People use the term ‘learning disability’ so often nowadays that most of us will struggle to come up with a clear definition of what is implied when saying it. Still, it is helpful for parents to at least have some conception of what learning disabilities are and how they can be addressed. With this knowledge, you will be able to identify a problem and seek the right assistance at the right time if your child has a learning disability.
What is a Learning Disability?
These learning disabilities are often referred to as hidden disabilities because it could be hard to tell whether or not a child is learning at par with his or her peers. It is a broad category of many different disorders that define a person’s inexplicable learning disability when it comes to attaining specific academic skills. Some have defined it as the difference between the learning potential of an individual and his academic achievement.
Learning disabilities are a general term used to describe difficulties your child may have in learning to read, write, calculate, listen, speak or think when there are no physical, psychological or social reasons for them.
This broad category includes particular diagnoses like dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, language processing disorder, visual perceptual/visual motor deficit, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. Other conditions commonly associated with learning disorders (but not learning disorders themselves) are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia and other issues with memory and executive function.
Things Parents Should Know About Learning Disabilities
1. Learning disabled does not mean the child is not intelligent.
It is important to note that learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities are not the same thing. A child must have an average or above-average level of intelligence to be diagnosed with a learning disability. While a child with an intellectual disability will most likely have delays in areas such as walking and talking, a child with a learning disability will likely not demonstrate any issues before their difficulties with reading or math emerge in the first or second grade.
The first potential indicator of a learning disability is when a child has difficulties in learning that appear to be out of proportion with his or her intelligence. Parents may find themselves thinking that their child is not trying hard enough or is being avoidant due to a lack of interest.
But children know only too well where they are deficient. When talking to parents and teachers, I like to explain that children determine their intelligence and value based on academic performance comparisons.
Such feelings can turn into something more severe. Pupils with learning disabilities who do not receive adequate care are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Given that there may be a tendency for people to focus on what they cannot or can hardly do, it is important to encourage children and remind them and others that everyone has his or her strengths and weaknesses.
Parents should also be aware that a child may be a good student and learn disabled at the same time. These children are sometimes referred to as ‘twice gifted,’ and although they may need help in some areas, they should be given opportunities to excel in others.
2. Learning disabilities can be passed on from one generation to the other.
If either you or your spouse has a learning disability, your child may also have one. Remember to inform providers such as doctors and psychologists about this family history.
3. Other conditions may also cause similar problems.
Hearing and vision impairments, anxiety, and other neurological disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are some of the causes of poor academic performance in children. Sometimes it is simply bad teaching in class and assistance provided to the teachers can go a long way in correcting the situation.
To diagnose a child with a learning disability, these other conditions must be excluded as the main cause of the learning problems the child is having.
4. You have the right to ask for an assessment of your child if you think that he or she has a learning disorder.
If you feel that your child has a learning difficulty or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), you can ask for an assessment from the school your child attends.
An evaluation for learning difficulties may be requested at any time by a parent. After the approval of the evaluation, it will be given free of charge and must be done within the time given by the law.
If you do not agree with the findings of this assessment, you have the right to an independent educational assessment by an IAEO or obtain an independent educational assessment by a qualified examiner paid for by the parents. While the school district may need to obtain a private evaluation, it is not mandated to adhere to its findings and the practices may differ from one school district to another.
5. Your child has the right to a free and appropriate public education.
IDEA states that children with disabilities, including learning-disabled children, have the right to free appropriate public education.
The purpose of the law is to ensure that children with disabilities receive the necessary curriculum in a manner that is suitable for their learning style.
Depending on the child’s diagnosis, he or she will either have an IEP or a 504 plan. Both of these plans explain how the school will assist the child in learning. It is also important to note that there are more specific guidelines for what an IEP must contain while the rules for a 504 are less rigid. The only clear distinction between the two types of plans is the type of conditions that the plan protects. LD is typically addressed under an IEP while ADHD is addressed under a 504. However, there are instances when a child may qualify for a 504 plan but not for an IEP.
In any case, the plan developed in cooperation with you, your child’s teacher and other specialists will state the services and modifications which your child has the right to receive which may include specially adapted instruction, small group instructions, extra time for tests, preferential seating, movement breaks, use of special tools (for example, a calculator or a computer), individual or group counselling and speech, physical or occupational therapy.
An IEP will also contain information concerning the child’s current performance (as in their reading ability), strengths, areas of need and future objectives. As a parent, you have the right to attend yearly IEP meetings, where you can fight for your child.
Despite such sessions being rather daunting and sometimes even overwhelming for parents, the latter cannot but attend.
If your child has a 504 plan, you do not have the right to be invited to an annual meeting, although most schools will be glad to have you attend. It is better to be invited early in the year by asking for an invitation so you do not lose out on it.
Unfortunately, there is still discrimination against children with disabilities despite the existing civil rights laws designed to protect them. If you need help legally, central coast lawyers from Mcauley lawyers can guide you through.
6. But with proper encouragement, learning disabilities will not be a hindrance to the choices that kids will make.
One thing that parents should never forget is the fact that children with learning disabilities are so capable and they can indeed succeed in education as well as in life if only they are assisted properly.
Some of the questions you might want to pose are: At the end of the year could you tell me the approaches that you found useful in handling my child — and what do you wish someone had told you about him/her? It can be beneficial to discuss it during IEP/504 meetings and with future teachers.
Final Thoughts
If you feel that your child may suffer from a learning disorder, do not hesitate to get help. If a problem is detected early it can be solved and your child will have the ability to maximize the potential in and out of the class.