You have just received a call from your child's teacher explaining that she has noticed your child having difficulty in school. Your child is not understanding math or reading the way the other children do. So she would like your permission to proceed with testing to find out if he has a learning disability.
When this happens, it is always a good idea to meet with the teacher in person. Being proactive is extremely important to your child's educational future. Arrange to sit down and talk with the teacher to discover specifically why she has recommended this. You may want to include the special education teacher as well, as she may be able to further clarify just what they are seeing that is causing them to question your child's abilities.
One thing you have to understand is that just because a learning disability is questioned, that does not mean that your child isn't smart. It just means that, for some reason, he's either not able to access those smarts and is not "getting" what is being taught. Or, he may be having difficulty expressing what he has actually learned.
One indication that there is a problem might be that the child gets very good grades in math, but his reading is below average. He is not reading at the same level that most of the other students of his age are reading at. There is a big difference between his learning in math and his learning in reading. If he is old enough, there may be standardized test scores that also show that huge difference, and the teacher should be able to show you that information.
You may have noticed other indications at home but thought they were just "kid things". If you ask your child to do 2 or 3 things in a row, does he forget most of them? When you ask him a question, does he have difficulty expressing the answer? Is his room always disorganized? Does he have trouble socially?
These are some of the questions you might want to think about as you talk with the teacher and ask if she notices them in the classroom.
It is important you realize that by doing this, you are not putting your child down or complaining about him or labeling him as a "bad kid". You are discussing the facts of what is actually going on, or not going on, with his learning. You are acting in his best interest.
Do not hesitate to ask questions about anything you don't understand. The teachers will not think that you are stupid or inadequate The area of Learning Disabilities can be very confusing and overwhelming to anyone. It is best that you understand what is going on right from the beginning.
When the teachers have explained the symptoms to your satisfaction, then it is time to find out what will happen from here. Ask specific questions about the testing, how best to address your child's concerns and how to minimize any "stigma" your child might experience as a result of being tested.
Remember, you are the parent. And everyone is here to help your child.
For more up-to-date plain talk about learning disabilities, please visit us at www.ldperspectives.com.
About the Author
Sandy Gauvin is a retired educator who has seen learning disabilities from many perspectives ? as the parent of a daughter with learning disabilities, as the teacher of children with learning disabilities, and as an advocate for others who have diagnosed and unrecognized learning disabilities. Sandy shares her wisdom and her resources at www.LDPerspectives.com
Remember when cash was a tangible commodity in all of... Read More
How on earth can you help your family cope with... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
Seven-year old Michael was on a school trip to a... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
Since so many would rather avoid the use of stimulant... Read More
Despite the theory that people have kids because they want... Read More
Hey Parents! I hate to tell you, but there is... Read More
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two... Read More
Whether children attend public or private schools, they benefit when... Read More
O.K. I've heard it a hundred times from my prison... Read More
My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is... Read More
Graphology for Child development.:- Graphology is the science of understanding... Read More
When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
By not planning for the future we guarantee that we... Read More
Many parents would like to homeschool their children but are... Read More
While most fathers aspire to become the best Dads they... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More
When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
Kitchens are where everything happens. It's not just where meals... Read More
Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
Your child's first year of school should be a fun... Read More
A study done by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found... Read More
One of the implications of the current trend toward smaller... Read More
A friend phoned her neighbor, complaining about the wafts of... Read More
I recently heard a story that has literally changed the... Read More
I am writing this from the beautiful mountains of Western... Read More
Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More
Attention all parents of teen-agers. Here is an important, groundbreaking... Read More
Volunteering together is a fantastic way to spend time as... Read More
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't... Read More
You may think once your child has gone off to... Read More
Why do some children still do best after divorce and... Read More
Using 14 "at" Flashcards To Teach Reading:This exercise helps your... Read More
I have always been aware of my number one weakness:... Read More
Ever blown your top to your children, only to regret... Read More
Q. My daughter has gotten very good at manipulating us,... Read More
So your little Susie wants to join a competitive gymnastic... Read More
The wonderful adaptability of children in dealing with the challenges... Read More
Q. We just got our daughter's progress report, and it... Read More
By not planning for the future we guarantee that we... Read More
Although it might seem pretty corny to a lot of... Read More
Do you have a consistent problem with your child lying... Read More
Let's face it: raising children can be quite the adventure.... Read More
Adderall is a stimulant medication used in the treatment of... Read More
You are in the final round of your favorite game... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
Children are moral and make moral determinations... at least until... Read More
One of the questions I ask in parenting presentations is... Read More
The citizens of the early Roman Republic enjoyed an education... Read More
Self-reliance and potential are two very important values that I'd... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate... Read More
Yesterday my husband Wade took the day off (that's one... Read More
Have you made your usual New Year resolutions? You know... Read More
What's in a name? Er?well, everything, really! Of course your... Read More
It has been a long day. Home from work, you... Read More
Did you know that cooking with your kids is a... Read More
Diagnosing children and teens with ADHD can be a challenge.... Read More
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been... Read More
Parenting |