If your child has a learning disability, you probably hear a lot of negative things about him or her. In twenty-five years of knowing and working with children with learning disabilities, I've discovered some positive things that you should know.
Fun
I've seen your child play on the playground at recess, gym and with classroom games. He is having a blast, laughing, running, and chasing girls just like every other child there, and even winning at the games!
Social
I could sit and talk to your child for hours. She loves to talk to someone who listens, and doesn't set her apart from others. She talks freely about her ill grandmother, her grandfather taking her fishing, Dad wanting to move for a new job, or her baby sibling. My job allows me to work one on one, or in small groups, and I value the time I have, letting your child be who she is. While it may seem like gossip, it's all a part of her social growth.
Artistic
Chances are you already know your child is artistic. Most learning disabled kids I've met have this talent, especially in drawing. Your child probably does, too. I've observed this for many years, and I've realized this is how they adapt since they have problems with learning. It may look like he is in class doodling, but he is listening intently while the teacher is instructing. You can ask him what the teacher just said, and he will tell you. Of course, this isn't always true, but most times I have found it to be. Give him an assignment to draw and he can ace it, while at the same time others are asking for his help.
Helpful
If I need help with something, I know I can depend on your child. She will carry a box, clean the board, water the plants, run errands, or put away supplies. She does it with a smile, and I can see the pride in her actions.
Complimentary
Your child is the first to notice a new shirt, different earrings, a haircut, a smile or a frown. He seems to have insight to feelings, in that of a peer or adult, to ask, “What's wrong?” Or, “That's a cool new shirt you have!” He notices his environment, and changes that take place there.
Friendly
Your child is friendly, but not at first. She has to gain your trust, for there are some who look at her as being different for being in special education, or for her difficulty in learning. Once she knows you're authentic in your feelings toward her, she will be a friend to you, or to her peers, showing how much she likes someone through her kindness and attitude.
Smart
Your child is smart in so many different ways. He can read you well. Not only that, he has taught himself to adapt to his own way of learning. This can't be an easy task. In math, for instance, he knows he can make tally marks or use counters instead of trying to figure a problem in his head. Even though he has difficulty reading, he still wants to, because he wants to fit in. He'll look at pictures to try to figure out the story. Besides, he knows there is always a friend or teacher to help when he stumbles on a word. In my opinion, this takes great bravery because he knows that his peers know, he can't read well, but they accept him anyway.
Courage
Yes, your child is courageous! To get up and come to school knowing he will go to a special class with other kids like him, doesn't stop him. Maybe she doesn't realize her difference, but sometimes she is convinced she is different. She stands up in the class and gives a report, he'll run in track, play dodge ball, and even enter contests. She will do this, all because she has courage.
I'm sure you have realized how courageous, smart, friendly, complimentary, helpful, artistic, and full of fun your child is! But, if you haven't due to all the negative things you may hear, just remember that your child is no different from other children, other than he or she has a different way of learning. It may take longer, and there are many things he or she may never grasp, but in their own way, they know they will grow up and have a future, still have friends, still have people who care about them, and still continue to have fun. It will be difficult for them, there's no doubt about that, but as long as they know they can do it, then all is well.
DISCLAIMER
This information comes from many years of experience in working with Special Education students, from kindergarten through eighth grade. It's my opinion, and not taken from any statistics or formal testing, etc. It's written for the soul purpose of telling parents that I have observed many positive things about their L.D. (Learning Disabled) child, and haven't used any reports to back this up.
