What Can I Do If I Suspect My Child Has a Learning Disability?

Have your child tested

If you determine that more information is needed to understand how best to meet your child’s needs, a comprehensive educational evaluation can be conducted. While there is no set protocol for these types of assessments, they almost always include: parent and child interviews, direct classroom observation, a review of your child’s educational and medical history, a series of tests that help to disclose your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and information gathering with professionals who work with your child. Either you or the school can request such an evaluation, but it can only be conducted with a parent’s written consent.

Teamwork

If the results of a comprehensive evaluation indicate that your child has a learning disability, she or he is eligible for special educational services. You will work with members of the school’s child study team (note: be sure to include your child’s teachers) to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is a written document that summarizes your child’s educational performance, specifies annual and short-term educational goals, provides detail about instructional strategies and any needed accommodations or modifications, and indicates how (and how often) progress will be measured. You are a major player in this planning process so don’t be afraid to speak up. If your child does not qualify for special education, it is still important for you to work with your child’s teachers to ensure that the evaluation findings are used to enhance instruction in ways that help your child overcome barriers to learning.

Find ways to help

Changes can be made in classroom routines to help children with learning disabilities. Talk to your child’s teachers about these ideas: reading aloud, allowing extra time on exams, taping lessons and using assistive technology.

Talk with your child about the disability

Reassure your child that having a learning disability is OK and that it does not mean that they are stupid or lazy. Be honest and optimistic with your child, and impress upon them how important it is for them to share their ideas and suggestions. Helping your child to be an effective self advocate and to be able to articulate what he or she needs to succeed is one of the most important things you can do. Explain that, though learning may be a struggle, he or she can still succeed.

Know your child’s strengths

Children with learning disabilities, just like their non-disabled peers, are often leaders in some areas and followers in others. In contrast to their sometimes severe weaknesses in areas like reading and math, some children with LD are outstanding athletes, or excel in creative areas like music, painting or sculpture. And some children, despite their learning disabilities in reading and spelling, are extraordinary authors. Focus on your child’s strengths and help him or her overcome or circumvent difficulties. Participation in after-school activities and clubs are good ways for children develop their interests and talents, not to mention the social and emotional benefits they can reap from this stress-free time away from formal academics.

Work with your child at home

Help your child do homework by establishing a regular time and a specific place for it, and give lots of encouragement. Praise your child for work well done and help him or her practice good school behaviors at home.

Know your legal rights

Learn about your legal rights by requesting a copy of your state’s guidelines for special education services. Under the law, every child with a learning disability has the right to a “free and appropriate public education.”
 
Adapted from the work of Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities.

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