Throughout October, special events and announcements will promote keener understanding of learning disabilities. Adults are challenged to learn one new thing about learning disabilities each day in October.

 A learning disability is a neurobiological difference affecting 10 to 15 percent of schoolchildren. A learning disability can negatively impact a person’s ability to read, listen, write, spell, calculate, organize, remember or pay attention.  Many students with LD struggle mightily with personal organization of school supplies, assignments and workspace. Compounding that struggle is an inability to manage one’s time. Consequently, these students rely inordinately upon an adult or tutor to help them progress successfully through their assignments and complete them on time. Distractibility also comes into play, with learners bouncing from task to task and rarely completing one worksheet or book before moving on to another. The child feels like he or she is “always behind” and unable to catch up.

Throughout the month, let’s be aware of the socio-emotional challenges which too many students with learning disabilities endure. Classroom frustrations and poor grades deflate our children, with many concluding inaccurately that they are not as intelligent as their peers. Impulsive and overly-active behaviors can lead to disciplinary concerns, with the child’s misbehaviors then receiving more attention than the academic needs. Anxiety and even a fear of school can develop; some students with learning challenges become truant. As a result of lowered self-esteem, the student may choose solitude over interaction with others his or her age. In response, adults must create and nurture opportunities when the child can feel personally and socially successful. Parents and teachers should partner in promoting communication which edifies the child and acknowledges his or her strengths and talents.

ANTHONY R. KEMPER
Head, The de Paul School