If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn. ~ Ignacio Estrada

Today, I’m looking at the letter L, and the word is LEARNING DISABILITIES.

Okay, okay… it’s 2 words.

According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, learning disabilities are due to genetic factors or problems with the brain (neurobiological). These problems affect how a person learns and understands things like reading, writing, math and more. They can even make it hard for them to organize their things, remember things for a long time and pay attention. Learning disabilities can also make it hard to get along with family, friends and people at work.

They are often recognized during school years but may not be identified until later in life.

They also tell us that Learning disabilities are different from other handicaps or disadvantages that result from things like impaired vision, brain trauma, congenital brain defects, etc.

People with learning disabilities are often of average or above average intelligence.

That’s why I call them learning differences and not disabilities.

This is an umbrella term that includes people with:

Dyslexia – they most commonly have reading and spelling challenges.

Dyscalculia – they usually have trouble with number concepts and math facts.

Dysgraphia – they have handwriting problems and trouble with fine motor skills

3 reasons why learning differences is important when it comes to reading and learning are:

• Identification: They can be identified early, which allows for appropriate interventions and support to be provided to children. If a child is struggling with reading and learning, it is important to determine if they have a learning difference so that they can receive the proper assistance they need to succeed.

• Differentiated Instruction: Another reason why learning differences are important is that they require differentiated instruction. Children with learning difficulties may learn differently from their peers and may require specialized teaching methods, individualized instruction, and accommodations to help them learn and succeed. Without these adjustments, these children may continue to struggle in school, which can impact their academic and social development.

• Positive Outcomes: Identifying and addressing learning differences can lead to positive outcomes for children. With appropriate interventions and support, these children can improve their literacy skills, develop strategies to compensate for their difficulties, and build confidence in their abilities. This can lead to improved academic achievement, increased self-esteem, and better long-term outcomes in terms of educational and career success.

A common metaphor mis-attributed to Albert Einstein talks about asking a fish to climb a tree.

And you’ve probably heard the phrase, “like a fish out of water.”

If you look back in history, you’ll find that several our geniuses were “fish out of water” in their school years.

I’m referring to people like Michelangelo, Beethoven, Thomas Edison, Sir Winston Churchill, and Einstein.

The brains of about 20% of children process information differently from the others. But who’s to determine what’s “normal”?

The folk who call this difference in thinking a disability also say it is not a disease, but while it can’t be cured, appropriate support and intervention can help them succeed in various aspects of life.

From my 25 + years of working with children labeled as such, I’ve come to realize this is not a Learning Disability but a Teaching Disability.

That’s why, if you have a brilliant child who struggles to read and learn, you must take their education into you own hands. You do not need any special certification to help your child overcome their weak skills.

You just need to know what to do and how to do it.

And I am obsessed with helping parents transform their struggling children into successful youth who are enjoying learning success, like I did for my dyslexic daughter.

You can replace your feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and helplessness with feelings of empowerment, confidence, and liberation.

If your child has trouble reading and learning, join the Parenting Hub, where you can connect and network with parents who share similar challenges, ask questions, and seek solutions. If you know someone who has a child with learning differences, send them the above link.