Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Learning disabilities are probably more common than you'd think, occurring in approximately 4% of the population. They're even recognized by federal law in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. Generally characterized by underachievement in school, learning disabilities are believed to be due to a central nervous system problem, says the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities.

If you have an adolescent child with a learning disability, you need to teach her to advocate for herself. It's critical that kids understand their disabilities, recognize what types of tasks and activities are going to be more difficult for them, and have strategies to cope with these situations.

They also need to learn how to stand up for themselves with teachers and others. For example, a learning-disabled student who requires more time on tests should be taught how to approach a teacher and ask for extra time when the teacher hasn't provided it. Additionally, she should know who to talk to at school or at home if the teacher doesn't respond to her request (the important part being that she brought it up first).

You also need to help your child plan for the future. In schools, it's legally mandated that the special education team engage in "transition planning" to ensure that the adolescent student has the skills and resources to meet the next stages of life. You and your teen should engage in this process at home as well. Find out what your child wants to do after high school -- most colleges and universities have student disability services to provide resources and accommodations for students with learning disabilities (for example, note takers and books on tape).

You can help arrange visits to different job sites and encourage summer employment; it will help her learn to manage her finances. While these activities are helpful for all adolescents, they are particularly important for those with learning disabilities.