Helping Children with Learning Disabilities

There is not necessarily a cure for learning disabilities but there are ways to aid the child in managing their condition while still learning and thriving at the same time.

A learning disability is a processing disorder whereby it affects how language is processed (Zachariah, 2023). It is not an issue with intelligence or motivation but how the brains are wired differently, affecting brain processing, utility and transmission of information. Children with learning disabilities tend to have average or above-average IQ. Some children have specific learning disabilities such as reading or doing math while others have conditions that affect their learning such as ADHD or hearing loss (Zubler, 2021).

Children with learning disabilities often face discrimination and challenges in school before they are diagnosed. It affects their self-esteem and motivation which could result in anxiety or depression. Parents should recognize these signs before the snowball effect occurs. Thus, seeking appropriate interventions and providing support is of paramount importance (Wadhi, n.d.). 

There is not necessarily a cure for learning disabilities but there are ways to aid the child in managing their condition while still learning and thriving at the same time. Here are some practical suggestions that can be implemented to render support both academically and non-academically: 

1. Regular communication with the teacher: Parents play an important role, they should be proactive in taking charge of their child’s life by getting regular updates from school. With the exchange of information between both parties, the teacher is able to develop a suitable plan to help address the child’s needs.

2. Getting a diagnosis: Different learning disabilities have different needs and learning styles. Getting the right support can make a positive difference in helping them to learn and reinforcing it at home. 

3. Visual aids and multi-sensory learning techniques: Multi-sensory learning incorporates sight, sound and touch during learning. For example, some children might face difficulty in reading, thus having a tape recorder helps in translating instructions or passages verbally. One can also incorporate the use of visual cues such as posters, videos, graphs or charts to explain the main gist of the topic. Others may require audiobooks or touching physical items to allow transference of information (Queensford College, 2017).

4. Setting a routine: A child can be encouraged and motivated by making learning fun. Providing breaks in between work allows the child to relax and refocus. Scheduling a time for playing could create family bonding time and boost self-esteem. 

5. Developing social and emotional skills: Learning differences combined with challenges of growing up can cause fluctuations of emotions from sadness, anger to withdrawal. It is essential to provide a child with love and support while also acknowledging that learning is difficult for them. 

6. Joining support groups: It provides an unbiased platform where parents can share experiences, suggestions, strategies, emotional support, and build friendships. The child can also participate in programs where activities are kept fun and build confidence through focusing on strengths and interests (Zubler, 2021). 

Having a learning disability is challenging. However, with early detection, treatment and appropriate support given, children can reach their full potential. As parents, it is crucial to be a strong advocate and provide the best possible support needed to their child. By integrating these suggestions and what works best for the child into daily life, rendering support progressively and maintaining an organized space, it will help to promote and instill better learning habits. 

Written by: Keisha 

References 

Diversfylens. (n.d.). Girl with autism eating cookies with her mother [Photograph]. Canva. https://www.canva.com/photos/MAFSErI6z4k/

Queensford College. (2017). How to help children with learning disabilities in the classroom. Retrieved from https://queensford.edu.au/how-to-help-children-with-learning-disabilities-in-the-classroom/

Wadhi, S. (n.d.). 10 things parents can do to help their kids with learning disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.adityabirlaintegratedschool.com/blog/10-things-parents-can-do-to-help-their-kids-with-learning-disabilities

Zachariah, M. E. (2023). Learning disabilities in children. How to help them. Retrieved from https://prayatna.co.in/children-with-learning-disabilities/

Zubler, J. (2021). Learning disabilities and differences: What parents need to know. American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/learning-disabilities/Pages/Learning-Disabilities-What-Parents-Need-To-Know.aspx