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Should I Be Concerned?

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By NCLD Editorial Team

Learning Difficulties - Learning DisorderAs a parent, one of the most important things you can do to help your child get a good education is to understand how she learns – especially if you are concerned that she may be struggling in school. But sometimes knowing what to do and where to find help can be confusing.

If you suspect that your child's learning difficulties may require special assistance, please do not delay in finding support. The sooner you move forward the better your child's chances for reaching her full potential.

Trust your own instincts

Maybe you have wondered if you are overreacting, or if the situation will work itself out over time. The truth is, you know your child better than anybody else. And regardless of who may tell you that it's a "phase" or "nothing to worry about," only you know how much your child dreads Monday morning. You have watched the impact of daily struggles on her self-confidence. Deep down, you know something isn't right.

The only "wrong" thing to do is to do nothing. If you wait to seek help for your child, her frustration and sense of failure will continue to erode her self-esteem, while the window of time for meaningful intervention narrows.

There may be a number of reasons why your child is having a hard time. But what you are seeing could also indicate a learning disability. This does not mean your child is slow or less intelligent than her peers. Her brain is simply wired differently for learning and she needs to adapt strategies that make the most of her abilities. The earliest possible intervention is critical to her success in school.

Learn to recognize the signs of a potential learning disability. If you have observed several of these signs in your child, it's time to talk with her teacher.

Video: A Mom's Perspective

A mom discovers her daughter has LD, and learns how to best support her daughter’s success. Watch now >

Made possible by a grant from the Oak Foundation.

Seeing the Signs

It is normal for parents to observe one of these signs in their children from time to time. But if your child consistently exhibits several of these signs, it is important for you to take action to get him the help that he needs.

 

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