Many parents look for ways to help their children with learning disabilities. According to ScienceDaily, up to 10 percent of children of the population have some specific learning disabilities (SLDs), such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. You can read Common Learning Deficiencies All Parents Should Know About.
In this context, detecting learning disabilities is the first step for parents. Some of the common signs to notice are the problem in reading and writing, inability to pay attention, issues with following instruction, and more.
Before parenting children with learning disabilities, first, it is critical to understand the main struggles of your child.
Helping Children with Learning Disabilities
In this post, we have listed five methods that can help children with learning disabilities, which will develop self-confidence in children and make them more resilient in real-life. Here is the list.
1. Identify the ideal learning technique for a child
It has been a major challenge for parents to solve the learning problems for kids. You need to identify the ideal learning technique based on the types of learning disabilities.
If a child is a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a kinesthetic learner, there should be a different learning method for each of them.
- Visual Learners: Learn by watching or reading
- Auditory Learners: Learn by listening
- Kinesthetic Learners: Learn by doing activities or by moving.
According to the learning disabilities symptoms, parents and teachers need to use the right methodologies. This way, you can help a child with learning issues by identifying their primary learning style.
2. Appreciate your child’s effort when doing a task
It is important to appreciate the efforts a child puts in doing a task rather than the outcome. Showing appreciation leaves a positive psychological impact on a child’s mind. After feeling encouraged, children try harder to do their assigned work better.
For example, words of praise like “I am so proud of you,” or “I really like the way you have done it. Great job!” Appropriate use of this technique will remove your child’s inhibitions and develop self-confidence.
3. Find a subject that will keep your child interested
As part of your child’s learning disabilities treatment, find a subject that he/she enjoys doing. It could be reading a storybook, painting, playing game, or something else. Even at school, teachers can apply the same method to keep a child interested and busy.
Many children with learning disabilities are extrovert and love outdoor activities with others. It will be a good idea to encourage them to take part in those activities under close supervision.
4. Talk about a role model to inspire your child
Finding role models will motivate children with disabilities and make them realize that they are not alone.
You can talk about famous personalities such as Steven Spielberg (Dyslexia), Michael Phelps (ADHD), Justin Timberlake (ADD & OCD), Daniel Radcliffe (Dyspraxia), and Hrithik Roshan (Speech Disorder).
Identifying a role model with learning disabilities can show children that they can be successful as well.
5. Let your child be part of a children’s group with similar issues
Many children find it scary learning in a group, especially in the school environment. Making a child part of a children’s group who have similar learning issues, will make your child feel assured. Communicating with other kids, learning with them, and helping each other will develop compassion. It will make a huge difference to the child’s morale.
The Way Forward
Children with learning disabilities need to be self-aware and confident. Also, please keep in mind that the definition of success varies from one person to another. For children with learning problems, dreams and hopes should go beyond their report cards. It is more important that they have a fulfilling life and satisfying relationships. Your support will help them shine throughout their lives!