Has your child just received a diagnosis of a learning disability? If so, you might be curious about what comes next.
Most kids naturally strive to do well in school; they aim to make their parents proud and gain acknowledgement and validation from their teachers and friends. The most discouraging phrase they hear might be: “Try harder!” Students with learning disabilities will often express in response: “I was trying, but since I didn’t succeed, no one believed me.”
If your child is consistently missing assignment deadlines, struggling with school performance in some or specific areas, or is losing interest in school, it may be worthwhile to consider whether a learning disability could be contributing to these challenges. Even behaviours that may seem intentionally disruptive, such as skipping school or causing disturbances in class, can sometimes stem from the pain and frustration associated with learning challenges.
While teachers may notice the signs of a learning disability when a child begins to lag behind, they don’t always connect the dots. They might also misinterpret disruptive or inattentive behaviour as an attitude problem, particularly if a child seems intelligent.
This is why it’s crucial for parents to take the lead in seeking assistance for their child’s learning difficulties. If your child is struggling in school, knowing about the professionals and programs available to assist with learning disabilities will help create a tailored support team for your child.
What are Learning Disabilities?
Learning disabilities can pose challenges for your child in certain subjects. They may have difficulties with listening, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or math. For example, dyslexia is a form of learning disability that makes reading, writing, and spelling especially hard for a child.
It’s important to understand that learning disabilities differ from learning challenges caused by vision, hearing, or motor impairments. However, many children with learning disabilities also face additional conditions that can further complicate their educational experience, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioural issues, or memory difficulties.
Addressing a learning disability early in childhood can pave the way for success in school and beyond. It’s a ripple effect that can extend into their adult life as well.
Become Your Child’s Voice and Advocate
Now that you’ve observed your child is having a tough time at school (whether it’s with a specific subject or a general decline in performance), the next big step is to set up a meeting with the school principal. If your child is enrolled in a private school, it might be beneficial to speak with both the principal of the private institution and the principal of the public school your child would have attended, as this could open up additional resources for you to consider. Regardless of the situation, the principal should quickly organize a meeting with your child’s classroom teacher to address the challenges your child is facing.
A learning disability is not an insurmountable challenge. Remember that everyone encounters difficulties, and with the right support and help, progress is always possible. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to guide your child in navigating these challenges without feeling disheartened or stressed. Avoid letting exams, school regulations, and the mountain of paperwork divert your attention from what truly matters: providing your child with abundant emotional and moral encouragement.
Remember, as a parent or guardian, your influence on your child is greater than anyone else’s because your child always looks to you for guidance. When you tackle learning obstacles with a positive attitude, dedication, and a bit of humour, your child is more likely to adopt your viewpoint—or at the very least, they’ll start to view the challenges as minor hurdles they can face instead of major and impassable barriers. Concentrate your efforts on discovering what benefits your child most to support their education journey, and apply them as effectively as possible.
You might need to raise your voice repeatedly to obtain the special assistance your child requires. Embrace your position as an engaged parent and focus on enhancing your communication abilities. It can be frustrating at times, however by being calm, gentle, and assertive in your advocacy, your voice can have a significant impact on your child’s life.
Emphasize Your Child’s Strengths
Your child is not exclusively defined by their learning disability. While a learning disability highlights one area of difficulty, there are numerous other strengths to consider. For instance, children with dyslexia might find reading challenging, yet many exhibit a remarkable ability for creative problem-solving.
Concentrate on your child’s unique gifts and talents. Their life and daily routine should not be centered around the learning disability. Encourage the pursuits where they shine, and ensure there is ample time for these activities.
Take Control of Your Child’s Education
In today’s world of constant budget cuts and underfunded schools, your involvement in your child’s education is crucial. Don’t just wait for others to ensure your child has the necessary tools for learning. You have the ability and responsibility to actively participate in your child’s educational journey.
If there is a clear educational need, the school is legally obligated to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that offers some educational benefits, although it may not always be the one that maximizes student success. Parents aiming for the best outcomes for their children might find this requirement to be quite frustrating. Familiarizing yourself with special education laws and your school’s service guidelines will empower you to secure the best support for your child. Your child could qualify for various accommodations and support services, but the school may not provide them unless you advocate for them.
If you require assistance, Sparkling Seeds is here to help with psychoeducational assessments that create strength-based profiles for developing Individual Education Plans (IEP). These assessments aid in identifying giftedness, intellectual disabilities, and cognitive variations, which in turn guide personalized educational strategies.
Acknowledge the Limitations of the Educational System
Parents often get it wrong by dedicating all their time and effort to the school as the main answer for their child’s learning challenges. It’s important to understand that the educational environment for your child may never be ideal or fully address their unique learning needs. Numerous regulations and insufficient funding imply that the support and adjustments your child receives might not align perfectly with your expectations, which can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and stress.
Try to see the school as just one component of the solution for your child and try to ease some of the pressure off your shoulders. Your supportive, encouraging, and optimistic attitude will have the most enduring effect on your child.
Adopt a Multi-Sensory Approach to Education
A common myth is that each child has a single learning style that suits them best—be it visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. While children often have their own preferred learning styles, these preferences don’t always align with the most effective methods for their learning. It’s usually more effective to incorporate various teaching styles to accommodate a broad spectrum of learning differences and maintain children’s interest.
