Understanding and Supporting Learning Differences: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
It’s hard to find two kids who learn the same way. Some children breeze through reading assignments but struggle with math, while others can’t sit still long enough to finish a worksheet. If you’re a parent or teacher noticing some unique learning behaviors and wondering how best to support them, you’re in the right place. Today, let’s dive into learning differences—what they are, how they impact kids, and what you can do to help.
What Are Learning Differences?
"Learning differences" is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of conditions affecting how a child processes information. These might include learning disabilities like dyslexia (difficulty with reading), dyscalculia (challenges with math), ADHD (difficulty with attention and impulse control), and executive functioning issues, which affect organization, time management, and self-regulation.
While each of these differences brings unique challenges, they also come with distinct strengths. For example, children with ADHD often exhibit creativity and curiosity. Kids with dyslexia might have incredible spatial reasoning or excel in hands-on tasks. Recognizing these strengths is as important as understanding their challenges.
How Learning Differences Manifest in the Classroom and at Home
Learning differences can be subtle or more apparent, and they’re often misunderstood. Here are some ways they might show up:
Trouble following multi-step directions: A child with dyslexia may struggle with written instructions, or a child with ADHD might lose track halfway through.
Difficulty staying on task: Kids with ADHD can be easily distracted, which may look like “daydreaming” or “not trying hard enough.”
Challenges with reading and spelling: Dyslexia often presents itself through struggles with letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and fluency.
Math difficulties: Kids with dyscalculia may struggle with number sense, sequencing, and arithmetic.
Organizational struggles: Children with executive functioning issues may have a hard time keeping track of assignments, managing time, and following routines.
As a school psychologist, I’ve seen children whose learning styles completely baffled their parents and teachers until we dug a little deeper. A student I once worked with, “Lucy,” had trouble finishing class assignments and often appeared distracted. After a psychoeducational evaluation, we found she had ADHD. Once we knew her strengths and challenges, her teachers and parents collaborated to make minor adjustments that transformed her classroom experience.
Supporting Learning Differences at Home and in School
Once you’ve identified your child’s unique learning needs, here’s how to create a supportive environment:
Celebrate Strengths and Interests Every child wants to feel capable. Find ways to bring their strengths into their day-to-day experiences. If your child has ADHD but loves art, encourage doodling or drawing while learning new material. When we highlight their natural talents, kids build confidence, resilience, and a more positive relationship with learning.
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps Breaking down tasks makes learning feel less overwhelming, especially for kids who struggle with executive functioning. For example, if you ask a child to “write a paragraph,” they may feel overwhelmed. Instead, break it down into steps: brainstorm ideas, create an outline, write the first sentence, and so on.
Provide Visual Supports Visuals are excellent for kids with learning differences. Use graphic organizers for writing assignments, color-coded binders for different subjects, or visual schedules to help kids know what’s coming next. For many, seeing information visually is a game-changer.
Use Multi-Sensory Learning Techniques Multi-sensory approaches engage multiple senses at once—think touching, seeing, and hearing, which can make learning more accessible. If a child struggles with reading, try pairing the text with audiobooks, allowing them to see and hear the words simultaneously. Or, for math, try using manipulatives to help them visualize the problem.
Create a Structured and Predictable Environment Kids with ADHD, dyslexia, or executive functioning challenges often thrive with routine. Establish predictable patterns, so they know what to expect. At school, this might mean clear instructions and consistent classroom routines. At home, routines around homework, playtime, and bedtime help build a sense of stability.
Incorporate Movement and Breaks Children with ADHD or high energy levels benefit from movement. Schedule frequent breaks, use a “sensory corner” if possible, and allow them to stand or use a “wiggle seat” during class or homework time. It’s okay to allow movement; often, these small changes boost their focus and comfort.
When to Seek Additional Support
It’s natural for parents and teachers to have questions or concerns about a child’s learning style. If you’re seeing consistent struggles despite providing support, it may be time to consider a psychoeducational evaluation. This evaluation can provide clarity, outlining any learning or attentional differences and recommending specific strategies to help.
Additionally, support from a specialist—like a reading tutor, occupational therapist, or behavioral therapist—can be incredibly helpful. Remember, identifying a learning difference doesn’t mean a child can’t achieve; it simply means they need support that aligns with their individual needs.
Encouraging Self-Advocacy and Resilience
As children grow, it’s essential for them to understand their own learning style. Self-awareness empowers kids, helping them learn to advocate for their needs. For instance, a student with ADHD can learn to tell their teacher, “I need to take a quick break to refocus,” or a student with dyslexia can request accommodations, like extended time for assignments.
Self-advocacy also builds resilience. When kids understand that challenges are part of learning, they’re more likely to persist and feel capable. So, have open conversations with them about their strengths and challenges. When they know you’re on their team, they’re more likely to develop a growth mindset, which helps them tackle obstacles throughout life.
Resources for Further Support
There’s a wealth of resources available for parents and teachers seeking to understand and support learning differences. Here are a few excellent online resources:
Understood.org: Offers resources for learning and attention issues. Understood
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA): Provides information on learning disabilities. LDA America
ADDitude Magazine: A resource for ADHD and related conditions. ADDitude
Child Mind Institute: Offers guidance on children's mental health and learning disorders. Child Mind Institute
Recommended Books and Tools
To further your understanding or find practical tools, here are some helpful books and resources:
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson: A parent-friendly guide on how brain development impacts behavior and learning.
Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare: A resource on supporting children with executive functioning challenges.
Taking Charge of ADHD by Russell Barkley: Comprehensive guidance for parents of children with ADHD.
The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan by Ben Foss: A personal and practical guide for parents of children with dyslexia.
Sensory Tools: Fidget spinners, chewable necklaces, and noise-canceling headphones can help kids with sensory needs stay focused.
Educational Apps: Tools like “Reading Eggs” and “DragonBox Math” can make learning engaging for kids who struggle with traditional methods.
Final Thoughts
Supporting learning differences is a journey, but with understanding, patience, and the right tools, every child can achieve their full potential. Remember, learning differences don’t define a child’s future—they’re just one part of a much larger picture. By focusing on their strengths and adapting to their needs, you’re giving them the best gift of all: the confidence to learn in their own way.
Note: This blog post was thoughtfully crafted with the help of AI tools and fine-tuned by me, Dr. Burger, at the Student Evaluation Center, to ensure it meets your needs as a parent. While it’s full of insights, it’s always a good idea to reach out for personalized advice if you have specific concerns.
