How to deal with your child’s learning disability?
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There are various types of learning disabilities, ranging from dyslexia and dyscalculia to auditory processing disorder and non-verbal learning disabilities. If you notice that your child is struggling at school, they might be affected by some of these disorders. Even if this is the case, it’s important to keep in mind that this is not the end of the world and there are ways to deal with these conditions. Take a look.
Educate yourself
Seeing as how most learning disabilities are discovered only after a child starts school, it’s not uncommon for these disorders to catch you off guard. However, once your child is diagnosed, you will have to work extra hard to educate yourself. Luckily, there are many resources you can rely on, such as books, online sources as well as experts in this field. By doing research and staying updated regarding the latest developments, you will be able to see which tools are available for your child. Having knowledge on this topic will also help you understand that there is no cure for these disabilities but certain strategies that can work depending on the person in question. Keeping in mind that you know your child best, you will probably see which approaches are helping your child and which are not.
Look for professional help
On the other hand, regardless of how big of an expert you become when it comes to the subject, you might still need help. Depending on the severity of the child’s condition, they might need regular therapy, special teachers and even support workers. Start by seeking out the best doctors in your area so that you have someone to consult with. Furthermore, you should talk to your kid’s school principal and teachers to see how the child is doing in class and decide whether they need special education. Last but not least, it’s okay to admit that you need some time for yourself and this is where a support worker can step in. Fortunately, there are platforms where you can post an ad and find the right person for the job. Follow some useful tips when creating a profile and your child is sure to have someone they can rely on when you are not nearby.
School success is not everything
Another thing that is crucial to understand is that school success is not the most important thing in the world. Their grades and exam scores might not be that high but plenty of people with learning disabilities went on to do great things in life. It’s not school success that will make one’s life amazing but their ability to ask for and accept help, to keep trying despite the challenges they’re facing and willingness to form relationships with other people.
Encourage your child
Continuing from the previous point, kids with a learning disability are often called lazy and not intelligent – which is simply not true. You cannot allow the fact that your child’s brain is wired differently to affect their self-esteem. It’s important to find their strengths and focus on them when looking for the best learning tools. Discuss various approaches with them as well as possible outcomes. Encourage their passions in certain fields they’re good at, as that self-confidence might inspire them to work hard in other fields as well. Don’t only focus on their performance, praise their effort too – that will empower them to keep going.
Don’t give up
There will be days when your kid, and maybe even you, will feel like giving up. You cannot let that happen. You must keep going and learn to be flexible and change the approaches that are not working. Stay calm when things don’t go as planned and don’t take out your frustration on your child. Furthermore, accept your role as an advocate for your kid. You will potentially have to speak up to get them help and protect them in certain scenarios.
Living with a learning disability will not be easy for your child, so you must do everything in your power to help them deal with their disorder. Be there for them and encourage them not to give up.