Learning disabilities

On Monday I will be going to a preliminary appointment with a psychologist as the first step in having Mustang tested for learning disabilities.

I am by now convinced that she is, indeed, affected by learning disabilities. But we will need the psychological assessment to “prove” it. (Of course, I could be wrong, but I doubt it.)

In the past week or so I have done some more research into learning disabilities and their manifestations. The more I read, the more certain I am. So much of what I see is 100% Mustang. (Not all, but enough.)

She has experienced great difficulty in learning to read. Not uncommon, I know, but it is the nature and especially the persistence of her difficulties that has led to concern. While her reading has improved remarkably, and she can now read simple texts without assistance, she still has great difficulty in decoding new words, and in spelling.

On the other hand, she is a great talker. I remember last Christmas, we were reading Christmas stories and she wanted to tell the Christmas story. She proceeded to do so in great detail, right from the annunciation to the flight to Egypt! (I was duly impressed.)

Math has also been a challenge. Again, not uncommon, but again the degree and persistence of the challenge lead to concern.

On the other hand, she has great knowledge in many areas. Especially about animals (horses!!!), bugs, flowers, and so on. She loves being read to and remembers much of what is read to her. She also loves having stories told to her. (Most times, the instant we get into the car I hear “Mommy, can you tell a story?” She wants stories about animals with NO PEOPLE. And frequently animals having babies.) We also enjoy watching nature and other informational videos and she gains much knowledge from these. (I generally limit movie-watching to once a week but may make an exception for a learning video.)

Her marks in school reflect this. She does quite well in “knowledge” and creative areas (art, drama, social studies, science, health, phys ed) and less well in the academic areas (language and math). But as she moves forward in school, success in the “knowledge” areas is going to depend more and more on her capabilities in the academic areas, as the former begin to draw more heavily on reading and math skills.

Though Mustang generally enjoys school, she is definitely aware that other kids seem to catch on better and more easily than she does. And she is beginning to be more and more aware of some of the ways in which she finds it hard to control her behaviour (impulsivity). It is at time like this, when she expresses self-doubt, insecurity, and sorrow at having a brain that is “wired differently,” that my heart breaks.

My hope is that, if learning disabilities can be identified and accommodations put into place to enable her to succeed despite them, she will not become discouraged or disheartened at the academic challenges she faces. I want her to succeed in school and to enjoy school. And above all, I want her to succeed as a person and be happy, confident, and sure of her own worth and value.

So far, most of what I’ve found on-line relates to defining learning disabilities and their manifestations. I have yet to find much on how to deal with them. That’s what the psychologist’s report, hopefully, will help to identify: what different methods can be used in school and at home that will help Mustang to learn better.

I ask you to pray that this process will be fruitful, and that Mustang will learn to cope well with whatever challenges she faces.

Addenda
Definition of learning disabilities
Understanding learning disabilities
Some common signs of learning disabilities
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada