My Child Has a Learning Disability...Now What?

A Learning Disability (LD) is defined as a neurological disorder that affects the way a person’s brain works. An LD is simply a difference in the way that the brain is wired. It is not the same as a mental disability or mental illness. It is simply a brain that works differently than the average brain. Learning Disabilities include: Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Language Processing Disorder, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, and Visual Perception/Visual Motor Deficit Disorder.

Here are some interesting statistics on Learning Disabilities:

4.6 million Americans have a Learning Disability
80% of Learning Disabilities are specific to reading
Adopted children are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a Learning Disability than non adopted children
2.4 million American school kids are identified as LD
66% of Learning Disabled are males

For many parents, learning that your child has a learning disability can feel overwhelming. There are so many things to consider: Does my child’s school provide the very best education possible now that we have this new information? Does my child feel successful? What can I do to support my child’s education and learning?

If your child has been diagnosed with a Learning Disability, become his champion. Let the school know that you are supportive of their work and that you are supporting your child. Don’t be afraid to talk about his learning disability. Let him know that he is not dumb, or incapable. Encourage him to be creative, to become a problem solver. People with LD are more likely to be better problem solvers and more empathetic. Two great qualities we would all like our kids to possess!

There are many support systems and resources for parents of kids with LD. There are tutors available who specialize in the Orton Gillingham approach of teaching children with Learning Disabilities. The Learning Disabilities of America website (www.ldaamerica.org) has great resources for families by state. The National Center for Learning Disabilities (www.ncld.org) is also an informative resource for parents.

Be encouraged! The list of successful men and women who have Learning Disabilities is long. Here are just a few!