Not everyone’s brains work the same. Every child is going to take a unique approach to engaging with academic content and, as a result, will learn differently. The term “learning differences” is used to distinguish various types of learning, cognitive, and processing styles. This could include things like dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, and more. 

When most parents hear about learning differences, they often assume it’s a synonym for learning disabilities. And while there are specific conditions that may fall under the umbrella of both terms, they are distinct concepts. Learning disabilities is, essentially, a legal definition. Learning difference is a functional one and is, therefore, significantly more flexible.

Children with learning differences often don’t learn in the same way that society at large is structured to facilitate. As a result, they often require special approaches, techniques, and accommodations in order to succeed in a traditional academic setting. Some of this help can come from schools and some can come from parents themselves. With the right approach, these learning differences can become a normal and positive part of your child’s everyday life.

Early Signs of Learning Differences

In many cases, noticing and identifying learning differences early can make a huge difference for your child. For parents and educators, that means being watchful for early indicators, including some of the following possible signs:

• Poor academic performance: There are many factors that can impact a child’s academic performance. So not all poor performances will be the result of a learning difference. However, a sudden slip in grades or change in performance could be a sign that your child does have a learning difference that requires accommodation.

• Acting out or easy distraction: No child is perfectly behaved all the time! But if your child gets cranky or fussy or begins to act out in new ways, that may be a sign of a learning difference. Likewise, if your child has noticeable trouble focusing and is often easily distracted, getting your child screened for learning differences may be warranted.

• Your child starts using simpler or more baby-style language: Children will normally experiment with language as they figure it out and learn. However, if your child begins to consistently speak in a way that seems below their age level (for example, if they start adopting “baby-talk,” that may be a sign to get your child evaluated for a learning difference.

• Clumsiness or being accident prone: Believe it or not, clumsiness can be a sign of a learning difference! It’s often associated with certain kinds of neurodivergence, such as autism or ADHD. Parents and caregivers, then, should keep an eye out for consistent clumsiness.

There are more signs, too. In general, however, if your child is having a hard time, it may be worth discussing the possibility of a learning difference. However, there are two important caveats. First, many children become quite adept at masking their learning differences over time. This means that there may be no noticeable signs of a learning difference–at least, not for a while. Second, none of these signs in and of themselves is an indication of a problem. But a constellation of issues may indicate a reason to get evaluated.

How Parents Can Help at Home

Once a learning difficulty is recognized, there are steps parents can take to help manage and support learning at home. It’s important that these steps be taken in a way that is supportive and accepting of your child.

To help your child succeed academically, there are some steps you can take:

• Choose learning activities that play to your child’s strengths: Simply because your child has a learning difficulty, doesn’t mean they don’t have learning strengths. Find what your child’s are and help them achieve by emphasizing those strengths.

• Celebrate their successes: It’s important to maintain a positive attitude and celebrate your child’s successes. This helps build confidence that will be critical to your child as they grow up.

• Try to instill a sense of curiosity: Being curious about the world can help your child discover new and interesting ways to learn. And it can also help make the learning process more exciting!

• Help your child break down tasks: Sometimes it can be challenging for those with learning difficulties to break down large tasks into smaller ones. This is something you can walk through with your child, modeling and helping them break down tasks into manageable chunks.

Developing an IEP

You may also want to work with your child’s school or an education specialist to develop something called an Individualized Education Plan (or IEP). This is a legal document used in cases when children need special education services. There are several benefits to IEPs:

• Your child will have access to additional educational resources.

• IEPs will take into account your child’s individual needs to ensure they are still getting a high-quality education that serves them well.

• IEPs are reviewed annually, so you and your child will be able to make adjustments when necessary.

• Your child will have access to accommodations for their learning difficulties.

• And more

Build Confidence and Help Your Child Learn

Modern education systems have plenty of ways that they can accommodate and nurture those with learning difficulties. This means it’s also important to build your child’s confidence as they go. They’re just learning in a different way, so do what you can to nurture their self-esteem and skills!

If you have questions about your child’s learning growth, you can start by talking to your child’s pediatrician during their regular wellness visit or schedule an appointment with a specialist. If your child is a patient here at Children’s Healthcare Associates, you can schedule an appointment at our Chicago or Northbrook offices!