Managing Learning Disabilities
What are ways of managing learning disabilities?
Learning disability management can make a lot of difference to children, not just at school but at home as well. If left unmanaged, children can easily become frustrated and experience feelings of failure and inadequacy when comparing their learning disabilities to the learning abilities of their classmates. Managing learning disabilities is an action taken to help a child succeed. Therefore, learning disability management can improve learning success and the quality of life of the child.
Can learning disabilities be cured?
There are no cures for learning disabilities, however, you can take steps to make living with a learning disability more it can be treated. The earlier you put processes in place to help manage learning disabilities, the more effective it is. Identifying and addressing learning problems early allows children to acquire learning strategies before they fall significantly behind their classmates. Learning disability management can also minimize or prevent other struggles, such as self-esteem issues, emotional or behavioural problems.
Learning disability management for children at school & home
Many other school-based interventions are used to support students with learning disabilities. Some of them are:
1. Intensive teaching techniques, like one-on-one instruction, breaking material into smaller bits
2. Allowing a child extra time to complete work, assigning a notetaker to assist the student
3. Visual aids
4. Memory aids like mnemonic devices
5. Multi-modal teaching that uses senses beyond auditory and visual
6. Teacher check-ins during classroom instruction
7. Using motivators like goals, encouragement, positive reinforcement
8. Bypass interventions allow students to get around an area of disability, such as taking tests orally or having a reader
9. If the IEP allows, structuring the student’s day so that they spend a portion of it in a resource room/special education room
Learning disorder interventions should happen at home, too. Home-based support is essential. You don’t have to use the same interventions as your child’s teacher, because your environment, goals, and your child’s tasks are different.
An important treatment intervention for home life is to be unconditionally supportive of your child. Listen to their frustrations and help them use their strengths to overcome obstacles. Homework can be a problem for kids with learning disabilities. Create a dedicated homework area and create a structured routine for daily homework. Consider hiring a tutor if you and your child clash when you try to help. Above all, have realistic expectations, neither too low nor too high.
Tips for managing a learning disability in adulthood
- Be your own advocate
It's important to know and speak up for what you need. Understand your learning challenges, identify possible solutions, and ask for the resources that will allow you to reach your goals.
- Ensure that your surroundings facilitate success
Work with your school or employer to create a supportive learning environment, such as access to software that will help you succeed now and in the future.
- Take advantage of assistive technology
Use computer tools customized to your own pace and needs that can read text aloud, help you articulate your thoughts, and provide structure to your writing.
