We can prevent frustration and help a child with a learning disability to achieve his potential, if we keep the following points in mind.
Be Positive
Having a learning disability does not have to be a negative experience: it all depends on how you look at it, on your view. It can become a handicap when you are not informed and/or focus on the disadvantages. However, when you focus on the positive sides you will see bright possibilities and a lot of potential.
Alleviate the Disadvantages
Once you are informed about the learning disability, you are equipped to alleviate the disadvantages and nurture the strengths.
Understand the Learning Disability = Understanding how Somebody Functions
It’s easier to give or to receive help, if we first understand. As a result, there will be less frustration for all those who have to deal with it. One will become more positive and proactive. Furthermore, it will be easier to look for suitable help.
Trust their Abilities
If we trust in their abilities, they will gain confidence and build self-esteem. Be positive and nurture their strengths.
Inform the Child
In doing so, they will understand why certain things occur to them and why they have some problems in certain areas. Being dyslexic myself I can only confirm, if you know how you are function is already a great help.
Assure the Child it is not Stupid
It has just a different learning style than most other kids. Explain to them they have certain strengths, which will boost their self-confidence.
“Life is very interesting, if you make mistakes.” Georges Carpentier
Great Examples
Use the list of successful people with dyslexia or an other learning disabilities as examples to motivate and boost their confidence.
Adjust the Education Method
Use the strengths to alleviate the downsides of the learning disability. Keep in mind that drill or repeat won’t work, quite on the contrary. In addition, if we try to change the child in such a way that it adapts to the education method, it will lose its self-confidence and identity.
“When I found out I was dyslexic, my parents got me a lap-top computer. That was great!” Scott : Pop Group ‘Five’.