All children need love, encouragement, and support, and for kids with learning disabilities, such positive reinforcement can help ensure that they emerge with a strong sense of self-worth, confidence, and the determination to keep going even when things are tough.<\/p>\n
In searching for ways to help children with learning disabilities, remember that you are looking for ways to help them help themselves. Your job as a parent is not to \u201ccure\u201d the learning disability, but to give your child the social and emotional tools they need to work through challenges. In the long run, facing and overcoming a challenge such as a learning disability can help your child grow stronger and more resilient.<\/p>\n
Always remember that the way you behave and respond to challenges has a big impact on your child. A good attitude won\u2019t solve the problems associated with a learning disability, but it can give your child hope and confidence that things can improve and that they will eventually succeed.<\/p>\n
Keep things in perspective. A learning disability isn\u2019t insurmountable.<\/strong>\u00a0Remind yourself that everyone faces obstacles. It\u2019s up to you as a parent to teach your child\u00a0how<\/em>\u00a0to deal with those obstacles without becoming discouraged or overwhelmed. Don\u2019t let the tests, school bureaucracy, and endless paperwork distract you from what\u2019s really important\u2014giving your child plenty of emotional and moral support.<\/p>\n Become your own expert.\u00a0<\/strong>Do your own research and keep abreast of new developments in learning disability programs, therapies, and educational techniques. You may be tempted to look to others\u2014teachers, therapists, doctors\u2014for solutions, especially at first. But you\u2019re the foremost expert on your child, so take charge when it comes to finding the tools they need in order to learn.<\/p>\n Be an advocate for your child.\u00a0<\/strong>You may have to speak up time and time again to get special help for your child. Embrace your role as a proactive parent and work on your communication skills. It may be frustrating at times, but by remaining calm and reasonable, yet firm, you can make a huge difference for your child.<\/p>\n Remember that your influence outweighs all others.<\/strong>\u00a0Your child will follow your lead. If you approach learning challenges with optimism, hard work, and a sense of humor, your child is likely to embrace your perspective\u2014or at least see the challenges as a speed bump, rather than a roadblock. Focus your energy on learning what works for your child and implementing it the best you can.<\/p>\n Your child is not defined by their learning disability. A learning disability represents one area of weakness, but there are many more areas of strength. For example, children with dyslexia may struggle with reading, but some seem to develop (or naturally possess) a higher capacity for creative problem-solving. Additionally, some\u00a0research<\/a>\u00a0shows that children with dyslexia may have increased peripheral perception compared to other children.<\/p>\n Focus on your child\u2019s gifts and talents. Your child\u2019s life\u2014and schedule\u2014shouldn\u2019t revolve around the learning disability. Nurture the activities where they excel, and make plenty of time for them.<\/p>\n By understanding the\u00a0different types of learning disorders<\/a>\u00a0and their signs, you can pinpoint the specific challenges your child faces and find a treatment program that works.<\/p>\n [Read: Learning Disabilities and Disorders]<\/a><\/p>\n BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.<\/p>\n Take Assessment<\/a>HelpGuide is user supported. We earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp\u2019s services after clicking through from this site.\u00a0Learn more<\/a><\/small><\/div>\n In this age of endless budget cuts and inadequately funded schools, your role in your child\u2019s education is more important than ever. Don\u2019t sit back and let someone else be responsible for providing your child with the tools they need to learn. You can and should take an active role in your child\u2019s education.<\/p>\n If there is demonstrated educational need, the school is required by law to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that delivers\u00a0some<\/em>\u00a0educational benefit, but not necessarily one that maximizes student achievement. Parents who want the best for their kids may find this standard frustrating. Understanding special education laws and your school\u2019s guidelines for services will help you get the best support for your child at school. Your child may be eligible for many kinds of accommodations and support services, but the school might not provide services unless you ask for them.<\/p>\n Being a vocal advocate for your child can be challenging. You\u2019ll need superior communication and negotiation skills, and the confidence to defend your child\u2019s right to a proper education.<\/p>\n Clarify your goals.<\/strong>\u00a0Before meetings, write down what you want to accomplish. Decide what is most important, and what you are willing to negotiate.<\/p>\n Be a good listener.<\/strong>\u00a0Allow school officials to explain their opinions. If you don\u2019t understand what someone is saying, ask for clarification. \u201cWhat I hear you saying is\u2026\u201d can help ensure that both parties understand.<\/p>\n [Read: Effective Communication]<\/a><\/p>\n Offer new solutions.<\/strong>\u00a0You have the advantage of not being a \u201cpart of the system,\u201d and may have new ideas. Do your research and find examples of what other schools have done.<\/p>\n Keep the focus.<\/strong>\u00a0The school system is dealing with a large number of children; you are only concerned with your child. Help the meeting stay focused on your child. Mention your child\u2019s name frequently, don\u2019t drift into generalizations, and resist the urge to fight larger battles.