What Do I Do if I Suspect a Learning Disability?
Margy Davidson, M.A.
If your child is struggling with learning in school and at home, there a number of things you can do.
- Talk with your child’s doctor. You will want to rule out any medical problems that may contribute to your child’s difficulty.
- Talk with your child’s teacher. You will want to understand the types of difficulties your child is experiencing in the classroom.
- Have your child evaluated. An evaluation will help you and your child understand how he or she learns best, what his or her strengths and weaknesses are, and what should be done to help your child. In the United States, you have the right to ask the school district, in writing, to evaluate your child for learning disabilities. For more information about evaluations, read these two articles:
- Learn everything you can about learning disabilities and any associated disorders that are impacting your child. The more knowledge you have, the more you will be able to help your child. Thoroughly explore this website for information that will help you and your child.
- Learn to how to be a good advocate for your child.
- Understand the laws that determine the rights of an individual with disabilities. In the United States, Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI) provide this type of information. You can find your state’s PTI in LDW®’s LD Yellow Pages.
- Develop respectful, positive relationships and regular communication with your child’s teacher and other staff members at school.
- Take care of your child’s mental health. Having learning disabilities can cause frustration and poor self-concept. Counseling can help with these issues and teach good social skills.
- Connect with other parents of children with learning disabilities and associated disorders. Such connections provide opportunities to exchange advice and support. You can identify parent groups in your area via LDW®’s LD Yellow Pages.
- Take good care of you! Exercise, eat right, get good sleep, and most of all, set aside “me” time. Taking good care of you helps you take good care of your child.
- Click on the following links to begin your search for knowledge and resources.
Margy Davidson, M.A. is a parent of two children.