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Help for Parents of a Learning Disabled ChildMost parents want their children to do the best they can in school and to get good grades. What should parents do if their children are doing their best but falling further and further behind? Parents need to be aware of what to look for when their child seems to be struggling at school and what to do about it. Elementary school-age children develop reading and writing skills at different paces. This may be why some children are not identified as having a learning disability until later. There are some things to take notice of early on. Children in early elementary school should become accomplished at identifying letter sounds and being able to write both upper and lower-case letters. Decoding words through the use of letter sounds begins to be automatic. If a child is not able to distinguish different sounds in isolation it will be difficult for them to decode. Auditory discrimination plays an important role in the development of reading, spelling, and writing. Although many young children mispronounce or substitute letters (i.e. f and s such as saying "singer" for " finger") and words ("pasghetti" for "spaghetti" or "hangaber" for "hamburger"), if a child continues to misunderstand sounds or cannot develop the ability to rhyme words, it may be cause for concern. Visual discrimination difficulties can show up as an inability to correctly identify individual letters such as b and d, p and q, or m and n. The inability to identify shapes and reproduce them, as well as poor handwriting that is no longer age appropriate, can also be a warning flag. Squinting, headaches, or watering eyes can also be indications that there may be a problem. For a child who is having difficulties with these tasks, an auditory or visual screening exam should be one of the first things that can be done. This can rule out any possible problems with the child’s eyes or ears. If there is no need for glasses or hearing aids, a next step for parents would be to make an appointment to meet with the child’s teacher. Parents and teachers need to realize that they are on the same team and both want what’s best for the child. Parents shouldn’t feel that it’s the school’s fault that a child is not learning. Schools shouldn’t assume that a child isn’t trying. After meeting with the classroom teacher and deciding that the child may need extra help, the teacher may recommend that a meeting with the school guidance counselor may be in order. Parents shouldn’t feel apprehensive about meeting with school officials. They are there to help students. If a special education meeting is necessary, parents should be informed who will be there, the process of special education determination in the district, and that the parents can bring someone with them if they desire. At this meeting, it will be determined if the child needs further evaluation for a possible learning disability. If a child does have a learning disability, there are many things parents can do to help and encourage their child. Some of these include: · Find out about learning disabilities · Keep in close contact with the school · Work together with teachers to map out a plan for your child · Learn what you can do at home · Keep positive, your child is probably frustrated and needs encouragement · Point out the child’s strengths and help the child use those strengths · Be patient · Break large tasks into manageable pieces · Listen to your children and help them verbalize their feelings · Don’t cover up the problem · Spend time with your child doing things he/she is good at · Help your child learn organizational skills · Encourage your child to seek out help when it is needed Parents of children with learning disabilities can do a lot to help their child work through a difficult situation. The learning disability will not go away and parental support can be a strong framework upon which a child can rely. Working closely together with the child’s school can help a child develop to the best of the child’s ability.
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