<\/p>\n Stay calm, collected and positive.\u00a0<\/strong>Go into the meeting assuming that everyone wants to help. If you say something you regret, simply apologize and try to get back on track.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t give up easily.<\/strong>\u00a0If you\u2019re not satisfied with the school\u2019s response, try again.<\/p>\n Parents sometimes make the mistake of investing all of their time and energy into the school as the primary solution for their child\u2019s learning disability. It is better to recognize that the school situation for your child will probably never be perfect. Too many regulations and limited funding mean that the services and accommodations your child receives may not be exactly what you envision for them, and this will probably cause you frustration, anger and stress.<\/p>\n Try to recognize that the school will be only one part of the solution for your child and leave some of the stress behind. Your attitude (of support, encouragement and optimism) will have the most lasting impact on your child.<\/p>\n A widespread misconception is that every child has one set learning style that works best for them\u2014either visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. In reality, children may have a learning\u00a0preference<\/em>, but that preference isn\u2019t necessarily the most effective way for them to learn. Instead, it\u2019s often best to use multiple types of teaching to keep learners engaged.<\/p>\n This can also apply to children with learning disabilities because diverse sensory experiences are beneficial to brain development. At home, take a multi-sensory approach to teaching. And, when possible, advocate for the same in your child\u2019s classroom.<\/p>\n Embrace diverse activities<\/strong>. From books and videos to computer games and tactile puzzles, there are plenty of learning tools you can incorporate into your child\u2019s life. Read aloud to your child, allow them to try out science experiments, and interact with the world during field trips. Some other ideas include:<\/p>\n Consider your child\u2019s comfort level<\/strong>. Don\u2019t overdo a learning approach that leaves your child feeling fatigued or frustrated. For example, if your child feels fatigued by too many reading tasks, switch to a learning approach that engages the other senses, such as listening to an audiobook.<\/p>\n Success means different things to different people, but your hopes and dreams for your child probably extend beyond good report cards. Maybe you hope that your child\u2019s future includes a fulfilling job and satisfying relationships, for example, or a happy family and a sense of contentment. The point is that success in\u00a0life<\/em>\u2014rather than just school success\u2014depends, not on academics, but on things like a healthy sense of self, the willingness to ask for and accept help, the determination to keep trying in spite of challenges, the ability to form healthy relationships with others, and other qualities that aren\u2019t as easy to quantify as grades and exam scores.<\/p>\n A 20-year study that followed children with learning disabilities into adulthood identified the following six \u201clife success\u201d attributes. By focusing on these broad skills, you can help give your child a huge leg up in life.<\/p>\n For children with learning disabilities, self-awareness (knowledge about strengths, weaknesses, and special talents) and self-confidence are very important. Struggles in the classroom can cause children to doubt their abilities and question their strengths.<\/p>\n A proactive person is able to make decisions and take action to resolve problems or achieve goals. For people with learning disabilities, being proactive also involves self-advocacy (for example, asking for a seat at the front of the classroom) and the willingness to take responsibility for choices.<\/p>\n Perseverance is the drive to keep going despite challenges and failures, and the flexibility to change plans if things aren\u2019t working. Children (or adults) with learning disabilities may need to work harder and longer because of their disability.<\/p>\n The ability to set realistic and attainable goals is a vital skill for life success. It also involves the flexibility to adapt and adjust goals according to changing circumstances, limitations, or challenges.<\/p>\n Strong support systems are key for people with learning disabilities. Successful people are able to ask for help when they need it and reach out to others for support.<\/p>\n If children with learning disabilities learn how to\u00a0regulate stress and calm themselves<\/a>, they will be much better equipped to overcome challenges.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to be aware of the different ways in which stress can manifest. Your child may behave very differently than you do when they are under stress.<\/p>\n Some\u00a0signs of stress<\/a>\u00a0are more obvious: agitation, trouble sleeping, and worries that won\u2019t shut off. But some people\u2014children included\u2014shut down, space out, and withdraw when stressed. It\u2019s easy to overlook these signs, so be on the lookout for any behavior that\u2019s out of the ordinary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It may seem like common sense that learning involves the body as well as the brain, but your child\u2019s eating, sleep, and exercise habits may be even more important than you think. If children with learning disabilities are eating right and getting enough sleep and exercise, they will be better able to focus, concentrate, and work hard.