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Strategies For Success
Raising a child with a learning disability can be challenging at times, but by working closely with your child and the school system you can help him or her succeed. The more information you have and the better organized you are, the more your child will benefit. Here are a few strategies that might help:
- Learn as much as possible about your child’s learning disability, and be sure he or she understands it as well. The better educated you are, the more help you can provide to your child.
- Help your child identify and understand helpful strategies.
- Help your child develop self-advocacy skills, and encourage him or her to ask for help when necessary.
- Open the lines of communication between yourself, your child, and his or her teachers, and keep copies of all correspondence between you and the teachers.
- Have your child evaluated on a regular basis (most school systems re-evaluate children every three to five years) and keep a file of all evaluations.
- Set up a specific time each day for your child to do schoolwork, and check your child’s work when it is completed.
- Consider hiring a tutor or finding a mentor to work with your child.
- Keep your child focused on homework by eliminating distractions and creating a study space that is quiet, organized and uncluttered.
- Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular and enrichment activities such as sports and music programs, which can improve social skills, build self-esteem and teach responsibility. It is important for your child to have ample opportunities for success.
- Ask your child to tell you at least one good thing that happens every day. Ask open-ended questions (questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer) in order to develop rapport with your child and keep the lines of communication open.
- Listen to your child. If he or she feels overwhelmed (by tutoring, therapy, etc.), be sympathetic and act on your child’s needs or concerns. You may need to revise or change strategies at times.
- Help your child plan for the future. More and more colleges are offering supportive services for students with learning disabilities, so encourage your child to work to his or her potential.
- Attend support groups and seek out other parents of children with learning disabilities. Sharing experiences with others may reassure you, and help you support your child.
A learning disability may affect your child differently throughout his or her life, but it will always be present. Fortunately, learning disabilities can be compensated for and most children with learning disabilities grow up to lead normal, productive lives. As a parent, it is imperative that you believe in your child. Patience, understanding and cooperation from you and your child’s school will help your child grow into an independent person with a bright future.
Excerpted from "A LifeCare® Guide: Learning Disabilities." Copyright© 2001 LifeCare®, Inc. All rights reserved.
This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.
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