School is starting soon! There are many reasons why parents and students alike might be worried about the start of the school year but maybe this summer you noticed something different in your child. Maybe it seems like your child is having a hard time understanding or following directions. Or maybe they have difficulty completing tasks at home or paying attention. These can be common steps in the natural learning and maturing process of children but if they don’t improve over time, they can also be possible signs of learning disabilities.
According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, 1 in 5 children in the US have learning and attention issues such as dyslexia and ADHD. So, if you suspect your child may have a learning disability, what do you do?
The first step is to start communication with your child’s teacher and/or principal. Let them know your concerns. Ask them what they see in the classroom. This conversation will not only help the teacher understand what you are seeing at home but also give the teacher specific things to look for at school.
Some questions to ask yourself if you suspect a learning disability in your child:
Do they have trouble following directions?
Do they have difficulty pronouncing words?
Are they struggling to learn basic math concepts?
Do they have a hard time sounding out words?
Do they have bad handwriting??
If after this conversation, you still have concerns about your child’s learning ability, contact the special education director at your child’s school or reach out to a center who can screen your child. Once you have the information you can make better decisions about how to help.
Children with learning disabilities are like any other child: they have strengths and they have places where they need more support. A diagnosis of a learning disability may feel like just a label, but it is the next step in procuring the necessary supports for your child.
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