Every child learns and develops at their own pace. But if your child is struggling with schoolwork, having difficulty following directions or becoming increasingly frustrated with learning, you may wonder whether they need additional support.
We’re grateful to Prisma Health and Dr. Brittany Peters, MD, psychiatrist, for sharing guidance on signs parents can look for and ways to support children who may be experiencing learning or behavioral challenges.
Look for Patterns
It can be difficult to know whether a child’s struggles are part of typical development or a sign that they need additional support. Rather than comparing your child to other children or relying on when you learned a particular skill yourself, pay attention to how your child navigates different environments.
Some signs that may be worth discussing with your child’s teacher or pediatrician include:
- Your child masters some subjects or skills but struggles significantly with others.
- They have difficulty understanding or following directions at school.
- They consistently prefer interacting with younger children.
- Schoolwork regularly leads to significant frustration or distress.
Learning disorders can involve challenges with areas such as reading, math or auditory processing. Behavioral challenges can have different causes, including anxiety, attention difficulties or other concerns. Sometimes learning and behavioral challenges can occur together, which is why seeking professional guidance can be helpful.
Start with a Team Approach
If you’re concerned about your child’s learning or behavior, start by talking with their teacher and pediatrician. They can help you determine whether further evaluation or additional support may be appropriate. A mental health professional or other specialist may also be able to help identify what your child is experiencing and what resources could help.
Most importantly, approach your child with patience and encouragement. Struggling with a skill can already be frustrating, and negative reactions can contribute to feelings of shame or embarrassment. Instead, remind your child that needing extra help doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of learning.
What Are IEPs and 504 Plans?
Some children may benefit from additional support at school. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines specialized education and services a student may need to be successful in school.
A 504 plan provides accommodations for students with disabilities or health conditions that affect their ability to access learning. If you think your child could benefit from additional educational support, talk with their pediatrician and school to learn more about available options.
At TCMU, we believe every child deserves opportunities to learn, explore and discover in ways that work for them. When children face challenges, a supportive team of families, educators and professionals can help them build confidence and find ways to thrive.
Content adapted and shared with permission from Prisma Health and Dr. Brittany Peters, MD. Original article: “How to know if your child might have a learning disorder,” published August 20, 2024.
