A Parent's Responsibility to Children With Learning Disabilities

You might suspect your child has learning problems. Early signs include difficulty following instructions or remembering something shortly after it's said. Learning disabilities are fairly common -- the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry estimates that as many as one in 10 kids has one, so you and your child are not alone. Putting the disability into perspective is helpful. It's important to remember learning disabled children can lead happy, successful lives.

  1. Education and Information

    • Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about learning disabilities. Your child's school can give you reading materials and advice on how to help your child. The Learning Disabilities Association of America provides information, resources and additional support. Parents should be aware of their child's specific type of learning disability, and know what limitations and achievements to reasonably expect. They should continually strive for updated information and keep abreast of new developments.

    Love and Acceptance

    • Children with learning disabilities are often aware they can't process information as quickly as their peers, and can become easily frustrated. Their self-esteem usually suffers. Parents must have patience and show lots of love and acceptance. Build your child's confidence by demonstrating pride in her accomplishments. Recognize her strengths and provide opportunities for her to flourish. Teach her not to dwell on her shortcomings but to focus on the areas she can excel in.

    Advocacy

    • Know your legal rights. Parents who believe their child is learning disabled should request that the school conduct a formal evaluation. The Individuals with Disabilities Act guarantees the right to request such an evaluation. If the school initiates the evaluation, don't resist. Parents need not fear the stigma of a learning disability label. Students diagnosed as learning disabled are entitled to additional supports that make educational success more feasible. Teach your child to be self-aware and how to ask for help if needed.

    Encouragement

    • Parents should never compare siblings. Don't show you value academic success more than talent in music, sports or visual art. Learning disabled children need lots of encouragement. Parents must instill in their children the belief that they will succeed. Providing lists of famous people with learning disabilities gives the learning disabled child hope. All children need to be inspired. Find the key to inspire yours.

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