Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Learning Disabilities From a Mom Who’s Been There

Growing up, I didn’t know much about learning disabilities. I'm older than social media (and the internet), and it wasn’t until I was in a teaching program in graduate school that I learned more about how different people think and learn. At that time, I adopted the term learning differences because, really, learning disabilities are just another way of thinking. 

In graduate school, I met my husband, an absolute genius who also happens to have learning differences. He was super smart, but also had a hard time learning traditionally in school. As a grown-up, he has thrived in his life and career, and his different way of thinking has made him successful instead of hindering his potential.

It wasn’t until we had children that I understood what all this meant for parenting, navigating school, and advocacy. We have two beautiful, intelligent, social, funny kids with learning differences. Having a child with learning differences can present unique challenges, but understanding your rights and options can empower you to effectively advocate for your child. 

Understanding Learning Disabilities

So, what is a learning difference/learning disability (LD)? It's a neurological condition that affects how individuals process information. A learning disability has nothing to do with intelligence. These neurological conditions can impact skills such as reading, writing, math, and social interactions. And for those with learning disabilities, it can be challenging to learn in a traditional environment.

I am ashamed to admit that when my children first received services, I felt like I had to tell people all the great things about my kids. As if having a learning difference took away from all their positive qualities, and I felt like I had to build them up to other people so they wouldn’t look down on them for being neurodivergent. What a fool I was! 

There is NOTHING wrong with thinking differently. It is their superpower. According to LD Resources Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that helps find solutions for those affected by specific learning disabilities, a study found that individuals with dyslexia were more likely to become successful entrepreneurs.

“The study saw psychologists assessing and analyzing the thought patterns, mental drives, and influences that brought the world’s top entrepreneurs their success. Here, they discovered that out of the 300 business leaders selected in their study, 40% of them had dyslexia. This implies that dyslexia is four times more prevalent among successful entrepreneurs than the general population.”

Some of the common types of learning disabilities include:

• Dyslexia- Difficulty with reading and language processing.
• Dysgraphia- Challenges with writing and fine motor skills.
• Dyscalculia- Problems with math and number sense.
• ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which can affect focus and impulse control.

In our family, all of these disabilities are represented. (We like to be inclusive.) When it comes to learning disabilities, early intervention is crucial for a child’s academic success and self-esteem. In our case, we had Early Childhood Interventions since preschool, and as our children reached school age, we had Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504s.

However, my husband and I didn't officially get our kids diagnosed until very recently, even though we have a middle schooler and a high schooler. There were a lot of reasons for this decision, besides the pandemic messing with our timeline. From one parent to another, I wouldn’t recommend waiting like we did. 

Public schools will provide services for children, but they will not diagnose. They just list the children as having a “specific learning disorder.” When our kids were younger, we knew they were getting support and that they were thriving, so a diagnosis didn’t seem imperative, but several experts and doctors suggested we get an official diagnosis to tailor our approach to parenting.

Even though getting a diagnosis can be expensive, and many places don't take insurance for this service, it was a game-changer for our family.

Early Childhood Intervention

When your child is preschool age, they may receive Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). This can include speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. ECI may differ from state to state, but in my state, it is a free service to help children prepare for school or whatever their next steps may be.

Once children go to school, at least in public schools, they may qualify for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans. These are two key tools currently available in the United States to support students with learning differences.

What is an IEP?

The truth is, EVERY child could benefit from an IEP.  It's called an “individual learning plan,” and who wouldn't want that? Specifically, an IEP is a legally binding document created for students who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  An IEP outlines specific educational goals, accommodations, and services tailored to the child’s unique needs.

Key Components of an IEP

• Present Levels of Performance– Describes the child’s current academic and functional performance.
• Goals and Objectives– The child is expected to achieve specific, measurable goals within a year.
• Services and Supports– Details the special education services, accommodations, and modifications necessary for the child to succeed.
• Progress Monitoring– Methods for measuring the child’s progress toward goals.

The IEP Process

• Evaluation– A comprehensive evaluation by a team of professionals determines whether the child qualifies for special education services.
• Meeting– Parents, teachers, and specialists come together to develop the IEP.
• Implementation: The school is responsible for providing the services outlined in the IEP.
• Review– The IEP is reviewed annually to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan is designed for students who do not qualify for an IEP but still require accommodations to access the general education curriculum under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  This plan ensures that students with disabilities receive the necessary support to succeed in school.

Key Components of a 504 Plan

• Accommodations– These may include extra time on tests, preferential seating, or modified assignments.
• Services– While not as extensive as an IEP, a 504 Plan can include services like counseling or speech therapy.
• Goals– Unlike an IEP, a 504 Plan typically does not include formal educational goals.

The 504 Plan Process

• Request for Evaluation– Parents can request an evaluation to determine eligibility for a 504 Plan.
• Development of the Plan– A team, including parents and school staff, collaborates to develop the plan based on the child’s needs.
• Implementation and Monitoring– The school ensures that accommodations are provided and the plan is reviewed periodically.

Advocacy Tips for Parents

Our family has had great experiences with preschool, elementary, middle, and high schools. We've had teachers who love our children and who have done everything to support them and their learning differences. However, we know that isn’t the case for everyone. Look at any meme about Special Education and IEP or 504 meetings, and it likens it to going to war. 

As I mentioned, we've had it all: Early Childhood Intervention, IEPs, and 504s. In the 15 years we've dealt with these services, we have only encountered a couple of teachers who didn’t provide accommodations or understand what was expected of them. When this happens, you must proactively communicate with the teacher, the learning team, and the administration. 

If your child has learning differences, you have to be an advocate for them. You have to go to bat for them repeatedly and teach them to advocate for themselves. Navigating the IEP and 504 Plan processes can be complex, but here are some strategies to help you advocate effectively for your child:

• Educate yourself- Understand your child’s rights and the specific laws governing special education.
• Build relationships– Establish positive relationships with teachers and school staff. Open communication can facilitate collaboration.
• Document everything– Keep detailed records of meetings, communications, and evaluations. This will help you track progress and refer back to specific agreements.
• Involve your child– Encourage your child to express their needs and preferences. Their input can be valuable in developing effective plans.
• Seek support- Don’t hesitate to contact advocacy groups or professionals who can provide guidance and resources.

Conclusion

Having a child with a learning difference can indeed be challenging. Your child may have accommodations, or special tutors, or have to navigate tricky social situations. Despite the challenges that come with having a neurodiverse child, it's also such a gift. My kids look at the world in amazing and unique ways.

Kids with learning differences are the same as other kids – they are smart, they are funny, they are jocks, they are artists, they are creators, they are all of the above and much, much more. They aren't just one thing. They just need help getting the information in different ways and need a level playing field.

Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans can empower you to advocate for the support your child needs. Being informed and proactive can help ensure your child receives a quality education tailored to their unique abilities. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many resources and communities are available to support families navigating the world of learning disabilities.

If you are lucky enough to be a parent of a kid who thinks differently, try to find ways to let them shine. Find out how they learn, what they love, and what inspires them. And then hold on tight, and be prepared to have your mind blown by what they can do.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Veja/Shutterstock.com.