When a child works twice as hard and still falls behind, the effect is not only on marks. The Child Mind Institute notes that children with learning disabilities often feel frustrated, sad, anxious or embarrassed, and are more likely than other children to develop anxiety or depression. Supporting how a child feels is as important as supporting how they learn.
What it can look like
- Lowered self-esteem, and negative talk such as “I’m stupid”.
- Anxiety about school, especially in tests, reading aloud or written work.
- Dreading school, stomach aches or headaches on school mornings, or refusing to go.
- Avoiding homework, or giving up quickly.
- Anger, tears or withdrawing from friends.
How to help
- Listen first. Notice how your child talks about themselves, and listen without rushing to fix it. Then add context. For example, “Reading is hard for you right now, and that is a different thing from being not clever.”
- Explain their learning profile. Help your child understand how their brain learns differently, and give them words to describe their strengths and their challenges. A learning specialist can help you find language that suits your child’s age.
- Set small, achievable goals. Modest goals that your child can reach build confidence step by step. See how to write measurable IEP goals.
- Praise effort and strategy, not only results.
- Find strengths. Help your child to see themselves as more than their learning difficulty. A sport, an art, music, building or caring for animals can all become a source of pride.
- Look after yourself. Seeing a child struggle can bring back painful memories, or make parents feel guilty. That is common. Talk to someone you trust.
For teachers
- Correct mistakes privately, and avoid making a child read aloud if it distresses them.
- Give the child jobs and chances to shine in what they do well.
- Make adjustments feel normal, for example by offering audio or typing options to the whole class.
- Share good news with parents as well as problems.
When to ask for extra help
Talk to your child’s doctor, a psychologist or a school counsellor if sadness, worry or avoidance last for weeks, if sleep or appetite change, if your child withdraws from friends and things they used to enjoy, or if school refusal continues. A child who talks about wanting to hurt themselves, or about not wanting to live, needs help straight away: call Tele-MANAS, India’s free 24×7 mental health helpline, on 14416 or 1800-891-4416, or 112 in an emergency.
Sources
- Child Mind Institute, Supporting the emotional needs of kids with learning disabilities.
- Child Mind Institute, How to help kids with a learning disorder build confidence.
- Reading Rockets, Can you recommend a reading routine for parents with dyslexic children? (parents’ role in self-esteem).
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Tele-MANAS.
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice. If something here does not match your situation, please speak to a qualified professional.