How do you tell your parents you think you have a learning disibility?

Answer 1

Rather than applying a label when you first bring it up, try stating the kind of problem you encounter:

• Mom, when a classmate has to read aloud from our English book, I can't keep up as I read it quietly to myself.
• Dad, kids at school laugh at me because I reverse numbers when I do math problems.
• Mom, no matter how hard I try, I don't understand what I read. I feel confused anytime we have a reading assignment.
• Dad, our teacher gave a pop quiz today in geography. I thought I had to name all the States, but I got all the questions wrong. Instead of naming the States, I was supposed to name States and their capital cities.

After you describe the specific problem you are having in school, ask for help to identify why you have this problem. Ask, "Could this be a learning disability?"

Many times, problems don't fit a true disability. For examples:

• Some kids forget to read directions, including ones at the top of a test. The solution may be as simple as reminding yourself to slow down and read instructions.
• Some kids get distracted because other students are disruptive or annoying. The solution might be to have your seat re-assigned.
• Some kids feel pressured to hurry and finish homework during school hours because they have after-school activities. Few people learn effectively when there's not enough time. A solution might be to cut back on after school activities to devote more time to homework.
• Many kids go to school tired. They stay up too late, then can't concentrate at school. Often, kids complain that subjects are "boring" when in fact, the kid is simply too tired to feel any interest. Bored is mistaken for apathy... and kids are accused of apathy when their brains are simply too tired to work. Simple solution: Add a couple hours of sleep. Kids need 8 to 12 hours of sleep, usually.
• Many kids go to school hungry. Lack of food means lack of nutrients the brain needs to function. Solution: Eat a small nutritious breakfast every day. If your family has financial problems so you aren't eating at home, confide in a teacher so they can help your family get the help you all need.

After discussing your problems, if you and your parents think you have a learning disability, see if you can talk to the school counselor. Always look for solutions to issues and don't give up on learning.