Learning disabilities

Learning disabilities make it hard for your child to learn in certain areas. Your child may have trouble with listening, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or doing math. One example of a learning disability is dyslexia. A child with dyslexia has a hard time reading, writing, and spelling.

Learning disabilities aren't the same as learning challenges that are caused by problems with seeing, hearing, or moving. But many children with learning disabilities have other conditions that make school hard. These include ADHD and issues with behavior or memory.

Taking steps to manage a learning disability in early childhood can help with success in school and other areas. This success can continue into adulthood.

The signs of learning disabilities vary depending on age. They are often discovered in elementary school, when a child has trouble doing tasks that involve reading, writing, or math.

The most common signs are:

• Trouble reading, such as slow reading that takes a lot of effort.
• Trouble writing.
• Not doing well in school, and with no clear reason.

Your child also may:

• Talk later than expected and be slow to learn new words.
• Find it hard to learn the alphabet, numbers, days of the week, colors, shapes, and how to spell and write their name.
• Make consistent reading and spelling errors.
• Mix up math symbols and misread numbers.
• Have a hard time putting information or events in a correct order.
• Not understand the "rules" of talking to others. For example, your child may stand too close to others when talking or may talk out of turn.

Your doctor or a school professional will ask you what signs of a learning disability you and your child's teachers have seen. Your child will also be asked questions. Your child may take reading, writing, personality, and learning style tests. Your child's language skills, problem-solving skills, and intelligence quotient (IQ) may also be tested.

A learning disability is treated by using educational tools. Medicines and counseling usually aren't used.

For most children, federal law requires that a public school create a learning plan, such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP details your child's disability, appropriate teaching methods, and goals for the school year. The IEP changes, based on how well your child is doing. You have the right to ask for a change in the IEP if you don't agree with it.

You can help your child by finding out about their learning style. And then show your child how to plan and study based on how they learn. It may help to get a tutor. Give your child love and support by praising them when they reach a goal or do well at school.