It’s never easy being the parent of young children as you are still learning about the different developmental ages and stages each will go through. You might see other children who are speaking at an early age or even those who are physically more adept at running or jumping. As a result, you may struggle to understand what is perceived as normal, especially when your child might be showing limited language skills or exhibiting other types of delayed or impulsive behavior. Early identification of reading difficulties is especially important because it allows for timely support, which can help your child succeed later in school.
What’s important to understand is that unlike the past where people were hesitant to acknowledge any kind of learning or thinking differences, society as a whole is now much more open to mainstream conversations and acceptance of people who are neurodivergent. This can include being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), autism and dyslexia. Today, even celebrities are coming forward to share how they have taken the fact that their brains work a bit differently and instead use it as their super power.
“70 million people in the United States have learning and thinking differences like dyslexia and ADHD” – Understood.org
Where to Begin
Leaning and thinking differences may first appear when your child is a pre-schooler and is asked to participate in planned, teacher led activities. At each of our six Harbor Child Care locations, our teachers are trained to work with parents when any atypical learning is observed. Teacher-to-child observations are recorded each day, so this is a good first step in finding out whether your child’s development is on course. We also offer parent/teacher conferences and detailed yearly child assessments. When teachers and parents work together to observe and compare a child’s behavior at home vs. in the classroom, important cues can be picked up even faster and appropriate action taken. If any issue is identified, we can work with you to set up a special action plan to address the interests and needs of your child.
What’s Next
If you suspect something is amiss with your child or if you just want reassurance that your child’s learning is on track, make an appointment with your pediatrician. There are certain tests that can be done with very young children to help gauge whether there is simply a typical development delay or if there is a condition that should be addressed. It’s important to keep in mind that the sooner you seek assistance for your child, the earlier steps can be taken to maximize their ability to succeed.
Make Adjustments
There are many things you can do in your home to help your child. It may be something as simple as changing the type of lighting or bedding you use, adding toys that are more in tune with your child’s special interests or needs or even designating a quiet area where your child can go when they are feeling overwhelmed.
Keep in mind when attending playdates or birthday parties that the noise or planned activities may affect your child and how they react to the situation. Communicate early and often with your child so they know what to expect in advance.
Parent Resources
Understood is the leading nonprofit empowering the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences in the United States. They offer a host of resources for both parents and children so that no one ever has to feel alone. Their resources are free and easy to access so that everyone can get the support they deserve.
Everyone Gets a Juice Box: Podcast For Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
“Journalist and radio host Jessica Shaw is swapping celebrity interviews for a whole new beat: parenting kids who learn and think differently. As a mom of two, she knows the chaos, victories, and everyday struggles that come with the territory.
Everyone Gets a Juice Box is a space for parents to laugh, vent, celebrate wins, and tackle the messy realities of neurodiverse parenting. We share the tea, the struggles, and, of course…the juice.”
Get the Understood App
A free Behavior Tracker for parents to manage outbursts and big emotions of kids with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia.
Get personalized insights and tips, and learn techniques developed by psychologists to improve your
child’s behavior over time — all at your own pace.
At Harbor Child Care we always want all of our students to be the best they can be. Contact us today at one of our six locations to discuss how we can best help you to navigate this important journey that you and your child are on together.
