Q: My son is in the fifth grade and has a Learning Disability in reading and writing. He goes to the resource room to get extra help with his schoolwork everyday. Recently he started calling himself dumb, and his teacher commented that he’s been unmotivated. It breaks my heart to hear him talk about himself so negatively. When I told him the other night how smart I think he is, he plugged both ears with pencils and said, “I can’t hear you.” Do you have any recommendations?
A: Children with learning differences often have a history of academic failure and may tend to think of themselves as less intelligent than others. This can result in a negative attitude towards themselves and school. When children with learning differences are placed in special classes, or are pulled out of the classroom for remediation, they often believe that they are different. Most people aren’t aware that individuals with learning disabilities have at least average intelligence. It’s imperative that your son have his specific learning style explained to him by a professional, his teacher or you. I believe that if your son can understand his learning disability, and realize that he has the power to achieve academically, his attitude will become more positive. Understanding will also help him realize that he’s as intelligent as his peers. Remember LD really means Learning Differently—not Learning Disability.
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