Learning disorders are in no way an indication that a child is unintelligent or uninspired. When a child has difficulty in learning, this does not mean that he is incapable of grasping ideas and concepts or that he is lazy. As a matter of fact, learning disorders could be present in the smartest of children. The only difference between a child with a learning disorder and a “normal” child is the way they process information.

It is natural for children to have trouble with homework every now and then. However, it is imperative that you, as a parent, take notice of certain patterns that your child finds exceptionally challenging. If a process seems to be consistently taxing for a child, he may be dealing with a specific learning disorder. While many studies have shown conclusive causes--hereditary illnesses, ailments of mothers during pregnancy and such--to a particular condition, many types of learning disabilities remain unexplained.

Learning disorders are lifelong conditions. No matter how advanced today’s approaches are, a child with a learning disability will continue to have it throughout his life. However, paying attention to warning signs and understanding the diagnosis allow parents to help their children manage it early on. After all, children with learning disabilities can--and do--succeed!

FN lists some of the most common learning disorders in children and what every mom should know about them.


(Photo by sean dreilinger via Flickr Creative Commons. All photos used for illustrative purposes only.)