ABC's and 123's:

Raising a child is no easy task. Every child develops at their own pace, and figuring out what is typical can be challenging, especially for first-time parents. So how can parents know if their child is developing at a typical pace? While it’s not always straightforward, there are some strategies parents can use to understand what to look for and how to support their child’s unique learning journey. 

Identifying Early Signs of Learning Disabilities 

Learning disabilities can manifest in various ways, and each child may experience them differently. The most common type of learning disability is related to reading. Parents should be vigilant for signs such as persistent difficulties in recognizing letters and vocabulary despite regular practice. If a child continues to struggle with these foundational skills or has trouble rhyming and sounding out words, it may be time to consult a specialist. 
 
Similarly, learning disabilities can also show up in a child’s writing and math skills. Children with writing disabilities might have handwriting that‘s more difficult than normal to read, frequently omit words or letters from sentences, or struggle to hold a pencil properly. In math, a learning disability might look like difficulties with counting, memorizing basic arithmetic, or connecting numbers to the corresponding number of objects. 

If you’re unsure or concerned about your child’s learning trajectory, the best thing you can do for them is maintain annual pediatric checkups to make sure a professional is keeping track of their development. Supports for children ages 0-3 like Help Me Grow are also a great way to ensure your child has the best possible start from the very beginning! 

Supporting a Child with a Learning Disability 

As a parent, discovering that your child has a learning disability can be overwhelming, but there is plenty you can do to help your child learn in their own unique way. First and foremost, trust yourself! You know your child better than anyone, so trust your instincts about what strategies are working. 
 
Practice is key. For younger children, engaging in playful learning activities can make a significant difference. Encourage your child to read street signs, spot letters in the grocery store, or participate in scavenger hunts for letters around the house. For older children, these activities can be modified to include sentences and books, helping them to develop more advanced reading skills. 

Seeking Professional Support 

For more structured guidance, visit Ohio Early Intervention‘s website. This website offers tools and referrals for caregivers of children under three who may have developmental delays or disabilities. The resources include professional tools for tracking age-appropriate milestones, along with access to organizations that support children with developmental challenges. 
 
Additionally, Ohio’s Help Me Grow program provides home-based assistance for families. In Action for Children’s own Help Me Grow home-visiting program, our professionals offer personalized support, including lesson plans, free materials, and one-on-one guidance. 
 
For further support, Action for Children offers Positive Parenting Workshops in Franklin and Licking Counties and the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) in Marion and Union Counties. These workshops provide valuable strategies for handling the challenges that come with raising a child with a learning disability. For more information about these programs, visit our website to fill out a Connect Form! 

Parenting is a learning experience for everyone, especially when raising a child with unique needs. It’s crucial for parents to stay adaptable and patient. Remember to give yourself grace and take time for self-care when needed. Adjusting to your child’s needs can take time, and that’s okay! 

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Author: Shea McHugh, Advocacy Associate at Action for Children
Contributor: Marie Miller, SUTQ Program Coordinator at Action for Children

Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.