This approach is also beneficial for children with learning disabilities, as varied sensory experiences support brain development. At home, implement a multi-sensory teaching strategy. Additionally, whenever possible, advocate for this approach in your child’s classroom.
Encourage a variety of activities. From reading materials and videos to hands-on games and puzzles, there are numerous educational resources you can introduce into your child’s learning routine. Read stories aloud to them, let them experiment with science projects, and explore the world through field trips. Here are some additional suggestions:
- Create outlines, diagrams, and lists.
- Incorporate visual images such as drawings and colorful illustrations.
- Use word associations and verbal repetition to aid your child’s memory.
- Motivate them to study with peers and discuss concepts together.
- Listen to audiobooks or other audio materials.
Consider your child’s unique learning styles and comfort levels. Avoid overwhelming them with a learning method that may lead to exhaustion or frustration. For example, if your child becomes tired from excessive reading, consider switching to a method that stimulates other senses, such as an audiobook.
Find Accommodations for Students with a Learning Disability
As your child develops the ability to adapt, learn, and grow, they can benefit from accommodations during their education, provided you support them in requesting these. Below are examples of educational accommodations that can be available throughout your child’s educational path, extending all the way to university.
- Extended Time on Exams and Assignments: Students might be granted extra time to finish their exams or assignments.
- Alternative Exam Formats: Exams could be provided in a format that is easier for the student, such as oral exams or multiple-choice questions instead of essays.
- Quiet Testing Locations: Students may have the opportunity to take their exams in a calm, distraction-free environment.
- Breaks During Exams: Students could be permitted short breaks during exams to enhance their focus and concentration.
- Note-Taking Assistance: This might involve access to lecture notes or utilizing a note-taking tool or application.
- Use of Technology: This could encompass the use of text-to-speech software, speech-to-text software, spell checkers, or other assistive technologies.
- Reduced Course Load: Students may be allowed to enroll in fewer courses each semester without impacting their full-time student status.
- Priority Registration: Students might be able to register for classes ahead of their peers to ensure they can enroll in courses that accommodate their schedules and needs.
- Use of a Calculator or Dictionary: During exams, students may be permitted to use tools like calculators or dictionaries that are usually prohibited.
- Study Skills and Strategy Instruction: Some institutions provide support to help students cultivate effective study habits and strategies.
- Accessible Housing: If residing on campus, students might be eligible for accommodations such as a single room, or a room located near their classes.
Form Your Support Team
This step might seem like a daunting task at first, as the makeup of your support team will differ depending on your child’s age, unique needs, and the resources present in your community. It’s important to reach out for advice and insights from other families who are on similar paths, because those who have experienced this journey can provide you with priceless perspectives and assistance.
Consider joining parent and caregiver groups on your preferred social media platform, or signing up for relevant email newsletters. Connecting with other parents and families can give you direct accounts of their experiences and suggestions for useful resources.
Professionals Who Can Assist
If you’re seeking more direct and professional assistance while forming your support team, here are some roles professionals you might encounter and want to consider reaching out to.
Advocates – can guide you through the various educational and medical systems you may need to access to obtain what you require in school. This can be a separate profession or part of the services provided by our local chapters in the Greater Toronto Area.
Coaches – in recent years, another type of helping professional has emerged: the coach. Coaches are not therapists; instead, they assist in achieving goals, whether they are personal, career-related, or academic.
Counsellors – there are numerous types of counsellors, ranging from guidance and youth counsellors in schools to registered clinical counsellors for mental health. Their responsibilities include informing, advising, and problem-solving in specific areas of concern. The assistance they offer is typically practical.
Educational Consultants (ECs) – conduct educational evaluations, are knowledgeable about school curricula, and may have a background in special education issues.
Educational (Teacher’s) Assistants (EAs) – collaborate with students under the supervision of a special education teacher, either in a special education setting or a regular classroom.
Educational Therapists – create and implement programs for learning and behavioural challenges.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) – perform assessments and treatments for motor and sensory functions, including motor skills like handwriting. Some OTs specialize in nonverbal learning disabilities.
As mentioned before, your child’s care team will change in size and shift as they age. At Sparkling Seeds, we offer a diverse support team that is equipped to address your child’s unique needs as they develop and thrive.
Learning Disability Support at Sparkling Seeds
One of the greatest challenges of being a parent is remembering to prioritize your own well-being. It’s easy to become consumed with fulfilling your child’s needs while unintentionally neglecting your own. However, if you fail to care for yourself, you risk experiencing burnout.
It’s crucial to address both your physical and emotional needs to ensure you’re in a good place for your child. If you’re feeling stressed, tired, and emotionally drained, you won’t be able to support your child effectively. Conversely, when you are calm and centered, you can connect with your child more effectively, helping them to also remain calm and focused.
At Sparkling Seeds, we focus on caring for the family as a whole. Therefore when it comes to your child’s well-being, we also prioritize yours. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to addressing your family’s needs, particularly concerning your child’s learning disability and any additional support that may be necessary. We collaborate with licensed psychologists, occupational therapists (OTs), applied behavioural analysis (ABA) therapists, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to deliver comprehensive care. This teamwork guarantees that all aspects are taken into account.
Book a consultation with us today if you have any more questions regarding learning disabilities in children, as well as services we offer at our centre.
