For kids with learning disabilities, managing the educational process can be especially challenging. As parents, understanding how to best support your child can make all the difference in their academic and personal growth. 

In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies to empower your child, fostering both confidence and success in their learning journey. 

Prevalence of Learning and Thinking Disabilities

In the U.S., approximately 1 in 5 children experience learning and thinking disabilities, such as ADHD. These challenges stem from variations in brain development and information processing, and they do not reflect a child’s intelligence. All they need is tailored strategies and support to succeed.

Identification and Support

Despite the prevalence, only a limited number of children receive special education or targeted instruction unless they are attending a private school like Embrace Academy. As per Understood, in public schools:

• About 1 in 16 students are eligible for services under categories like Learning Disabilities (LD) or Other Health Impairments (OHI). OHI includes conditions like ADHD.
• LD addresses challenges such as dyslexia and other learning issues. ADHD falls under OHI for special education eligibility.
• Around 1 in 42 students have 504 plans, which have significantly increased in the past decade. These plans offer accommodations for disabilities but not specialized instruction, and schools aren’t required to categorize them by disability type.

Tips for Helping Your Kids With Learning Difficulties

Supporting children with learning difficulties can make a big difference in their confidence and academic growth. Here are some key tips for parents:

Understand the Learning Difficulties and Disabilities 

It’s important to understand the difference between learning difficulties and disabilities. Not all challenges are obvious, but there may be signs that a child needs extra support. 

Pay attention to any behaviors or skills that seem to fall outside what would be considered developmentally appropriate. Make notes of specific things you observe so you can look for patterns over time. Discuss your observations with professionals like teachers or pediatricians who know your child well. They can help evaluate if there may be an underlying issue.

For preschoolers, potential signs of difficulty include delays in language skills and issues with speech clarity. Other indicators are trouble learning basic concepts, challenges with rhyming or coordination, and shorter attention spans compared to peers of the same age. As per Healthy Children, by ages 3-5, kids should be able to engage with stories and activities for longer periods.

Elementary and middle school students may struggle with following multi-step instructions and staying organized. They might also have difficulty comprehending verbal explanations, memorizing facts, reading, writing legibly, doing math, focusing on tasks, or communicating ideas clearly. Ongoing problems in these basic academic areas could indicate the need for additional support.

Focus on Effort over Outcomes

Students who struggle with learning may not always get the highest grades, but their effort deserves recognition. Teachers could focus on how the student approached the task. This might include making flashcards, conducting research in the library, revising drafts, or incorporating past feedback. It takes courage to try new strategies, so it’s important to motivate students regardless of test scores or grades.

Psychologist Carol Dweck found that praising effort instead of ability leads to better performance. He told Fortune that in one study, kids who were praised for being smart took easier tasks to keep looking smart. But kids praised for their effort sought more challenges to keep improving.

Parents and teachers should be careful when praising identities such as being a “great athlete.” That could cause children to play it safe to maintain that identity. Praising effort verbs instead of nouns leaves room for growth. For example, saying “you worked hard at X” instead of “you’re good at X.”

Focusing on effort reflects a growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Our capabilities aren’t fixed. We can always find new ways to learn and overcome challenges. Praising effort helps kids cope with setbacks by fueling their motivation to keep trying different strategies and learn from mistakes. A growth mindset turns frustration into a drive to improve.

Seek Support from Professionals

One valuable resource for managing learning disabilities is the wealth of educational literature available. Some may be skeptical of self-help books. But these resources – particularly those authored by qualified educators and mental health experts – can provide valuable insights and strategies. The knowledge and validation found in these pages often offer exactly the guidance needed.

Professional healthcare providers like Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) can be excellent allies in addressing learning challenges. These practitioners perform essential services, including:

• Evaluating children’s developmental progress
• Conducting regular developmental assessments 
• Detecting early indicators of conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and autism
• Coordinating with specialists when needed
• Collaborating with educational teams

When learning difficulties are identified, FNPs help connect families with appropriate specialists. The specialists may include pediatric neurologists, psychologists, or education specialists for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. They serve as valuable partners in developing customized educational plans and working closely with schools and families to implement effective learning strategies.

FNPs are highly qualified professionals, typically holding advanced nursing degrees such as DNP degree online or offline and exclusive FNP degrees from accredited universities. 

According to Spring Arbor University, they represent the majority of nurse practitioners, with about 70% specializing in family care. These healthcare professionals can be found in diverse settings, ranging from private medical offices and hospitals to educational institutions and outpatient facilities. This makes their expertise widely accessible.

FAQs

1. What role do parents play in a child’s learning?

A: Parents provide nurturing support that impacts children’s intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and personal growth. The loving home environment creates a foundation that allows students to become responsible community members. This guidance empowers children to face challenges with confidence and resilience.

2. How can parents encourage learning?

A: Express confidence in your child’s abilities from a young age. Make time each day to engage together through reading, conversation, singing, or other activities. Positive bonding experiences fuel children’s motivation to learn. These small, consistent moments of connection build a sense of security and inspire a lifelong curiosity.

3. Can family nurse practitioners diagnose mental illness?

A: A family nurse practitioner is a good first step to discuss concerns like depression or anxiety. However, only psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are qualified to fully assess, diagnose, and treat more complex psychiatric conditions over time. Seeing a specialist may be needed for a definitive diagnosis of certain mental illnesses.

While challenges may vary for each individual, with understanding, encouragement, and tailored strategies, students can develop resilience and experience the joy of learning. 

For parents, advocating compassionately for their child’s needs and collaborating closely with professionals ensures the best outcomes. Together, through open communication and a growth mindset, we can empower students to reach their fullest potential.

In Conclusion

Parental involvement is essential when navigating learning difficulties with their children. But they are not alone. Professionals, like those at Educate. Radiate. Elevate., are available to support families through all stages of managing learning difficulties. Whether through tutoring, social-emotional learning, or referrals to outside resources, E.R.E. can guide students of all abilities to reach their goals. Nominate a student for no-cost tutoring with E.R.E. today!