What to Do If Your Child Learns Differently
Kids learn differently. Our education system is not set up for everyone’s success because it caters to old norms, philosophies, and has catered to a specific demographic that are changing and not always representative. Although school systems are evolving, it is often hard to keep up with the times at a pace that meets kids current needs. Don’t feel disheartened!
There are plenty of resources that can support you and your family. I often hear that it can be overwhelming to sort through all that you hear sometimes, so what I recommend to parents is the following:
First, take a deep breath - you’re doing great!
Even just identifying a problem or need is the first step to moving forward on the journey, and yes, it is a journey. But, that is okay, and there are steps to move forward in alignment with what matters to you.
Secondly, there are a lot of options, and you also know your kid the best.
It can be overwhelming to research all the things that you could be doing, speak to all the parents who are going through the same thing, and compare which providers might help. Trust your intuition and trusted sources to inform you. I often recommend seeing a pediatrician first to get a holistic picture, and then seeking a referral for a neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosis to get a more detailed overview of your child’s strengths and areas of growth. They also provide an official diagnosis if that is what you are looking for, which may help in clarity and direction. Some families choose not to go the diagnosis route for other reasons. It is up to what makes most sense for your child and family.
Lastly, choose what feels like it resonates with you.
You can speak to your pediatrician for referrals if that feels right. Also, based on your intuition and what you see in your child, you can take the next best steps forward based on the area that needs the most support (see below for some insight). Sometimes there are massive waitlists for providers, and it’s easier to see one type of provider in the interim based on availability and immediate needs. It’s important to remember that it will all work out and consistent progress and timing is key.
Here are some key providers that could help:
Emotional: mental health therapists or specialized coaches
Physical: neuropsychologists, or clinical psychologists specializing in diagnosis
Daily skills: speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or specialized coach
For a quick reference freebie, here is a link to Our Providers that Can Help. These are just some tips to help you on your path with clarity, however, your individual journey may look different. It’s always important to discuss with a healthcare provider before deciding on steps to move forward.
To your educational success and more,