Diagnosing a Learning Disability

Learning disabilities can be hard to diagnose, because there is no definitive list of symptoms and even if 1 or 2 symptoms are not enough.

Also, many children try to hide the problem. You may not notice anything more obvious than frequent complaints about homework or a child who doesn't want to go to school.

However, the following may be signs of a learning disorder:

• Talk later and even after they talk, structure of sentences not proper.
• Lack of enthusiasm for reading or writing.
• Trouble memorizing things.
• Working at a slow pace.
• Trouble following directions.
• Trouble staying focused on a task.
• Difficulty understanding abstract ideas.
• Lack of attention to detail, or too much attention to detail.
• Poor social skills.

Early Detection of Learning Disabilities

Knowing the early signs of a possible learning disability can help parents get their child the help he or she needs as soon as possible. That's why it is important to pay attention to your child's developmental milestones. Delays such as late walking or talking or behaviour in social places can be signs of a learning disorder in toddlers and preschoolers.

School staff work with the child's parents to develop an Individualized Education Program, or IEP. This document describes the child's unique needs. It also describes the special education services that will be provided to meet those needs. These services are available in some specialized institutions.

Parenting a child with learning disability.

In India, though it is very difficult and costly to make avail of the needs and requirements of these children but parents with much love and compassion, learn and adapt the following ways.

1. Learn everything you can. Get all the facts about your child's learning disability and how we can help to improve that learning process. Research services and supportive strategies so that you'll be able to take an active role in deciding on the right treatment for your child.
2. Be your child's advocate. Work with your child's school to develop an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) -- a special plan that sets goals for your child and describes support that may be needed to reach those goals. It is very important that parents give time and interest in these goals.
3. Make sure your child has a healthy habits. A child who gets plenty of sleep at night, eats a balanced diet, and gets plenty of exercise is a healthier child, both mentally and physically.
4. Pay attention to your child's mood. Learning disabilities can be bad for a child's self-esteem. Keep an eye out for such as moodiness, changes in sleep pattern or appetite, or loss of interest in their usual activities.