(964) Steps for parents with LD children

The following steps are extracted from "Does your child have Learning Disability?" by Henrylito Tacio, published in Reader's Digest December 2002.

1. Start with books
Start your children young with reading aloud books like Hop on Pop or The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. This will promote "phonemic awareness" which is the ability to recognize a word's separate, distinct sounds.

2. Watch for warnings
At age six or seven, a child who is English speaking would have picked up that there are more than 40 spoken sounds corresponding to the 26 letters and a combination. Test the child, ask him or her for words that rhyme with cat. The answers should be mat, hat and rat.  If he or she said kitty or meow, that shows an inability to break down a word into sounds.

3. Call the doctor
Even if your paediatrician is not a LD expert, he can eliminate eye and ear problems and then refer you to the relevant expert.

4. Go to the Teacher
Parents with concerns should ask the teacher about the child's achievements in readings and other subjects. If the parents have noticed specific problems, for example the child has problems following a series of instructions, the teacher would be able to add to the parents' observation. Should the parents and teacher need further assistance, they can look to professional evaluation.

5. Study the school
It is recommended to keep LD children with their peers as much as possible but to provide them with special help in small group on a regular basis. For severe reading disabilities, experts recommend one-on-one instruction for at least half an hour daily.

6. Teach at home
Parents should be knowledgeable about LD. Follow up with the assignments the experts have given to the child. At every opportunity, teach informally using magnetic letters on the fridge and product names on the packages in the supermarket. Let your children help in the kitchen, in the process get the child to count and learn to divide or add food items.

7. Use technology
Use computer learning software to level the playing field for your LD Child. Help him or her by buying children's books with accompanying CD.

8. Get outside help
Hire a tutor recommended by the school if your child is still struggling. There are Dyslexia Associations in different countries and regions within the country. There are NGOs helping children with learning disabilities. Parents need to meet with other parents who have succeeded in helping their children overcome LD. Face it, we all need to share experiences and encourage one another.

And if you will indulge me, I would add that prayer helps tremendously. Pray for God's healing. Pray for dedicated teachers, wonderful mentors, loving friends and supportive neighbours.