Dyslexia. Autism and ADHD: A Learning Battle For Life

It’s a maze, it’s a no-win situation, which path is best for my child? am I being overprotective? am I fulfilling my child’s needs? Some parents cope well with learning disorders, while others struggle. It’s actually a challenge every day for parents to handle tasks and ensure their child is getting adequate, emotional and mental support at home as well as school.

The disorder may progress to adulthood, developing emotional or physical symptoms. Acceptance of the disorder is important both for the parent and the child. The child should respond and understand their condition. As a parent, identifying your child’s strengths and focusing on areas for improvement at home always helps.

Parents coping with learning disorders

Don’t take things lightly! Don’t be under the impression “kids are like that.” Never leave the disorder untreated! If you notice your child’s sudden behavioural changes, for instance, they are anxious, isolating, losing focus and becoming aggressive, please seek medical or professional help. There is a wide range of support groups, not just through healthcare trusts, but education too.

ADHD and autism are classified as major mental health disorders worldwide and are thereby deeply connected. Healthcare industries need a large scale of medical professionals, such as mental health teams, counsellors, and psychiatrists, to improve the child’s learning disability. 

Therapies for learning disorders

Psychotherapy

Occupational Therapy 

Special Education 

1. Psychotherapy or Speech Therapy 

Psychotherapists help to identify emotions, thoughts and behaviour through different therapies from counselling to group sessions. Medical professionals will guide you and carry out an action plan for your disability needs and set a daily routine. 

2. Occupational therapy

Occupational therapists help with physical, sensory and cognitive difficulties. Engaging in hands-on life skills, including:

Fine motor skills (handwriting) 

Craftwork- using recycled waste/material

Using Lego to build objects

Baking skills

This therapy helps with coordination and concentration skills needed on a daily basis at home, school or workplace.

3. Special Education 

Educationally, in some parts of the world, both private and public schools have a SEN department (special education needs) where a child can seek help with their learning on a one-to-one basis or in peer groups. Assessments are carried out and mentors provide support according to the individual’s needs. Help with dyslexic students has been applied in schools over the past years, where reading and homework clubs are introduced, promoting a positive and impactful learning curve.

Alternatively, there are specialised schools and home tutoring where private tutors offer support through interactive learning and using their strategies, making learning fun

Did u know?

 Recent news in India showed that a student suffering from learning disorders, facing severe difficulties in academics, had scored a staggering 97% in her grade 10 CBSE’s.

As rates of autism continue to rise in childhood, at a clinical level, an increased number of patients with co-occurring ADHD in adulthood need to have access to support programs for autism.

Learning disorders are a battle for life. Through testing of drugs and the right therapies, mental health disorders are now well managed.

Takeaway: 

Many people have reached great heights with their education and career by receiving relevant aids and overcoming their fears. Famous artists Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, mathematician and scientists Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, to name a few.

Every day is a new day for your child, not a piece of cake for them. They need to know you are there through easy, yet tough times. Your biggest support therapy is unmatched by any other therapy. A new hope can give your child the best start to their future.

Unravel the Puzzle 

Here’s your chance to unleash your Sherlock Holmes. Put your thinking caps on and decode the message to reveal a famous quote. Hint: move the alphabet letter 2 letters forward, for instance, Y becomes A

JMEGA UGJJ ECR WMS DPMK Y RM Z 

GKYEGLYRGML UGJJ RYIC WMS CTCPWTFCPE

- YJZCPR CGLQRCGL