My child is struggling 
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Know that kids will usually find something to get interested in. Even online gaming and social networking can provide an invaluable source of connection, although it's likely quite different than what you're accustomed to and can be a little scary for parents. Strong friendships can emerge from these connections, but of course face-to-face connections still offer big advantages.
Gerber recommends organized groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or Junior Achievement, programs where leaders might be more sensitive to kids with special challenges and be more able to deliver informed support. He has greater concerns about programs such as Little League or soccer teams, where volunteer coaches may mean well but not be as sensitive to special needs and know little more than the simple art of encouragement.
Don't forget to lean on your extended family for support as well. Maybe there's a nearby cousin who enjoys cooking with your child or an aunt who takes your kids to baseball games from time to time. These aren't simply frivolous connections. They may be people your child can turn to for guidance when they hit the age of loosening apron strings. And, don't forget that outside support can offer a welcome bonus: needed respite for you, as well.
4. Help prepare for the next stage of life. Preparing for the world beyond high school involves more than just getting the grades to enter college or understanding the job description. A young person with LD needs to also know how to proactively seek support in any environment, including college or the workplace. And, it’s equally important to know which environments will provide the best fit in terms of interests and LD accommodations.
Gerber says this involves some critical detective work before applying to a school or job — setting up criteria for investigating a potential school, training program, or workplace, getting a
baseline of information, comparing programs, and making phone calls to learn more about what the school or workplace has to offer. It’s critical that you and your child understand what kind of support is available. Big differences exist. When researching schools, for example, you might ask questions like:
- What is the average class size?
- What undergraduate majors are available?
- What kinds of resources does the school have available to support students with learning disabilities?
- What kinds of counseling, mentoring, and assistive technology services are available?
"One university might have a special needs center manned by 10 graduate students and a part-time director," says Gerber, "while another may have four people trained in special education and two graduate students providing support." One college may have smaller classrooms but another may have a great program in your child's area of interest. Ask yourself — and have your child do the same — which of these might make the biggest difference in your child's college experience.
Likewise, it's important to know more about a prospective employer than just the type of work offered. While legal protections and supports exist to protect those with disabilities (under the Americans with Disabilities Act), some employers are more sensitive than others about accommodating the needs of those with learning disabilities. "You can have a good match in terms of a job description," says Gerber, "but end up in a hostile work situation." Once your child is in the market for a job, teach him or her how to read between the lines during job interviews and to evaluate corporate philosophies. A good interview question to ask might be: "How does your company or department accommodate different work and learning needs?"
From grade school to high school and beyond, your child can learn to create a web of support that strengthens resilience and helps him or her thrive throughout life. And, you can do the same. Raising kids is a huge challenge in and of itself. Guiding a child with learning disabilities can be even more difficult. Remember: all kinds of support are right around the corner.
Annie Stuart is a freelance writer and editor with nearly 25 years of experience. She specializes in consumer health, parenting, and learning disabilities, among other areas.
This article is made possible by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.
Additional Resources
Life Success for Students with Learning Disabilities: A Parent Guide (A Project of the Frostig Center)Patterns of Change and Predictors of Success in Individuals with Learning Disabilities
Predictors of Success in Individuals with Learning Disabilities
How Parents Can Help Their Kids Develop Success Attributes
The Implications of Success Attribute Research for Kids with Learning Disabilities
How Can Parents Nurture Resilience in Their Children?
