Sometimes, even parents can misunderstand their own child's learning disabilities, especially since there's a lot of confusion and misinformation out there regarding what a learning disability actually is.
Which is why parents of kids with learning disabilities need to be more informed about how they can best be able to take care of their child, and how they can help their child manage their condition.
Here are a few things that moms and dads need to know:
1. It affects a lot of kids
Learning disabilities are not as rare as you might think. It's just that a lot of cases tend to go under the radar, especially in countries such as the Philippines. So it's important to know that as a parent, you're not alone in this. There are support groups for parents of kids with learning disabilities and they are all ready and willing to help you and your child out.
2. Not all learning disabilities are a form of dyslexia
Some people tend to use the 2 terms interchangeable, but in reality, not all kids who have a learning disability have dyslexia. However, dyslexia is the best-known learning disability since it significantly impacts a child's ability to read, and reading is the most basic skill that kids need in order to succeed in school.
3. Not all schools are able to teach kids with learning disabilities
The sad thing is that not all schools are able to teach kids with learning disabilities. Even some expensive private schools don't have teachers who are able to teach kids that have learning disabilities, and that makes it hard for those kids to do well in school.
Thankfully, there are SPED schools as well as schools established by DepEd that have teachers who can teach kids with learning disabilities. Make sure to look for schools that offer to teach kids with learning disabilities since it would greatly help your child's ability to learn.
4. Having a learning disability doesn't mean your child won't be successful
Having a learning disability doesn't mean that your child isn't smart, or that they won't be successful. While it's true that a learning disability isn't something that a person can grow out of, a lot of people have overcome their learning disabilities and have led successful and fruitful lives.
Some people with learning disabilities rely on assistants to help them when it comes to certain tasks, and others use different learning tips and techniques that are specifically suited for people with learning disabilities. The important thing for parents to remember is that they need to try and encourage their kids to do always do their best.
5. Your child needs your love and support
By far, parental love and support is the most important thing when it comes to kids with learning disabilities. Parents should try and educate themselves on how they can help out their child, and they should always be positive and be supportive of their child. It's not easy, and it can feel frustrating at times, but your child will greatly benefit from the fact that they have supportive parents who are willing to do everything that they can in order to make sure their child grows up well.
Source: rd.com
READ: Could your child have a learning disability? Here’s how to know
