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Learning Disabilities |
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What is a learning disability? Learning disabilities are often diagnosed when a child who has above-average intelligence performs poorly in school. While the poor performance may be attributed to some other factor, it may also be due to a congenital (something you are born with) problem with the way his or her brain processes information. Learning disabilities can take a variety of forms and can involve any subject area or aspect of learning. Learning disabilities can involve problems with attention, memory, speech and much more. What is the most common presentation of a learning disability? Most children with a learning disability have a problem with their attention span. They may act uninterested in activities at school and perform poorly on tests. These same children may act energetic and interested in going out with friends once they come home from school. How are learning disabilities diagnosed? Often times a child's teacher is the first person to realize that there is a problem. When a teacher or a parent thinks that an intelligent child may have a problem with learning, the child should be evaluated by a specialist. There are many different specialists who work with children with learning disabilities and your child's pediatrician is probably the best initial person to visit. Your child's pediatrician may ask for a letter from a teacher with details on how the child acts in school. Signs that your child may have a learning disability include:
If my child is diagnosed with a learning disability, can it be treated? Yes. Often times a child with a poor ability to concentrate only needs a little extra time on exams to perform to his or her ability. Other times a little extra help from a teacher or parent can make the difference. Rarely a child will need to be placed in a special education class to receive the best education. Certain types of learning disabilities can be treated with medication. Your child's doctor or a learning disability specialist will make the best decision regarding which treatment will be most effective. What is Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder? Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), formerly called ADD, is a disorder present in about 7% of children. These children may have symptoms of attention defecit (not paying attention), hyperactivity (overly energetic) or a combination of the two. These children may perform poorly in school and may be overly aggressive with other children or in class. Psychiatrists are the ones who usually make the diagnosis of ADHD. Medication, in the form of stimulants, are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and are usually effective in treating this disorder. What can I do as a parent to help my child? Always be available to your child. Provide support and make sure that he or she understands that you are there to talk to when needed. Provide an environment in the home which is adequate for learning. Make sure that your child has a regular time to study and complete homework. Help your child in his or her homework. Have regular discussions with your child's teachers to better understand the subject matter in which special help is needed. Be sure to schedule appointments with doctors as necessary. Can't find the information you're looking for here? Contact Us and we'll do our best to answer your questions. |
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