Navigating Learning Disabilities: A Guide for Supporting Your Child's Academic Success

Now that a new school year is upon us, most parents are probably wondering how to best support their children academically. But what if you suspect your child has a learning disability that prevents them from reaching their fullest potential? How do you go about getting a diagnosis? Read on to find out how to ensure your child succeeds no matter what differences they might face.

Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities 

Teachers are often the first to notice signs of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) in children, but parents might observe different symptoms at home. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of a child's needs, it's crucial for teachers and parents to communicate regularly about the child's development. These discussions can lead to evaluations for diagnosing SLD and determining eligibility for special education services.

Symptoms Teachers Might Notice:

• Difficulty learning letter-sound connections

• Confusion with basic words (e.g., run, eat, want)

• Frequent reading and spelling errors, such as letter reversals (b/d), inversions (m/w), transpositions (felt/left), and substitutions (house/home)

• Struggles with basic math concepts

• Problems with understanding prefixes, suffixes, root words, and other spelling strategies

Symptoms Parents Might Notice:

• Trouble following directions or routines

• Anxiety about going to school

• Challenges with completing homework

• Slow acquisition of new skills

• Difficulty learning numbers, the alphabet, days of the week, colors, and shapes

• Problems keeping track of papers or assignments

Potential Co-occurring Symptoms of ADHD:

• Excessive fidgeting

• Difficulty staying seated

• Easily distracted

• Trouble following instructions

• Frequent activity shifts

• Struggles with quiet play

• Excessive talking and interruptions

• Apparent inattentiveness during conversations

• Frequent misplacement of necessary items for tasks

Seeking Help Through the Response to Intervention (RTI) Process

If a child shows some or most of these symptoms, they may receive help through a Response to Intervention (RTI) process, which offers early academic support within the general education classroom. Schools implement RTI in various ways, but parental involvement is crucial.

Requesting a Special Education Evaluation

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have the right to request a comprehensive special education evaluation for their child. If a child qualifies for special education services, parents will collaborate with the school team to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This plan, based on the child’s current performance levels, will outline specific teaching methods for the special education teacher and strategies to be used in the general education classroom. The special education teacher will monitor progress and adjust the program as needed to help the student achieve IEP goals.

Understanding and Addressing Specific Learning Disabilities

Specific Learning Disabilities are brain-based and complex, making them challenging for both parents and educators to address. Some schools adopt an "inclusion" model, where children with disabilities are taught in the general education classroom with support from a special education teacher. While this approach can be beneficial for some students, others may require more intensive, direct instruction in a special education setting, either one-on-one or in small groups. Parents can request such settings if they believe it would better support their child.

Ongoing Assessment and Support

Teachers should assess a child's progress every two to three weeks, comparing it to the goals set in the IEP. This ongoing evaluation informs both parents and the school team about the child's development. As the child progresses, new goals and objectives will be added to the plan until the child reaches grade level. Some children may need continued special education services for ongoing support with organization, reading, math, written language, and homework to prevent falling behind again.

The Key to Success

Collaboration between parents and teachers, combined with comprehensive special education services, is key to helping children with specific learning disabilities succeed. With the right support system in place that identifies your child’s unique needs, you can feel confident that your child will thrive.