Does My Child Have Learning Difficulties?

August 29, 2023

Learning difficulties are every parent’s concern, let’s just be honest. We worry about our kids and want the best for them, right? But, if your child is struggling at school, even hating it, then something needs to be done. You may even be asking yourself: Does my child have learning difficulties?

For some parents, it can be difficult to tell if the problem lies with their school, the education system or if they are facing individual learning difficulties. So the first thing to do is to work out what actually is the cause. The issue can vary and may be addressed by changing schools or just working out that your child is behind and getting them a great tutor, so they can catch up.

There are a few signs that can help you to determine whether your child has a learning problem. They can include but are not limited to, difficulty concentrating in class, poor academic performance, and low self-esteem. Additionally, if your child is avoiding school or feeling overwhelmed with assignments, this could also point to potential learning struggles. By understanding the signs and the struggles of your child especially early on and then seeking the appropriate help. You can ensure your child gets the support they need to reach their full potential and make their lives a little easier.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

Learning issues and difficulties can vary greatly from student to student. But here’s the thing, you know your child the best and it is important for their teachers to be aware of your concerns. So make sure to voice your worries as we start a new year in 2023. And to be abreast of the different types of learning difficulties and problems that children and students may face.

Some common types of learning difficulties include problems with:

Reading
Writing
Math
Language
Organization
Concentration

Students with learning difficulties may also have difficulty understanding concepts or following directions. Dyslexia and dyscalculia are two specific learning difficulties that can make it difficult for children and students alike to learn in the traditional way. Additionally, students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may have difficulty focusing on tasks or completing assignments in a timely manner.

Having undiagnosed learning difficulties can affect not only a child’s academic progress but their mental health and emotional well-being as well. This is particularly true when the child interprets his or her past educational failures as personal faults and experiences feelings of embarrassment and shame because of a perceived intellectual deficiency.

Finally, emotional or behavioral challenges can impede a student’s ability to learn if they are not given the proper support. Teachers can help identify these challenges early so that your child can get the resources they need to succeed.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS HAVING PROBLEMS LEARNING?

If you suspect your child is having trouble learning, there are a few signs to look for. One of the most common signs is falling behind in school work, such as getting lower grades or not understanding the material. Another sign is difficulty paying attention in class, appearing distracted or daydreaming. Your child may also have difficulty following instructions or lack motivation. If your child starts to avoid activities they used to enjoy or seems anxious or frustrated when it comes to school, these can be more tell-tale signs that they’re having problems learning. Finally, if your child displays any of these behaviors regularly, it’s important to talk with their teacher and/or school counselor about getting help if needed.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEARNING?

Yes, there are different types of learning. Depending on how you learn best, you may prefer one type over another. For example, some people are visual learners who understand and remember things better when they can see them. Others are auditory learners who benefit from hearing lectures or discussions. Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing hands-on activities or experiments. There is also a combination of these three types known as multimodal learning, in which students learn through multiple methods such as reading, listening to lectures, and completing assignments. Each individual has their own unique way of learning that works best for them, so it’s important to identify your preferred learning style to optimize your educational experience.

Visual Learners

Learn best by seeing or reading.
Do well when the material is presented and tested visually, rather than verbally.
Benefit from written notes, directions, diagrams, charts, maps, and pictures.
May love to draw, read, and write; are often good at spelling.

Auditory Learners

Learn best by listening.
Do well in lecture-based learning environments and on oral reports and tests.
Benefit from classroom discussions, spoken directions, and study groups.
May love music, languages, and being on stage.

Kinesthetic Learners

Learn best by doing and moving.
Do well when they can move, touch, explore, and create in order to learn.
Benefit from hands-on activities, lab classes, props, skits, and field trips.
May love sports, drama, dance, martial arts, and arts and crafts.

Out of all the different types of learning mentioned, auditory learning plays a key role in helping these children with their learning difficulties. Auditory learning stands as the most efficient learning modality and with proper training, all students can become auditory learners. If you find your child has a weakness in auditory functioning, find a language-based clinician or a specialist who can train the auditory area like us here at Education Resource Associates. Coordinating this with parents and institutions is well worth the effort to create a more efficient and effective learning space to help alleviate learning difficulties.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ADDRESS THE LEARNING ISSUES FOR MY CHILD?

The best way to address learning issues for a child is to first identify the root cause. If the issue is related to a lack of understanding of course material, it may be easy to find help from outside sources such as tutoring or online courses. If the issue is more complex and relates to the way a child learns, then it may be beneficial to consult with an educational specialist who can assess and make recommendations. Other methods for addressing learning issues include creating a positive learning environment, providing incentives to motivate the student, breaking down tasks into manageable chunks and providing appropriate breaks throughout the day. With patience and dedication, parents can help their children overcome any learning obstacles they encounter.

HOW DO I GET MY CHILD TESTED?

If you suspect that your child may have a learning difficulty, it is important to get them tested. The first step is to speak with your child’s doctor and discuss the situation. They can refer you to appropriate professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or educational specialists who can assess your child and determine if further testing is necessary. Depending on the results of the initial assessment, specialized tests can be used to identify specific difficulties and disorders. These tests are often administered by a psychologist or other qualified professional and involve observing the child’s behaviors, conducting interviews and having them complete various tasks. It is important to note that getting an accurate diagnosis for your child can take some time so be sure to be patient and understanding throughout the process.

However, the issue can sometimes become more complex than it seems. Children can sometimes be misdiagnosed in any area of specialities. Often, a student who has failed repeatedly at school will have trouble responding to tests with what they can truly do or are capable of. This is most evident in IQ Tests. A child would score 30 points under his actual intellect, which is quite different from his potential. If the evaluation does not coincide with what you know to be true about your child, seek another opinion. This is critical in determining appropriate clinical strategies to alleviate the problems that come from nuances during testing.

HOW DO I KNOW MY CHILD WILL BE OK?

When it comes to knowing if my child will be ok, it is important to understand the types of learning they are involved in. Each type of learning has its own set of challenges and rewards, so keeping an eye on how your child is doing can help you gauge their progress. If your child is having difficulty with a particular type of learning, like math or reading, taking steps to identify and address any potential learning issues early on is key. Through conversations with teachers or tutors, monitoring their performance in school, and providing extra support at home when needed, you can ensure that your child is receiving the best possible chances for success. Additionally, open communication between yourself and your child about their feelings and experiences can go a long way in helping them feel supported and secure.

What can I do for my child?

Everyone deserves an amazing life, however, this is often harder to achieve for people with learning difficulties. Therefore, it is important that the right support is available so they can live independent and fulfilled life.

When supporting children with learning difficulties, there is no universal approach. Every individual is different and has different needs, so their support should reflect this and be personalized to the individual.

The main importance is to educate yourself, as knowing what information or training is available will ensure you can support each individual to the highest standard.

Children with learning difficulties can and do succeed. As long as your child is determined and has a positive, optimistic attitude they will go far. The most important thing you can do is encourage and support them.