Learning Disorders Management & Child Psychology

An estimated 5 percent to 10 percent of school age children have learning disabilities, according to the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Psychological and comprehensive assessment tests are methods used to determine the type and severity of learning disorders in children. The tests include developmental, attention, learning, cognitive, emotional and behavior specific assessment. The Kennedy Krieger Institute recommends fostering understanding and providing recommendations based on particular patient needs to maximize each child's potential for success in life. Including all of the individuals in the care of the patient is important; to comprise the parents, school and health care professionals in the management of learning disorders in a child.

Assessment

• To effectively manage learning disorders in children, a proper assessment is required. Formal testing is done to look at various factors in a child. Areas tested include academic and adaptive skills and behavior. Attention and intellectual functioning in a child is also a vital component of the assessment. Language, memory and learning skills will be tested as well as motor skills. Personality and emotional functioning give important information for the variables of effective management. A licensed professional performs the assessment tests in an office setting and prepares a written report for the parents.

Objectives

• Management of a child with learning problems requires team work with participation of the parents, teachers, psychologists and health care professionals. The psychological component of this includes the ability to identify a child of specific needs and understand the diagnosis and possess the teaching skills needed to suit the child. The psychological provider will need toa firm knowledge foundation of learning disorders, including autism, attention deficit disorder, learning disability, dyspraxia and dyslexia. The idea is to help children develop literacy and communication skills through effective management of the disorder.

Rights of a Child

• Three federal laws which protect the rights of children with learning disabilities: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws support the rights of a child to pursue and obtain free and appropriate public school education. A parent can request in writing for an evaluation to be done through the school system. The school can also request an evaluation; however, a parent must sign a waiver allowing the testing.

Family and Friends

• Learning disabilities affect all individuals associated with the child and impact the dynamics of family life. Management of the disorder requires guidance for the family through the plethora of information and options available. Family and friends can look to the therapist and family physician for recommendations for appropriate education opportunities available and any recommended medications when appropriate. Medications are used in learning disabilities that demonstrate symptoms, such as attention or anxiety problems. Seizures are also a symptom in which medication is helpful in treatment.

Treatment strategies

• Understanding how the brain is affected in relation to specific symptoms is the essence for correct treatment modalities for the child. Evaluating and selecting the appropriate treatment strategy for the specific learning disability plays a key role in how well the child will respond physically and psychologically. Educational intervention is the most common and widely used treatment for learning disabilities. While medications aid in alleviating symptoms, educational and psychological intervention is the key strategy proven effective through the years of research and strategy development.