Identifying a Learning Disability
Helping your child
By Joe Reed
The term “learning disability” is a big buzz word these days. Many adolescents are being diagnosed with learning disabilities, the most familiar being ADHD. However, simply looking on the Internet or consulting a book from a local library is not a proper way to determine if a child has an actual learning disability.
Do Your Research
Learning disabilities may be either neurological or environmental in nature. While some people’s ability to learn is actually impeded by some physiological malfunction, others’ difficulties may be psychological in nature. Although there is much debate, most researchers agree that a child’s environmental factors are just as essential in determining behavior as their genetic makeup. Look at all aspects of the child’s life before jumping to conclusions. While the child may be performing poorly in school, a learning disability may not be the actual problem. It could be something different at the core causing one to perform poorly in school such as anxiety about a certain relationship or a preoccupation with family issues.
The First Steps
If one suspects a child of having a learning disability, it is important to get as much information as possible that has been backed by the American Psychological Association (APA). One can go to the Internet, but be aware of the extremely large amount of false information that is published. Look for sites that have been acknowledged and reviewed by the APA. There are also many brochures and resources available at local counseling centers or colleges.
Some of the symptoms may include the following:
- poor school performance
- anxiety directed towards school
- poor language development
- poor social skills
- difficulty paying attention
- difficulty remembering
As I stated earlier, it is incredibly important not to jump to conclusions. If one suspects a child of having a learning disability, he/she should make an appointment with a school psychologist. Most public schools these days have a psychologist working in the school who specializes in testing for intelligence and behavioral issues. Most colleges who have a counseling program also offer testing services at a discounted price.
By getting proper testing services, it will enable the clinician to more accurately identify the core of the problem and allow the client to be properly treated rather than simply treating the symptoms. I have had experience working with children who were identified to be ADHD in the classroom, but after some simple testing, were found to have anxiety that was originating from an abusive relationship in the home. This is why testing is so incredibly important. One can never assume to know the true root of the problem without any hard evidence. Otherwise, the child’s future could be forever altered.
