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Writer's pictureSabona Lemessa

Learning Disabilities & Differences: What Parents Need To Know

Children acquire various abilities throughout their lives, such as how to listen and talk, as well as how to read, write, and perform math. Some abilities may be more difficult to learn than others. If your kid has received proper learning experiences and guidance but is still unable to keep up with classmates, it is critical to determine why and how to assist. As a parent you need to know what Learning Disabilities mean.

Children who learn and think differently have a better chance of succeeding in school, job, and relationships. Often, individuals might benefit from assistance that capitalizes on their strengths and tackles any areas of need.

What causes learning disabilities in kids?

what are learning disablity

What exactly are a Learning Disabilities?

“Learning impairment is a broad phrase that refers to a variety of learning and thinking abnormalities that can alter how the brain receives, processes, stores, and transmits information. Some youngsters have distinct learning challenges (commonly known as LDs), such as reading or math difficulties. Others may have learning disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or hearing impairments. Many children with learning disabilities and challenges may have more than one learning disability or condition that affects learning.

What causes Learning Disabilities?

There are numerous reasons why a youngster may struggle with learning. The causes aren’t always understood, but in many situations, children have a parent or relative who has the same or similar learning and thinking problems and issues. Other risk factors include low birth weight and prematurity, as well as a childhood accident or illness (for example, a head injury, lead poisoning, or a childhood illness like meningitis).

Regardless of the cause of your child’s learning issues, the first step is to realize that he or she is having difficulty and to communicate your concerns with your child’s instructors and doctor. You can work together to determine what is causing the problems and ensure your child receives the necessary assistance.

How can I tell if my child has learning disabilities or challenges?

Learning and thinking problems aren’t always visible, but there are certain warning signals that your child may require assistance. Remember that children grow and learn at various rates. Talk to your child’s teacher and to your child’s doctor if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms:

Language delays in preschool children are possible. 

  1. Your preschool-aged youngster should be able to speak in phrases or short sentences by the age of 2 and 1/2.

  2. Speech difficulty. By the age of three, your child should be able to communicate effectively enough for adults to comprehend the majority of what they say.

  3. Colors, shapes, letters, and numbers are difficult to learn.

  4. Rhyming words are difficult to find.

  5. Coordination problems. Your youngster should be able to button garments, handle scissors, and hop by the age of five. They should be able to make a circle, square, or triangle out of paper.

  6. Attention spans are short. Your child should be able to sit still and listen to a short story when he or she is 3 to 5 years old. Your youngster should be able to pay attention for extended periods of time as they get older.

  7. When attempting to learn, frustration or rage can arise.

School-aged children and teenagers may struggle to: 

  1. Follow directions.

  2. Get and keep your house and school organized.

  3. recognize verbal instructions.

  4. Remember facts and knowledge.

  5. Words can be read, spelled, or sounded out.

  6. Write clearly (you can have bad handwriting).

  7. Perform mathematical computations or word problems.

  8. Concentrate on and do studies.

Explain things clearly, either verbally or in writing.

Is it possible to treat learning disabilities? There is no “cure” for learning disabilities, but there are numerous ways for children and families to manage them in a way that allows them to learn and succeed in life. Be careful of people and groups who promise to have simple solutions or answers. Eye exercises, bodily motions, particular diets, vitamins, and nutritional supplements may be mentioned. There is no convincing evidence that these work. If you are unsure, consult your child’s doctor. You can also get more information from reputable sources, such as those provided at the bottom of this page.

read more on kids nutrition

Who can assist?

Discuss any learning difficulties you detect with your child’s doctor and teachers. Pediatricians can assess developmental delays as well as other conditions that may be causing learning issues. They can also refer you to specialists in areas such as neurodevelopmental impairments, developmental and behavioral pediatrics, child neurology, or child psychology. Teachers and other education professionals provide screening or evaluation tests to

Screening or evaluation tests are used by teachers and other education specialists to identify difficulties and evaluate whether early interventions or school-based supports will help. Psychologists and learning specialists are often members of school evaluation teams.

4 ways parents can assist children who learn and think in unconventional ways

You may support your child with learning challenges and difficulties in addition to working with his or her teachers and doctors. As an example:

  1. Concentrate on your best qualities. Every youngster has things they excel at and things they struggle with. Discover your child’s strengths and teach them how to use them. Your youngster may excel in math, music, or sports. She might be good in art, working with tools, or taking care of animals. When your child performs well or completes a task, be sure to praise her frequently.

  2. Improve your social and emotional skills. Learning disabilities, along with the difficulties of growing up, can cause your child to become depressed, angry, or withdrawn. Provide love and support to your child while admitting that learning is difficult because their brain learns in a different way. Look for groups, teams, and other activities that emphasize friendship and fun. These activities should also help to boost confidence. Remember that competition is about more than just winning.

  3. Make use of resources and support groups to learn more about parenting a child with learning disabilities. Differences in learning and thinking are prevalent. You and your child are not on this path alone.

  4. Make plans for the future. Many parents who have a child who learns and thinks differently are concerned about the future. Encourage your child to examine their talents and interests in education and job choices as they prepare for maturity. Remind them that learning differently is not dependent on their intelligence. In truth, many people with learning disabilities are quite intelligent and go on to achieve great success in their fields. Special career and employment programs that educate on decision-making and workplace skills might help boost confidence. Many institutions provide programs to help individuals who learn and think differently get a degree.

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