Parents play a vital role in nurturing children’s growth and development. And for parents navigating how to help children with learning disabilities, that support becomes even more critical. Dr. Yasmin Senturias with Atrium Health Levine Children’s offers expert advice to help parents and caregivers support their children effectively and help them reach their full potential.
Understanding Learning Disabilities
Senturias says it’s critical to recognize that learning disabilities are not a reflection of a child's intelligence or effort.
Learning disabilities are neurologically-based processing problems that can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing or math. They can also affect higher-level skills like organization, time management, abstract reasoning and long or short-term memory.
Early Identification and Intervention
Senturias says early identification and support helps address learning difficulties before they become more entrenched, allowing for tailored educational strategies and accommodations to be put in place.
“This proactive approach can enhance self-esteem, reduce frustration and promote a more positive educational experience,” Senturias says.
Common signs of learning disabilities include persistent difficulty in acquiring basic academic skills, despite adequate instruction and effort.
If parents suspect their child has a learning disability, Senturias says to observe and document the child’s learning and behavior patterns, then communicate concerns with their child’s teacher and request an evaluation from their child’s pediatrician.
“Requests must be made in writing for the child to be evaluated by the school psychologist and other appropriate personnel,” Senturias says. “Parents should ensure a comprehensive assessment is conducted, including academic testing and a review of medical history.”
Action Tip: Keep an eye on developmental milestones and communicate with your child’s teachers and pediatricians about any concerns. Indicators might include:
- Difficulty reading or comprehending text (dyslexia)
- Problems with writing and organizing thoughts (dysgraphia)
- Challenges in understanding and performing math (dyscalculia)
- Poor memory and trouble following directions
- Difficulty with motor skills or coordination (dyspraxia)
- Problems processing auditory or visual information
Create a Supportive Environment
A supportive and understanding environment at home and school is essential to helping a child thrive. Senturias says children with learning disabilities need to feel safe and encouraged to try their best without the fear of failure.
Action Tip: Prioritizing these approaches in your family can ensure a calm, organized and predictable environment for your child:
- Emphasize effort and progress rather than just achievements.
- Provide consistent positive reinforcement.
- Identify and encourage the child’s strengths and interests.
- Establish a routine and structured environment.
- Use clear, concise instructions and break tasks into manageable steps.
- Set achievable goals and celebrate small successes to build their confidence and motivation.
- Collaborate with teachers to ensure consistency between home and school strategies.
Foster Strong Communication
Effective communication and collaboration are vital for providing consistent support to children with learning disabilities.
Senturias says open and ongoing communication between parents, teachers and health care providers is crucial. This collaboration ensures that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals for the child’s success.
Action Tip: Foster collaboration with these strategies:
- Have regular meetings and updates between parents, teachers and health care providers.
- Ensure clear and ongoing communication using channels such as email or communication logs.
- Develop a shared understanding of the child’s needs and goals.
- Jointly create and monitor progress plans.
Utilize Available Resources
Many resources and tools are available to help children with learning disabilities succeed. These can range from specialized educational programs to assistive technologies.
Action Tip: Utilize helpful resources such as:
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) which outline specific educational goals and accommodations.
- Assistive technology such as speech-to-text software, audiobooks and organizational apps.
- Special education services and resource rooms.
- Tutoring and specialized educational programs.
- Educational websites can offer guidance for parents of children with learning disabilities and provide direct educational tools to address learning challenges.
Senturias encourages parents and caregivers to keep in mind that learning disabilities are lifelong conditions, but with the right support, children can achieve significant success.
“It’s important to advocate for the child’s needs, stay informed about their rights and available resources, and maintain a positive and encouraging outlook to foster resilience and self-confidence in the child,” Senturias says. “By understanding and addressing these key elements, parents can play a crucial role in helping their children navigate the challenges of learning disabilities and achieve their full potential.”
For more information on how to help your child thrive, find an Atrium Health Levine Children’s pediatrician near you today.
