Recognizing Undiagnosed Learning Problems

Most kids at some point in time will have trouble in school. These problems are common in subjects such as spelling or math, and generally correct themselves with practice. When a child experiences problems in all subjects, and tends to do poorly on test and written assignments, teachers and parent are quick to credit this to laziness and lack of motivation. Granted these two factors do result in poor grades, however the situation may not be as black and white. There may be another underlying problem affecting the child’s learning ability. So before you make the decision to have your child repeat a grade to gain missed skills, or announce punishments for poor grades, consider whether the child shows signs of a legitimate learning condition.

Dyslexia, which affects roughly 8% of the population, affects a person’s ability to deal with text information. Most cases of dyslexia are undiagnosed. When a child is unable to grasp information taught in school it is easy for others to classify them as mentally delayed, which occurs often with dyslexics. Such labels like “stupid” and “retard” may also common. It is imperative to understand that dyslexics are not brainless, some are gifted, they merely have trouble distinguishing sounds, and they perceive words and letters differently.

When most people hear the word dyslexic they instantly associate this with a person who reverses letters and numbers. Thus children who may occasionally reverse their text are tagged a dyslexic, and those who do not reverse their text are considered to not have the learning condition. These statements are equally untrue. When young children are taught how to write it is not uncommon for some to reverse b’s or d’s and p’s or q’s. With practice this problem can be easily corrected. The misconception that all dyslexics have problems in terms of “mirror writing” is a myth. True, some dyslexics do see words and letters backwards, but not all. Therefore dyslexia should not be automatically ruled out simply because a child has the ability to identify letters correctly. Although difficult to diagnose there are characteristics that can help parents identify whether their child may suffers from this learning condition.

� Difficulty pronouncing words
� Difficulty following directions
� Problem stating thoughts clearly
� Confuses the order of letters in words
� Does not recognize words previously learned
� Spells a word several different ways
� Poor reading comprehensive
� Difficulty remembering
� Difficulty concentrating
� Confuses left and right

Once a parent suspects that their child may suffer from dyslexia, they should consider having the child tested to confirm the problem. Dyslexia is the likely reason why an intelligent child has problems with reading and spelling, however it is not the only reason. There are different forms of dyslexia and these tests are design to determine how severe the problem is. Unfortunately once it is determine that a child has the condition, parent may have a difficult time receiving assistance from schools. Most teachers do not have the necessary training to work with a dyslexic child, and few schools offer support.

Children with this learning condition are seldom assisted in resource programs. Schools are equipped to handle students who require special education such as those who are developmentally delayed, however dyslexics require a unique method of teaching that few resource specialist are trained in. School’s have certain criteria’s for classifying a student as having a learning disability. Ironically, dyslexics do not meet the criteria. Few schools view this as a serious learning problem, thus the student continues to struggle. Parents are forced to use their own resources and seek help outside of the school. Tutors who specialize in teaching dyslexic children provide great support. No two dyslexics are similar and individuals trained are able to assess each child’s problematical areas and put into practice an approach that will work best for them.

Assisting the child should be an ongoing process; therefore parents should also work closely with their child at home. Simple everyday task could help with improving the child’s organization and comprehension skills. While running errands give the child a map and encourage them to map out a route that will lead to your destination. Allow the child to help prepare meals which will exercise their ability to follow directions. Dyslexics have a short attention span so parents may want to remove distractions while they study or do homework. Parents should avoid comparing their dyslexic child to another sibling who does not have the learning disability. Do not become frustrated when the child makes mistakes or cannot grasp otherwise basic teachings. Expressing anger could result in the child feeling stupid thus causing them to give up.

Children do not outgrow dyslexia, however with continuous support they have the ability to succeed. These children are not psychologically, developmentally, or emotionally delayed, they just learn in a different way. Many equate intelligence with how fast you are able to grasp material learned. Remember, it is not how quickly you learn, but how well you learn. Dyslexics may require more time to complete task such as test. Instead of addressing the problem by embarrassing or ridiculing the child, patience and motivation will prove more effective. Additional resources that parents can utilize include joining local groups where you can meet and share with other parents who understand your situation. Parents should also educate themselves on the condition which could help alleviate their own frustrations. Tutoring is a very effective tool with helping a dyslexic child. Parents may want to research some certificate courses they can take which will qualify them to tutor dyslexic children. Classes of this nature are typically inexpensive, can be taken from home, and unlike an outside tutor parents are able to give child more individualized attention, and work with them on a daily basis.