Children with Learning Disabilities: Info for Parents

How to Help Children with Learning Disabilities

Identify the Disability

Before taking any sort of action, first identify the problem. For example, the symptoms and treatments for autistic children are vastly different than they are for children with attention deficit disorder (ADD). There are many different kinds of learning disabilities of varying severity, resulting in many different types of symptoms and behaviors. Before proceeding, figure out the best way to treat your child's disability.

It's important to discuss the issue with your child's teachers. His or her school may also employ other professionals that can be of service, from guidance counselors to learning experts to child psychologists. It may also be helpful to seek information outside of school by taking your child into a private clinic, hospital or learning center. Don't be hesitant to consult with experts.

What You Can Do

After you've determined what your child's disability is specifically, you'll have a much clearer idea of what needs to be done. For a minor disability, such as mild dyslexia or a slight auditory disorder, it's often possible to keep your child in a mainstream classroom without extensive special care. Some schools provide learning experts to help children with mild disabilities not only cope, but also excel.

If your child's learning disability is more severe, other measures can be taken to ensure that your child receives the education he or she deserves. Many schools offer special education programs and there are also many schools that cater exclusively to special needs.

What needs to be done at home is again determined entirely by the nature of your child's disability. If your child has severe ADD, for example, he or she may need to be put on medication and you would need to spend time with your child helping him or her concentrate. Consult with an expert to determine what needs to be done and do your best to create positive, learning-friendly environment for your child.

Helpful Resources

There are a wide variety of resources available to help you help your child. The Learning Disabilities Association of America, for example, has information about how you can get special services for your child, how to negotiate the world of special education and how to help your child in school. The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities also provides a large amount of information to parents about all types of learning disabilities. The U.S. Department of Education can help you identify a disability and find help for your child.