You have a perfect, beautiful child but for some reason he or she is having difficulty in school. The teacher might suggest that your child should be tested for a learning disability. This usually leads to shock and dismay for many parents. You should know however, that you are not alone. Learning disabilities are more common in children than you might think. In fact the National Institute on Health stated that one in seven children have some type of learning disability. These frequently asked questions will allow you to better understand and deal with a learning disability in your family.

What is a “Learning Disability”?

Children with learning disabilities are not mentally retarded and they do not have emotional disturbances. These are children who have a developmental delay in learning due to a handicap, dyslexia, developmental aphasia, or mild brain dysfunction. A learning disability is a disorder of one of the basic psychological processes used to understand and use language; either written or spoken. This disorder may lead to an inability to read, write, spell, listen, think, or complete mathematical calculations. A parent or teacher must understand that having a learning disability is not a disease that can be cured. It is a disability, which simply means that the child will live with the learning disability for the rest of his/her life. The challenge is not overcoming the disability, but instead learning to live a normal and happy life with the disability.

How do I know if my child has a learning disability?

This is a very hard question that experts are working hard to answer. As of now, there is no clear line between those with a learning disability and those who are simply going through a “rough spot.” You should understand that each child is different and learns in different ways and at different rates; simply because your child is not keeping up with his/her peers doesn’t mean that he/she has a learning disability. It is critical that you make this distinction. If your child is lacking in one subject, you should not be concerned; a learning disability is not subject specific. The key question to ask yourself when deciding if the symptoms your child are demonstrating should be considered as a learning disability is “Does this problem interfere profoundly with my child’s everyday life?”

What signs should I look for?

Despite the controversy surrounding the issue of determining a definite line between those with a learning disability and those without one, there is one thing that is agreed upon: The earlier that your child receives intervention for the learning disability, the more successful that intervention will be. Therefore, you should be aware of the early indicators for a learning disability.

If your child is in preschool or kindergarten these warning signs might be early indicators of a learning disability.

Beginning to speak later than 20 months of age

Severe pronunciation problems

Difficulty using and identifying rhyming words

Great difficulty learning the alphabet, numbers or days of the week in a sequence

Usually slow vocabulary growth

Easily distracted (to the point that it is interfering with the learning process. All young children are easily distracted.

Does not attempt to form friendships

Has difficulty following simple one or two step directions

When your child is a little older, you should look for these warning signs if you suspect a learning disability.

Does not understand that letters represent sounds

Consistent reading and/or spelling errors, especially reversal of letters (b and d), inversion of letters (m and w), transpositions (can and nac) or makes substitutions for words (saying home when the word is house)

Reverses number sentences and mathematical signs such as + and –

Disorganized and impulsive behavior

Does not grip a pencil with ease

Lack of coordination (clumsy)

If your child is on the secondary level, these are some common warning signs that he/she might be suffering from a learning disability.

Avoids reading and writing activities

Significant trouble with open ended type questions

Has trouble summarizing information

Demonstrates poor reading comprehension

Abstract concepts and ideas are difficult to comprehend

Has difficulty applying math concepts

Has a hard time being organized

Works at a very slow rate of time

Does not take notes well

Proofreading is a difficult task

Has a hard time understanding other’s viewpoints

Does not accept criticism wel

Often gives in to peer pressure

Please be aware that these warning signs, when singled out, are not indicators of a learning disability. For example, if your child is clumsy and disorganized, this does not mean that he/she definitely has a learning disability. Each child is unique and most will exhibit some of these signs at one point or another. Remember a learning disability is something that profoundly interferes with day-to-day activities and/or learning.

Where can I get my child tested for a learning disability?

Most often, your child’s school will contact you with a concern about your child’s learning progression. However, in some cases, it is the parent who initially suspects the presence of a learning disability. In either case, the school that your child attends is prepared to handle the situation. Most schools have a social worker or a staff psychologist who can administer testing to determine if your child has a learning disability. If you would like a second opinion, which is recommended, you can contact local resources in your area. You should contact your local health department; they will have the ability to test your child or refer them to a specialist if needed.

Where can I go for help if my child has a learning disability?

There are several organizations that are designed specifically to help children with learning disabilities and their families. Some of these include, The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA), the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY), and the Division for Learning Disabilities (DLD).

The Internet is an invaluable tool when looking for support and information. There are many online forums that will allow you to discuss issues and concerns with other families that are in a similar situation. You will also be able to find hundreds of websites that contain information on specific learning disabilities and resources.

What are my rights concerning my child’s education now that I know he/she has a learning disability?

Every child in America has the right to a free education until they reach 21 years old. Your child will likely need some modifications in order to reach his fullest potential in school. The school is mandated by law to provide the student with any reasonable modifications necessary to accommodate his/her learning. Schools now strive to provide the least restrictive environment for all learning-disabled students. This means that children with mild or moderate learning disabilities will likely be placed in a regular classroom for as much of the day as possible while making modifications and adjustments so that they can spend that time there. This is called mainstreaming. For example, the student who has trouble learning spelling words in a conventional manner might be provided with magnetic letters or clay in order to practice the words. Or a student who needs oral language translated into written language for comprehension purposes will have these services provided to them. If your child has a more severe learning disability he/she might be better served in a self-contained classroom.

My child has been tested and I know my child has a learning disability. What should I do now?

Relax. Your child is like any other child. Children with learning disabilities are usually of normal intelligence and run, play and get messy just like other children. Be supportive of your child and patient with him/her. Use every resource that you find to learn everything that you can about the learning disability that your child has. New research is being completed daily and it is hard to keep up with it all, so read, read, read and find out everything that you can. Talk with your child’s teacher and make plans to work with him/her to make the learning the easiest that it can be for your child. Volunteer to work in the classroom and at the school. Information is key. Stay informed and stay positive.