Learning Disabilities

A child with learning disabilities still has significant potential; it is important to remember that most children with learning disabilities only have trouble in a limited area of development. Most learning disabilities are not severe enough to impede a normal, happy life.

There are three categories of learning disabilities and they include:

Developmental speech and language disorders

Academic skills disorders

"Other," this includes certain coordination disorders and learning handicaps not covered by the other terms

The most important step in helping a child with learning disabilities is getting their problem diagnosed as early as possible. The sooner you know that a child has a learning disability and what that disability is, the better you can help them.

The first to notice a problem may be the childís parents. If the child is displaying an obvious delay in development, the parents will notice this. If you have concerns about your toddler or preschoolerís progress it may be a good idea to talk to their doctor about your concerns.

A childís pediatrician is also in a position to recognize learning problems early on. Depending on how severe a childís delay is, his doctor may recommend a waiting period to see if he may catch up, or refer him to a Child Development Specialist.

If a child reaches school age without displaying any apparent problems, education professionals may still come across a learning disability. At this point there are many tests that can be done to determine if indeed a child has a learning disability.

In the case where a child has been diagnosed with a delay there are many ways in which to aid in the childís progress. One is to ensure that they receive all therapies recommended by the child's doctor or Child Development Specialist. A child with disabilities may be required to attend Special Education Classes, or Resource Classes. This is okay, and in fact it is also the best thing for the child. In this type of education setting, specially trained educators will spend the necessary time to help a child who is having difficulty. This individual attention may not be possible in a traditional class room setting.

Parents will need to work closely with their childís teachers and therapists to ensure that everything possible is being done to aid their childís development.

At home, patience and a little extra help will go a long ways in helping a child develop and learn.

Never demean a child who may not learn as fast as their brothers and sisters; give them praise for all the hard work they do and let them know how proud you are of their successes.

Information Source

American Academy of Pediatrics