<\/p>\n Exercise<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Exercise isn\u2019t just good for the body,\u00a0it\u2019s good for the mind<\/a>. Regular physical activity makes a huge difference in mood, energy, and mental clarity. Encourage your child to get outside, move, and play. Rather than tiring out your child and taking away from schoolwork, regular exercise will actually help them stay alert and attentive throughout the day. Exercise is also a great antidote to stress and frustration.<\/p>\n Sleep<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Learning disability or not, your child is going to have trouble learning if they are not well rested. Kids need more\u00a0sleep<\/a>\u00a0than adults do. On average, preschoolers need from 11-13 hours per night, middle school children need about 10-11 hours, and teens and preteens need from 8\u00bd-10 hours. You can help make sure your child is getting the sleep they need by enforcing a set bedtime. The type of light emitted by electronic screens (computers, televisions, phone, and tablets) is activating to the brain. So you can also help by powering off all electronics at least an hour or two before lights out.<\/p>\n [Read: Childhood Insomnia and Sleep Problems]<\/a><\/p>\n Diet<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0A healthy, nutrient rich diet<\/a>\u00a0will aid your child\u2019s growth and development. A diet full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein will help boost mental focus. Be sure your child starts the day with a good breakfast and doesn\u2019t go more than four hours between meals or snacks. This will help keep their energy levels stable.<\/p>\n In addition to healthy physical habits, you can also encourage children to have healthy emotional habits. Like you, they may be frustrated by the challenges presented by their learning disability. Try to give them outlets for expressing their anger, frustration, or feelings of discouragement. Listen when they want to talk and create an environment open to expression. Doing so will help them connect with their feelings and, eventually, learn how to calm themselves and regulate their emotions.<\/p>\n Sometimes the hardest part of parenting is remembering to take care of you. It\u2019s easy to get caught up in what your child needs, while forgetting your own needs. But if you don\u2019t look after yourself, you run the risk of burning out. It\u2019s important to tend to your physical and emotional needs so that you\u2019re in a healthy space for your child. You won\u2019t be able to help your child if you\u2019re stressed out, exhausted, and emotionally depleted. When you\u2019re calm and focused, on the other hand, you\u2019re better able to connect with your child and help them be calm and focused too.<\/p>\n Your spouse, friends, and family members can be helpful teammates if you can find a way to include them and learn to ask for help when you need it.<\/p>\n Keep the lines of communication open<\/strong>\u00a0with your spouse, family, and friends. Ask for help when you need it.<\/p>\n Take care of yourself<\/strong>\u00a0by eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.<\/p>\n Join a learning disorder support group.<\/strong>\u00a0The encouragement and advice you\u2019ll get from other parents can be invaluable.<\/p>\n Enlist teachers, therapists, and tutors<\/strong>\u00a0whenever possible to share some responsibility for day-to-day academic responsibilities.<\/p>\n Learn how to\u00a0manage stress<\/a>\u00a0in your own life.<\/strong>\u00a0Make daily time for yourself to relax and decompress.<\/p>\n Some parents keep their child\u2019s learning disability a secret, which can, even with the best intentions, look like shame or guilt. Without knowing, extended family and friends may not understand the disability or think that your child\u2019s behavior is stemming from laziness or hyperactivity. Once they are aware of what\u2019s going on, they can support your child\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n Within the family, siblings may feel that their brother or sister with a learning disability is getting more attention, less discipline and preferential treatment. Even if your other children understand that the learning disability creates special challenges, they can easily feel jealous or neglected. Parents can help curb these feelings by reassuring all of their children that they are loved, providing homework help, and by including family members in any special routines for the child with a learning disability.<\/p>\n Last updated or reviewed on May 14, 2024<\/small><\/p>\n How to Help a Child with a Learning Disability<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nFocus on strengths, not just weaknesses<\/h3>\n
Recognizing a learning disorder<\/h3>\n
Speak to a Licensed Therapist<\/h4>\n
Tips for helping children with learning disabilities<\/h2>\n
Tip 1: Take charge of your child\u2019s education<\/h2>\n
Tips for communicating with your child\u2019s school<\/h3>\n
Recognize the limitations of the school system<\/h3>\n
Tip 2: Embrace a multi-sensory approach to learning<\/h2>\n
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Tip 3: Think life success, rather than school success<\/h2>\n
Six skills for success in life with a learning disability<\/h3>\n
1: Self-awareness and self-confidence<\/h3>\n
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2: Being proactive<\/h3>\n
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3: Perseverance<\/h3>\n
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4: The ability to set goals<\/h3>\n
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5: Knowing how to ask for help<\/h3>\n
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6: The ability to handle stress<\/h3>\n
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Recognizing stress in your child<\/h4>\n
Tip 4: Emphasize healthy lifestyle habits<\/h2>\n
Encouraging healthy emotional habits<\/h3>\n
Tip 5: Take care of yourself, too<\/h2>\n
Tips for taking care of yourself<\/h3>\n
Communicate with family and friends about your child\u2019s learning disability<\/h3>\n