As parents, we want our children to feel confident in themselves and their abilities and to succeed. So when a child is struggling to learn, it can be concerning and, frankly, scary. All children develop skills along a spectrum and some children need more time or practice to understand certain new concepts. But for others, the struggles might be a sign of an underlying learning disorder. Early identification of learning disorders is critical for giving children the best chance to support their challenges and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In this blog post, we’ll explore why early identification is so important and how it can make a lasting impact on your child’s life.
1. Prevents skills from falling further behind.
One of the most significant risks of not identifying a learning disorder as early as possible is that children may continue to fall further behind their peers academically. Without support, students struggling to learn may become frustrated, disengaged, and lose confidence in their abilities. They may internalize their struggles and begin to blame themselves. They may also begin to externalize their struggles by acting out. Early identification allows for support, such as tutoring, specialized instruction, or learning accommodations, that can prevent further academic struggles. The sooner support is in place, the sooner your child can start mastering skills and making progress to help them feel confident in their abilities.
2. Provides access to targeted interventions.
Once a learning disorder is identified, parents and educators can work together to develop a personalized plan that addresses the child’s special needs. This could include:
Specialized teaching strategies. Teachers may use alternative teaching methods to help your child learn. This could include multisensory approaches for reading, which use sight, sound, and touch to build skills or visual aids when learning math concepts.
Speech and language therapy. If the learning disorder also includes a speech and language disability, early intervention through therapy can help improve communication skills, as well as learning.
Accommodations in school. Children with learning disabilities may be eligible for special accommodations, such as extra time on tests, a separate space for testing, a quiet place to work, or the use of assistive technology to support learning (e.g., an audiobook or speech-to-text software).
Individual therapy, parent coaching, and/or family therapy. If emotional and or behavioral issues are present due to frustrations with learning, a therapist can help children and/or parents develop coping skills. The age of the child can help determine which therapy may work best. For example, a family with a young child may find that parent coaching works best. This includes parents meeting with a coach to explore supports and expectations in place at home and/or school and adjusting if needed. Individual therapy can be a great place for verbal students to process what it is like to learn in a different way. Family therapy can be a place for children and parents to meet jointly (sometimes with siblings or as a whole family), to process family dynamics and messages that all family members are receiving from each other.
3. Reduces the risk of secondary emotional and/or behavioral difficulties.
Children who struggle with undiagnosed learning disorders may begin to experience secondary issues such as anxiety, depression, and/or low self-esteem. Struggling without understanding why can make a child feel “stupid” or incompetent or “bad”, leading to negative feelings about themselves, school, and even friendships. These children may receive messages from adults (intentionally or unintentionally) that they are “lazy” or not trying hard enough.
Early identification and support can help alleviate these emotional struggles. When children receive the help they need and start to see improvement based on their hard work, their confidence grows. They are also less likely to develop learned helplessness, where they believe that effort won’t make a difference, and they are more likely to develop a growth mindset—believing that they can improve with effort and the right support.
4. Helps children develop coping skills and resiliency.
Children who struggle with learning disorders often have to work harder than their peers to make gains and learn. When challenges are recognized and supported early on, children can begin to develop essential coping skills and strategies for overcoming obstacles.
Time management skills: Children may be taught how to use organizational techniques, such as using a planner or breaking tasks into smaller steps, to help them stay on top of schoolwork.
Self-advocacy: With the right support, children can learn to ask for help when they need it or a break before they feel too overwhelmed.
Perseverance. With encouragement, children with learning disorders can build their resilience and learn that making a mistake is part of the learning process, not a reflection of themselves.
The sooner children, especially those with a learning disability, learn these coping strategies, the more resilient and confident they will become when facing future challenges, both academic and personal.
5. Creates a plan for long-term success.
Research shows that early identification and intervention for learning disorders is associated with better long-term outcomes. Children who receive early support are more likely to:
Perform closer to grade level and better meet academic expectations.
Develop positive relationships with peers and teachers.
Build a sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities.
Successfully transition into higher education or the workforce.
Early intervention provides children with the tools, not only academic tools but life tools, they need to succeed in school and throughout their lifetime.
Learning Disabilities: What Can You Do as a Parent?
You are your child’s greatest advocate. If you notice signs that your child may be struggling with learning, don’t wait to act. Here are actionable steps that you can take.
Observe and document. Keep track of any patterns you notice or your child’s teacher notices with learning struggles.
Communicate with teachers. Share your concerns with your child’s teacher and ask for feedback on how your child is performing in class. Teachers can help identify areas where your child might benefit from additional support. They may also be able to provide suggestions to strengthen skills at home and potentially assist with a referral for an evaluation, if warranted.
Seek an evaluation. If you’re concerned about a potential learning disorder, ask your child's pediatrician for a referral to Help Me Grow or a psychologist who can complete a comprehensive, psychoeducational evaluation. LINK
Educate yourself. Learn about different types of learning disorders so you can better understand what your child is going through and how best to support them.
Early identification of a learning disorder is essential for giving children the best possible chance to succeed. It allows parents and educators to provide targeted interventions, prevent further academic setbacks, and address emotional or behavioral challenges before they impact your child’s development. By recognizing the early signs of a learning disorder and seeking professional support and guidance, you can help your child unlock their full potential, support their confidence, and lay the foundation for a successful future. If you suspect your child has a learning disorder, trust your instincts and take action. Early identification and support can make all the difference.
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