Guest Author - Deborah Pipas

When children have difficulty learning their parents are not always the first to recognize the symptoms. Many times the symptoms are very subtle. Learning disabled children are often bright, expressive children with outgoing personalities. However, when placed in a classroom setting they become overwhelmed and fall behind the other students. Not only is this frustrating to the parents and teacher, it is extremely frustrating to the child. If the child has siblings that advance at a quicker pace this can be discouraging and cause the learning disabled child to lose interest in school.

A learning disabled child is often more sensitive then other children to feelings and emotions of those around them. The child may experience difficulty in organizing thoughts and assignments and give up after very little effort due to disappointment in their own abilities.

Learning disabled children often compare themselves to other children and feel that they don’t measure up or just can’t make the grade. Sometimes they become the class clown to draw the attention away from what they feel are personal failures. If you think that your child may be experiencing a learning problem, talk with your child about the difficulties and challenges they feel they face in the classroom.

There can be a number of causes for the disability some of which may be premature birth, slow maturation, visual or hearing impairment, disorders of the nervous system, and a variety of illnesses and injuries during childhood.

If you suspect that your child may be learning disabled began by researching information on the subject for yourself. Arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible and speak with your child’s teacher often and candidly about behaviors that you see. Allow your child’s teacher to express what he/she sees during the hours they spend with your child. Talk to professionals trained in the field of learning disability and determine what resources are available for your child.

You may want to arrange for testing through the school system and take your child to a pediatrician for discussion and testing for possible physical problems. In the meantime listen to them, love and encourage them, teach them that not everyone excels in the same areas and the in the same way. Monitor them at home, at school and with their friends and become aware of factors that may be creating a deeper problem. Are you babying them to much? Do you give them responsibilities for which they must be accountable? Learning disabilities are not a sign of bad parenting in most cases but rather an indication that your child processes information and performs task in a different way.

If you do discover that your child has a learning disability be open and honest with them about the information you have received from testing, speaking with professionals and your pediatrician. Talk to them on their level and explain what you have discovered. Encourage them by sharing with them the plan to help them excel in school and at other activities. Invite them to be a part of their own journey by allowing them to express thoughts about the situation, their personal feelings and the fears they may be experiencing.

Last but not least remember to take care of yourself. Raising a learning disabled child can be a very difficult parenting role. Join support groups for parents of learning disabled children, and always find some time just to relax.