How to support a child with a learning disorder

Learning disorders often coexist with other difficulties. These can include:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Hyperactivity
• Behavioural disorders
• Anxiety
• Sensory deficits
• Etc.

While getting a diagnosis for your child is not strictly necessary, doing so can be very beneficial. For example, it provides an opportunity to do the following:

• Put your child’s difficulties into words
• Get proper follow-up care
• Better understand your child’s behaviour
• Ease your frustrations, as well as your child’s
• Etc.

An individualized education plan (IEP) can be viewed as a sort of guide. Created in collaboration with your child’s school team, it contains practical measures intended to help your child reach their full potential. An IEP can help you do the following:

• Assess your child’s abilities
• Identify their needs
• Set goals
• Develop strategies to achieve those goals
• Etc.

Technology can be a real lifesaver for kids with learning difficulties. The right tech tools can help compensate for specific obstacles in a number of areas:

• Reading and writing
• Arithmetic
• Organization
• Etc.

Some of the most popular assistive technology tools include:

• Word prediction and speech feedback
• Spell checkers
• Text-to-speech software
• Electronic and digital dictionaries
• Graphic organizers
• Smartpens

There are a variety of strategies that can help your child with the day-to-day challenges they face. Depending on their needs, you can encourage them to do the following:

• Use their assistive technology tools at school and at home
• Use visual aids to stay organized
• Summarize information in their own words to make it easier to remember
• Use their agenda to plan their weekly homework schedule
• Rewrite their class notes to help them absorb the material and stay focused
• Break down tasks and check completed items off their to-do list so that nothing gets overlooked
• Etc.

Having a learning disorder can be a significant hurdle in a child’s life. It can lead to frustration, stress, and lack of motivation. This is why it is essential to focus on building your child’s self-esteem. Here are a few ideas on how to encourage your child to believe in their academic ability:

• Recognize their qualities and skills in different contexts
• Emphasize the fact that there are different ways to learn
• Celebrate their accomplishments, big or small
• Allow them to learn at their own pace
• Encourage them to ask for help
• Remind them to use and name the strategies they have learned