Question:

I am concerned that my child has a learning disability. How would you suggest that I proceed to determine if he does?

Answer:

There are a few steps you can take. You might:

• Discuss how your child is doing in school with his teacher.

• Ask your child's pediatrician how your child is developing.

• Consider an educational evaluation.

• Think about having a full medical evaluation by the pediatrician.

• Be sure your child's hearing and vision are normal.

Many children are diagnosed with a learning disability. Remember that:

• Your child is not alone
  More than 2.5 million children ages 6 to 11 have learning disabilities in the United States.

• It is not your fault
  Most people with a learning disability are born with it. They have some differences in how their brain works.

• Learning disabilities tend to run in families
  They affect more boys than girls.

• Learning disabilities take on many forms
  They can change over time. Children with learning disabilities have more trouble than their classmates with one or more of these skills:

  • Reading

  • Spelling

  • Writing

  • Solving math problems

  • Listening

  • Speaking

  • Reasoning

  • Concentrating

  • Understanding

• You can create a learning plan just for your child

• Support should be available in your community

• Stay hopeful
  Most children (and families) make lots of progress and are very successful, especially with proper support and programming.