Specialized Learning Support for Kids with Learning Differences Builds Confidence and Self-esteem at School and Beyond LDS, which provides research-informed individualized student education (RISE) programming to those with suspected or diagnosed learning disabilities, aged 3 to adult, believes early intervention is key. By Dr. Jennifer Fane
to above average intelligence. It’s an unexplained inability to learn or develop skills or knowledge within a typical educational setting—imagine an otherwise bright and engaged child in grade 2 who is unable to read sight words or retain letter sounds, or a child who can read and verbally tell a story but struggles greatly with writing words on paper. Learning disabilities mean that a child needs a different level of support, instruction, materials, or accommodations to learn and retain information that others seem to just ‘grasp’ through typical classroom learning. It can sometimes take months or even years to identify a learning disability because the child is otherwise very capable. This can mean the opportunities for early intervention and support are lost, negatively impacting a child’s confidence and self-esteem, but there are some early warning signs for learning disabilities. At home:
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Not wanting to go to school Frequent worries about school Difficulty sleeping or eating Excessive time on homework Avoidance of homework
At school:
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chool can be an exciting and joyous experience for students and families, with the building of relationships with classmates and working with school staff, and academic, social, and personal growth. However, for many, it can also come with uncertainty and challenges as academic and social demands for children and youth continually increase as students move from grade to grade. The signs that a child may need extra support at school can often be subtle and many families are surprised to first learn that their child is struggling during early parent/guardian-teacher interviews. Conversely, sometimes despite reports from schools that their child is doing ‘okay’, parents/guardians may have a ‘gut feeling’ that progress is not being made. As a parent/guardian of a school-aged child or youth, the first step and most powerful tool you can equip yourself with is understanding your child’s learning needs and the ways to work in collaboration with the school and avenues to ensure that your child has the support they need to succeed. 24 bcparent.ca • education issue 2022
Understanding Learning Disabilities and Learning Differently
A learning disability is a neuro-developmental (hardwired) disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to acquire, organise, retain, understand, or use verbal and nonverbal information. A learning disability is unique in that it affects individuals of average
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Work avoidance at school Teacher concerns about progress Reports of behavioural issues The suggestion that your child receive resource support
Fortunately, with the right support, students with learning disabilities can absolutely succeed and develop both the academic and executive functioning skills they need, building confidence in themselves and how they learn. The challenge for parents/guardians is
Abigail Lobo (right), Senior Manager, Education, at LDS, offers one-to-one instruction to a student.