Learning Disability (cont.)
What about school and learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities tend to be diagnosed when children reach school age.
This is because school focuses on the very things that may be difficult for the
child - reading, writing, math, listening, speaking, reasoning. Teachers and
parents notice that the child is not learning as expected. The school may ask to
evaluate the child to see what is causing the problem. Parents can also ask for
their child to be evaluated.
With hard work and the proper help, children with learning disabilities can learn more easily
and successfully. For school-aged children (including preschoolers), special
education and related services are important sources of help. School staff work
with the child's parents to develop an
Individualized Education Program, or IEP.
This document describes the child's unique needs. It also describes the special
education services that will be provided to meet those needs. These services are
provided at no cost to the child or family.
Supports or changes in the classroom (sometimes called accommodations) help
most students with learning disabilities. Some common accommodations are listed below in "Tips for
Teachers". Assistive technology can also help many students work around their
learning disabilities. Assistive technology can range from "low-tech" equipment
such as tape recorders to "high-tech" tools such as reading machines (which read
books aloud) and voice recognition systems (which allow the student to "write"
by talking to the computer).
It's important to remember that a childs learning disabilities may need help at home as well as in
school. The resources listed below will help families and teachers learn more
about the many ways to help children with learning disabilities.
Tips for parents of children with learning disabilities
Learn about learning disabilities. The more you know, the more you can help yourself and your
child. See the list of resources and organizations at the end of this
article.
- Praise your child when he or she does well. Children with
learning disabilities are often very
good at a variety of things. Find out what your child really enjoys doing, such
as dancing, playing soccer, or working with computers. Give your child plenty of
opportunities to pursue his or her strengths and talents.
- Find out the ways your child learns best. Does he or she learn by hands-on
practice, looking, or listening? Help your child learn through his or her areas
of strength.
- Let your child help with household chores. These can build self-confidence
and concrete skills. Keep instructions simple, break down tasks into smaller
steps, and reward your child's efforts with praise.
- Make homework a priority. Read more about how to help your child be a success
at homework. (See resource list at the end.)
- Pay attention to your child's
mental health (and your own!). Be open to
counseling, which can help your child deal with frustration, feel better about
himself or herself, and learn more about social skills.
- Talk to other parents whose children have learning disabilities. Parents can
share practical advice and emotional support. Call NICHCY (1.800.695.0285) and
ask how to find parent groups near you. Also let us put you in touch with the
parent training and information (PTI) center in your state.
- Meet with school personnel and help develop an educational plan to address
your child's needs. Plan what accommodations your child needs, and don't forget
to talk about assistive technology!
- Establish a positive working relationship with your child's teacher. Through
regular communication, exchange information about your child's progress at home
and at school.
Next: Tips for teachers of children with learning disabilities »
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