Difficulties Reading and Learning for Students
Learning difficulties -- also referred to as disabilities -- are, in fact, not problems with aptitude or intelligence. A difference in how the brain perceives, processes or communicates information actually causes the disabilities. A child with a learning difficulty hears, sees or comprehends an idea differently than most other people. If you and your child are dealing with a reading or broader learning obstacle, there are things you can do to address and accommodate her special needs.
Other People Are Reading
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Common Reading Difficulties
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The PBS documentary, "Misunderstood Minds" states that 85 percent of children with reported learning difficulties have a significant issues with reading and language. Typical issues include problems decoding or breaking down words into the individual sounds that make them up. Children with this problem have trouble sounding out words or recognizing them out of context. Comprehension difficulties result from decoding difficulties, resulting in an inability to connect ideas, comprehend word meanings and concentrate while reading. Retention problems can stem from memory, decoding and comprehension issues. A child cannot remember what is read, connect it with her previous knowledge or apply it to her own experiences.
Common Learning Difficulties
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Learning difficulties in other areas include problems with convergent or divergent memory or both. Convergent memory is used for shorter, fact-oriented thought like multiple choices. Divergent memory covers general memory used in essay writing or art analysis. Other issues have to do with abstract reasoning, being able to correlate a word or symbol with its meaning or organization, when children can't adequately relate new material to previously learned knowledge, as in reading retention obstacles. Motor issues can present issues with coordination and movement, and visual difficulties occur when a child has normal vision but neurological issues affecting her ability to process visually presented information. This can result in problems with handwriting and math calculations.
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Diagnosis and Help
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When special learning and reading needs are suspected, your child's school or you may request intervention by a specialist through the special education department, or you can always seek help independently. The specialist will take a history of your child's and family's physical and mental health, administer tests and observe your child. The school or district may involve more than one specialist -- a clinical psychologist, school psychologist, neuropsychologist, speech therapist or developmental psychologist may help to accurately diagnose your child. Input from your child's teachers can be extremely valuable as well.
What Parents Can Do
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Parents have a crucial role in helping their child reach her full potential in spite of a reading or learning difficulty. The most important role is to give your child the emotional and educational support she needs. Keep in mind that everyone learns -- and lives -- differently, and the way your child learns is not "less," it is just different. Knowledge is power. Do as much research as you can about your child's symptoms or diagnosed issue. You may be dealing with a school known for its special needs facilities and education, or you may be faced with less than ideal resources. Keep abreast of the latest information and techniques for addressing your child's needs at home and school. Learn to communicate and ask for help if you feel your child isn't getting it.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit reading image by max blain from Fotolia.com
