Page 155 - The Intentional Parent

reading level) is not consistent with his potential (since he has average intelligence, he should be doing third-grade work).
The second point necessary to understanding what a learning disability is has to do with the question: "What is it that my learning-disabled child can't do that causes him to perform lower than expected?" There are many types of learning disabilities. Some have to do with the systems of memory, attention, and concentration; some have to do with the way information is received or associated; and others involve the perception and understanding of language.
If there is a suspicion that your child has a learning disability, don't delay in having him or her checked out by a learning specialist. The place to begin is right at school. Services may be available to you at your school, free of charge, to help find out if your child has a learning disability. Next, it is important to get as much help as you canas early as possible. Learning disabilities are most successfully treated when they are treated early.
Please note that a learning disability has nothing to do with being mentally retarded. The great majority of learning-disabled kids have average to above-average intelligence. Many famous geniuses had learning disabilities: Albert Einstein is one example. Thomas Edison is another. (One of Thomas Edison's elementary-school teachers encouraged Mrs. Edison to take him out of school altogether because she said he was "feebleminded." It's a good thing Mrs. Edison didn't listen!) We have come a long way toward understanding the needs of children with learning disabilities, but we still have a long way to go. Be sure to read everything you can about learning disabilities, and by all means stay on top of your children's schoolwork.
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 155