It is vital that you develop a working knowledge of the content of your child’s psycho-educational assessment and how his learning disability manifests itself differently in different environments.

I believe that it is imperative to talk to your child and the rest of your family about his LD in order that it becomes normalized. It is important that he understands that there is a reason that he has difficulty reading, writing or making friends; that he is not stupid, nor dumb.  It is equally important that your child knows that he has strengths.  He is not defined by his learning disability, but it is a part of him.

My clients often express a sense of relief when their LD is explained to them.  By being open about their LDs, it is then possible for them to see that they are not alone; that there are others who also have LDs, many of whom are successful.

The following 3 tips will serve as a guide as you and your child explore his Learning Disability:

# 1       Focus on strengths.

When talking with your child, keep the following in mind:

• The talks are meant to be optimistic, positive, and reassuring;
• Emphasize that he is smart and has many strengths;
• His learning disability only means that he learns in a different way, and;
• His strengths include not only those in academics, but also those on social, athletic, artistic and personal fronts.

#2        Acknowledge weaknesses.

Next, talk about:

• A specific academic weakness he is experiencing;
• Concrete examples when the weakness is discussed, tying it in with a processing deficit (i.e. memory, sequencing) when possible. For example, explain how your child’s weak working memory affects his ability to remember multiplication facts.

#3     Explore interventions.

Finally, discuss:

• The techniques, strategies, and assistive technology that your child is learning to help overcome his weakness.  Use actual work samples to explain the interventions to your child.

By having an ongoing conversation with your child about his strengths, needs, interests and talents, you will empower him with self advocacy skills that he will be able to use now and in the future.

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