Learning Disabilities and Your Child's Rights in School

When we think about our newborn babies, we often want to think about the perfect child. We are happy with 10 fingers, 10 toes and normal development of our children. We don’t really want much, just a happy kid who can make it in this world. For some, that dream shifts a little when it comes to a child’s ability to learn. Often times children get through the primary years just fine and then school starts to be a challenge for them. At first, we may think it’s just a focus issue and they will catch up. Then we may think it’s the teacher who does not know how to deal with OUR child. Then it could be the curriculum of the schools since it is so much different than when we were in school and it seems basic learning has changed.

At some point for many families, they have to face the reality that their child has learning issues. Some learning issues can be handled with minor interventions while others require extensive help to ensure the child is afforded their rights to a free and fair education in the public school system. Before many get to that point, however, they first have to accept the truth. Having a child with learning problems can be tough for some to swallow. People often feel insulted and say things like “who are they to tell me something is wrong with my child.” Parents have to get beyond what’s wrong and work on what could be right. Having a learning or health issue does not mean you or your child is flawed. It just means that their body and or their mind works differently than others. Denial of the issue will do nothing more than prolong the suffering of a child who wants to learn but is having a difficult time doing so. This can result in behavioral issues and mis-labeling of your child as one with a behavior problem.

In today’s’ schools, teachers are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of students with different needs and the ever-changing curriculum that it can be easy for them to miss some of the issues a kid has. Additionally, since not all parents are created equally, some may be apprehensive about approaching parents out of fear of the reactions they may get when they have to tell a parent that little Suzy has the signs of a learning disorder.

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What should a parent do if they suspect that their child may be struggling to learn?

Take a moment to breathe process the reality for what it is… a difference in ability to learn.
Remember you are your child’s advocate and they need you to fight to help them.
Find out about the interventions available in your school district but contacting the special needs coordinators in writing.
Write a letter requesting a formal evaluation of your child’s learning function.
Plan to make a strategy to help your child do better.
Ensure your home has a space conducive for learning and find out what steps you can take to help them once you find out if they have and issue and what it is.
Research the issues your child has and attend family counseling if necessary.
Check out the Department of Education’s website and find out about your child’s rights under IDEA (individuals with disabilities education act) so you can get an IEP (individualized education program)if needed.
Ensure that you know what fair and reasonable accommodations for your child are under the law and if things don’t go the way they should legally, don’t be afraid to file a grievance or get an attorney to fight for adequate services. Many legal aid divisions can help in this arena.

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