Caring for children with learning differences and behavioral issues due to learning disabilities, ADHD or Asperger's Syndrome is an important function of the school, the home and the community. It takes more than just patience to help children who are dealing with conditions that can hamper their academic, social and physical capabilities.
Symptoms and Training
The symptoms may vary, but most students with learning differences have issues that adversely affect thought processes and/or physical dexterity. They may exhibit difficulty in processing visual or auditory information. Further, some show disconnects in language function, while others cannot understand nonverbal communication.
Adults who oversee their well-being soon realize that patience is not enough to manage LD children responsibly. Besides patience, there are management techniques that promote a better quality of life for students with behavioral and learning disorders.
In-School Strategies
In schools, teachers can develop strategic interventions to deal with students with behavioral and learning issues. Below are some of the best interventions to use in the LD classroom:
- Provide teacher-directed instruction.
- Administer learning strategy instruction.
- Give regular feedback.
- Allow student independent study.
- Monitor intensive remedial practice.
Guidance for Home
At home, parents and family members must contribute to the child's developmental awareness. By focusing on helping a child master success attributes, parents can be a positive educational force. Here are some important steps to take for parental guidance:
- Identify their strengths and weaknesses.
- Help them learn to problem-solve.
- Teach them to persevere in the face of adversity.
- Show them how to set goals.
- Help them with relationship-building.
Community Support Systems
In the community, a child with learning differences should be able to obtain professional assistance. There must be a support system they can rely on for maintaining healthy lifestyle habits as well as literacy activities. Parents can advocate for their children in the school and community, making sure that children are receiving the best support and guidance possible. Following are some useful tips on community support:
- Attend recreational programs offered by community organizations, like youth centers.
- Practice diet and exercise routines supported by public facilities, such as parks and gyms.
- Focus on literacy activities, such as reading, writing and listening, at public libraries and museums.
- Consider utilizing private intervention professionals, such as physicians and specialists, in the community.
The key to helping children with learning disorders is to establish a clear-cut plan of action for training and supporting them in the school, home and community. If teachers, parents and community leaders work together, they can establish regular routines that provide strategic interventions for LD children. In doing so, children will learn and grow, not only via patience, but also from due diligence and commitment.
If your child struggles with learning or has been diagnosed with a Learning Disorder, contact us online or find a center near you to learn more about how the Brain Balance Program can help.
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