Parenting is never easy, but it is especially challenging for people who have children with learning disabilities. There are different forms of learning disabilities; some children are unable to read, others have trouble writing. Whereas some children have problem doing math, some are unable understand the directions given them.
Different types of learning difficulties!
There are various types of learning disabilities, making the condition even harder to point. One such condition is dyspraxia in which child has their motor skills effected. They then have problem writing and typing.
In dyslexia, child has problem processing language, thereby making it harder for them to read and express themselves. Dysgraphia affects writing skills and therefore articulation is a problem for children as well.
Dyscalculia is a learning disability that effects the mathematical abilities of the children. Some are even unable to recognize the numbers. In APD –Auditory Processing Disorder – children are unable to correctly process the sounds. They then have trouble distinguishing between words, articulating themselves, remembering what they have heard and following through with instructions.
In visual processing disorder, children are unable to read, tell apart similar looking objects and also have poor hand-eye coordination. These disorders are hard to diagnose as the symptoms are rather vague. Parents suspecting their children should therefore consult the top child specialist in Karachi in order to get timely aid to their children.
Guide for the parents
Other than following through with the expert advice, there are other guidelines that parents need to consider in order to help their children cope with the disability.
It’s learning disability, not inability!
Rather than feeling down and hopeless about their child’s disability, it is best if the parents gain perspective. Sure, it is not going to be an easy ride, but it is not an impossible one; children with learning disabilities cannot be written off as a lost cause.
They might need more work and conventional methods might fail for them, but it does not mean that they are not going to succeed in their life.
Parents need to give their children moral and emotional support and help their children get through this problem. They need to be tenacious in the pursuit of their child’s welfare. If the parent is not convinced in their child’s ability to overcome the challenge, the state of the child cannot be expected to be any better.
Focus on your child’s strengths:
Every person is different and has different functionalities and strengths. Therefore, you cannot use a generic approach for a child with learning disabilities.
Hence, devise a strategy focused on your child’s strengths so that it becomes easier for them. There are different types of learners; some learn via visuals. Arts is their strength. They learn better with visual aids like flow charts, graphs, illustrations etc.
Whereas some children are auditory learners. They respond better to sounds like music, oral learning, discussions etc. It is best to relay information in auditory form to such children. For example, if your child likes music, sing them a song to make them learn things. Or read out aloud to them. Lecture recordings as reinforcement material can be helpful as well.
Other children are fascinated by moving and doing things themselves. They are termed as kinesthetic learners. Such children learn best by touching, carrying out things learnt practically, are into sports etc.
With such learners, try doing more hands-on activities like model building, experimenting or by playing.
Parents and teachers should identify with what sort of learning technique the child responds to best and teach them accordingly.
Make it easier on your child
Apart from the learning methodology, one way to make it easier for the child is by making a learning experience centered around their needs. Create a routine that caters to their temperament.
If it’s going too fast for them, get them a break in between. Set the pace as per their capability. Play on the strengths of the child. Try alternating the difficult tasks with the easier one so the child does not get overwhelmed with studies.
Appreciate your child
Positive reinforcement is always helpful, especially for a child who is struggling with learning and their disability, both. Not only does it keep their spirits up, but as the most influential people in the child’s life, parent’s approval is pivotal.
Parent’s attitude also defines the worth for the child. If the parents do not give the child adequate reinforcement, child might suffer from self-esteem issues or not consider themselves worthy.
Children with disabilities are already vulnerable and parents need to be extra careful with them.
Earlier the aid, better the result
Many a times, children with learning difficulties have to suffer due to the lack of diagnosis of their problem. The pressure of not being able to learn, not being like the other kids, the frustration from not understanding can be great.
Not only does the child then suffer from self-esteem issues, but also feels alienated as well. Therefore, the sooner your child gets help, the better for their wellbeing.
It is vital for the parents to be vigilant about their child’s progress. Any concerns should be raised with their teachers and your child specialist in Lahore.