Does your child really dislike schoolwork? Does he get bored when you give him homework, or does he just give up and get away with it for no reason? Is he lagging behind other children in class? Most of the time, as parents, we think that the child is doing this out of boredom or mischief. But that is not always the case. Perhaps the reason for this is a learning disability that we do not know about. Being aware of this is very important for the child's future.
What is a learning disability?
Simply put, a learning disability is a problem with the way a person receives, understands, and processes information. It is not caused by any disease of the child's intelligence or brain.
Remember this very important thing: Having a learning disability does not mean that your child is "stupid" or "lazy. " In fact, these children can be very intelligent. It's just that the way they see, hear, and understand things is a little different from others.
Just like some people can't see clearly without glasses, these children also need a little help with their brains to process information. This can make things like paying attention in class or studying for an exam a big challenge for them.
Also, conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders are different from learning disabilities. However, sometimes a child can have one or more of these conditions together.
What are the main types of learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities can come in many forms. This means that they affect each child differently. Let's look at some of the main types. Understanding these will help you get a better idea of your child's behavior.
| Name of the weakness | How it affects | Examples we can see in Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Dyspraxia | Affects body movements and coordination (motor skills). | He constantly bumps himself, drops things on the floor. He has difficulty buttoning his school shirt, tying his shoelaces, eating with a spoon. He has difficulty writing and typing. |
| Dyslexia | Language, especially reading and writing, is affected. | Confuses letters when reading (e.g. 'pa' and 'da', 'va' and 'cha'). Avoids words, dislikes reading aloud. Has difficulty understanding the meaning of what is read. Has difficulty putting what is on one's mind into words when speaking. |
| Dysgraphia | Affects writing ability. | The handwriting is very messy and difficult to read. The size and shape of the letters are not the same. There are frequent spelling mistakes. It is very difficult to put an idea in your mind on paper. |
| Dyscalculia | Affects mathematical abilities. | Difficulty recognizing and counting numbers. Difficulty doing simple additions and subtractions. Difficulty telling time, handling money, and remembering multiplication tables. |
| Auditory Processing Disorder | It is a problem with the brain understanding sounds heard by the ear (not a problem with hearing). | They seem to not understand what is being said. They cannot hear what is being said in noisy places. They have difficulty following instructions. They confuse words that sound similar (e.g., 'did' and 'did'). |
| Visual Processing Disorder | It's a problem with the brain understanding what the eye sees (not a problem with eyesight). | Unable to spot the difference between two similar pictures. Confuses letters and shapes. Has difficulty with hand-eye coordination (e.g., catching a ball). |
Common signs that suggest a learning disability
It can be difficult to identify a learning disability because there is no one-size-fits-all list of symptoms for every child. And many children try to hide their disability. Sometimes all you see is them complaining about homework or not wanting to go to school.
However, be concerned if the following symptoms persist:
- Lack of need and interest in reading and writing books.
- Difficulty remembering things.
- He does any work very well .
- Difficulty following instructions.
- Inability to pay attention continuously.
- Difficulty understanding abstract ideas.
- If you notice a lack of social skills in how you interact with friends.
- Unnecessarily disruptive behavior in class.
The important thing is not to assume that your child has a learning disability just because they have one or two of these symptoms. But if several of these symptoms persist for months, it is important to get them checked out.
How is this condition accurately diagnosed?
This is not something that can be detected with a blood test. This is a somewhat lengthy process.
1. Step 1: If you have any doubts, first talk to your child's class teacher. The teacher has the best idea of how your child will behave in class.
2. Step 2: Next, meet with your family doctor (physician) to discuss this. The doctor will check the child's growth and health.
3. Specialist help: Often, the doctor will refer you to people who have expertise in this area. These people may vary depending on the nature of the child's problem. For example:
- Clinical Psychologist: Examines the child's intelligence, emotions, and behavioral patterns.
- Occupational Therapist: Helps with fine motor problems such as writing and buttoning.
- Speech and Language Therapist: Helps with problems with speaking and understanding language.
These people use various tests and assessments to determine what the exact problem is with your child. This process can take some time, which can be frustrating for you as a parent. But getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to help your child.
Things you can do as a parent
It's normal to feel overwhelmed and shocked when you learn that your child has a learning disability. But remember, you are not alone. With the right support, these children have ample opportunities to succeed.
1. Be well aware of the child's condition.
Find out as much as you can about your child's specific disability and how it affects their learning. Find out about the methods and treatments that can help. Then you can actively contribute to choosing what is best for your child.
2. Be your child's greatest strength.
You are your child's greatest strength. Talk to the school teachers and try to develop a special education plan that can help your child. In foreign countries, this is called an ``IEP - Individualized Education Program''. In the Sri Lankan school system, you can also work with teachers to discuss a method that will help develop the child's strengths and overcome weaknesses.
3. Instill good health habits in your child
Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and getting regular exercise are important for a child's physical and mental health. These things also help improve a child's attention and learning abilities.
4. Pay attention to your child's mental health
Learning disabilities can take a big hit to a child's self-esteem. They may think things like "I can't" and "I'm stupid." So be aware of your child's mood. If they are constantly sad, have changes in their sleep or appetite, or no longer enjoy things they used to enjoy, pay attention to this and talk to a doctor if necessary.
Remember, your love and support are the greatest medicine a child can receive.
Take-Home Message
- A learning disability is not a lack of intelligence or laziness. It is simply a difference in the way the brain processes information.
- There are different types, such as dyslexia (reading difficulties) and dyscalculia (math problems). The way it affects each child is different.
- If your child is unusually reluctant to do schoolwork, has difficulty remembering things, or continues to show reading and writing problems, pay attention to it.
- If you have any doubts, first talk to your child's teacher and family doctor. They will be able to point you in the right direction.
- With proper diagnosis, treatment, and your support, these children can overcome any challenge. Your love and encouragement are invaluable to them.
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