Losing the Fear

It can be hard to acknowledge that your child is having difficulty in school—let alone a potential learning disability. Perhaps you have worried that by calling attention to your child’s learning problems he might be labeled “slow” or a “discipline problem,” or sent to the wrong class.

What many parents—and their children—don’t realize is that most kids with learning disabilities are just as intelligent as their peers. Their brains are simply wired differently for learning. They need to be taught in ways that are best adapted to how they process information.

And, scientists and researchers are learning more every day about learning disabilities. Their research provides hope and direction. From research we now know that:

• Receiving help in the early grades greatly improves the chances for these kids to adapt learning strategies that will enable them to succeed in school.
• Among children who struggle with basic reading and language skills—the most common learning problems-75% of those who do not receive help until the third grade will struggle with reading throughout their lives.

But if those same kids receive appropriate help by the first grade, fully 90% of them will achieve normal reading ability. By identifying what is causing your child’s learning problems, you are one step closer to getting the help you both need. Your child can still have hope for a wonderful future if given the proper tools and learning strategies.

Don’t Delay

If you suspect that your child’s learning difficulties may require special assistance, please do not delay in finding information and support. The sooner you move forward the better your child’s chances for reaching her full potential.

Maybe you have wondered if you are overreacting, or if the situation will work itself out over time. The truth is, you know your child better than anybody else. And regardless of who may tell you that it’s a “phase” or “nothing to worry about,” only you know how much your child dreads Monday morning. You have watched the impact of her daily struggles on her self-confidence. Deep down, you know something isn’t right.

The good news is there are things you can do. In fact, the only “wrong” thing to do is to do nothing. If you wait to seek help for your child, her frustration and sense of failure will continue to erode her self-esteem, while the window of time for meaningful intervention narrows.

Since you are one of the best observers of your child’s development, you will be able to recognize potential problems early. But, in order to spot problems early, you’ll need to know the warning signs!