What to do if You Suspect your Child has a Barrier to Learning
If a parent feels that their child may be battling with a learning difficulty, has issues that may impact on their performance in the school setting or on their emotional functioning then they should seek advice from the relevant specialists.
If a parent feels that their child may be battling with a learning difficulty, has issues that may impact on their performance in the school setting or on their emotional functioning then they should seek advice from the relevant specialists such as a psychologist, doctor, counsellor and so on. It is best to start with a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the barrier to learning can be pinpointed accurately.
The first thing a parent needs to do when they discover their child has been diagnosed with a condition affecting their learning by a medical professional is to read as much material as they can on the child's difficulties. This is important as each diagnosis is different and may have different treatment methods. Understanding your child's diagnosis can aid you in better understanding how your child views certain things and why they do certain things. With understanding comes acceptance and greater empathy when tackling certain issues that may come up.
Certain children need more support in their environment than others and for these children, it is crucial that they receive the different interventions needed to best facilitate learning. If the child battles with language skills, auditory issues, verbal or written expression then soon it may be necessary for the child to attend Speech Therapy. Difficulties with fine motor skills, organisational skills, sensory issues and so on would be the domain of an Occupational Therapist. Postural issues, gross motor difficulties and certain injuries and physical conditions will require a Physiotherapist. A remedial teacher or therapist is able to help with a wide range of scholastic difficulties the child is confronted with. A psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor would be called in if the child is battling with emotional difficulties. A nutritionist may be helpful in creating an eating plan which may support your child's specific dietary requirements for instance. Your child may need only one form of intervention or may be in need of a number of different therapies and this would be indicated in the evaluation done by the relevant professional.
It is crucial to work hand in hand with your child's teacher in aiding your child in the classroom setting. If the teacher feels you will support him/her they will be more open to trying interventions that may be helpful in the class. Sharing regular contact with your child's teacher and monitoring what is working and what is not can help you find the correct fit for your child. Your child's diagnosis may mean moving your child to a different setting such as a remedial school, unit class or special needs class. As a parent, you can facilitate this process by being as honest with your child as possible and ensuring that your child does not see your dislike or disappointment at the possible placement. If your child can see you support the idea of the new school, it makes it easier for your child to accept the move.
Be honest with your child about their diagnosis and explain to them what it means to have that specific disorder. This explanation should be done in a way that highlights to your child why they may battle with certain things and explain to them what both of you can do to help in this area. The explanation should be done in a supportive and gentle way with the parent doing their best not to bring in their own emotional fears and disappointments around the diagnosis. A diagnosis such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) should in no way limit what you expect of your child when it comes to things like values and manners for instance. It is important to change the way you manage certain behaviours but the diagnosis should never be used to create no expectations whatsoever. So it may be that your ADHD child battles more with their interactions with peers, but with the proper guidance and support your child can overcome this and having no expectations can be as damaging as having unrealistic ones.
Create a safe space for your child within their home setting, school and social grouping. This can be done by sitting with the relevant individuals in your child's life and explaining to them the diagnosis. Allowing family members, friends and the school to ask questions and giving them tools to aid them in their interactions with your child will help. This may also create more support for you from your social circle and will lead to more realistic expectations on your child in these settings.
Resources
Support groups for parents and children can be helpful. Parent support groups give parents a place to freely express the trials and tribulations of having a child with specific needs as well as the joy these children bring. Groups for children can help them find other individuals who are battling with the same frustrations and it can become a safe space to vent and share common experiences.
Reading as much material as you can on your child's diagnosis will help you. Speak to all your child's therapists to get a better idea of what they are focusing on and what programs you can implement at home to help reinforce the work done. If your child battles with scholastic issues it is important that they have a hobby or extramural activity that can be an area of achievement and improve their self-esteem. Therefore activities such as sports, crafts, art or drama are recommended.
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Juliette is a qualified Psychologist (Educational), based in Goodwood, Cape Town, South Africa.
With a commitment to mental health, Ms Grant provides services in English, including Assessment (Children), Assessment (Developmental) and Play Therapy.
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Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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