Is it healthy for children to be told they have a learning disorder?

Question

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as long as the child's needs are taken care of, do you think its healthy or nessessary to tell them they have a learning disability? For their self esteem and self image I mean, or in what way as a parent should you explain it to them so they will understand and know that they are still just as good as anybody else?

Answer 1

the child should be told that they learn in a different way for sure. Choose the words you use so the condition is not seen as negative. Maybe explain that lots of other kids are in the same situation so he/she doesn't see it as a stigma. Many children can be very sensitive about being 'different'. Always reassure your child constantly that, no matter what, you love them for whho they are

Answer 2

Well it is my opinion that it really depends on the severity of the disability. If the child is going to be in school with other gifted children or if they will be main streamed.

Reality is that the child will figure out on their own that they are different if they are in school with kids without disabilities that is just reality.

If they are not aware of a medical reason they often think they are dumb and become very negative about them selves I know this because I have a son that had some problems but they weren't severe enough to put him in special ed. I made the mistake of keeping it from him because I didn't want him to think he was different than the other kids.

In reality I caused him much more pain in the long run.

yes he graduated but even at 20 years old he still shows signs of low self esteem and he shows very little confidence in his ability.

Answer 3

This may sound rude or inconsiderate, but if this learning disorder is well documented and are 100 percent sure it exists, it may actually help the child be more sucessful. How many times do you fail before you give up. At least knowing why you fail and what goals are within your reach can help you build first, then reach for those that may be slightly or even greatly above your means. Personally I think it's much more damaging to think they are as good as everyone else, and continiously not meet up to those expectations. That's the real self-esteem killer, then you man not even try to meet up to your attainable goals either.

Answer 4

For you to tell your child this information would just imply to the child that you don't expect him/her to be any better, so just give-up and don't waste anymore time trying to learn...it won't make any difference.
Of all the people in this child's life, the parents MUST always give positive support and encouragement. This gives the child more incentive and self-esteem than anything else you could do to help them.

Answer 5

There really isn't such a thing as a learning disorder. These are children who do not learn in a "normal" capacity. Society has chosen a way to teach, and any child that doesn't learn in that style is labled as having a learning disorder. The child should be worked with to find what style s/he need to learn effectively, and use that through their education.

Answer 6

The faster you tell them, the easier you feel about being guilty. A child should not be down about the fact that he/she has a learning disorder. He/she should learn how to face it, and not feel bad when picked, and explore. A parent's job as well as looking up to the child's need is to encourage the child in any way that they can/could.

Answer 7

We struggle with that, my child has what is considered a large speech development delay, and we still are unsure if there is a underlying cause. That said we tell all other children including our own nothing, if they ask why he doesnt talk much...we say he likes to think alot. I dont want him to be talkeddown to because he is completly capable of understanding & picks up new words as well. I dont know if a child needs to be told they are unable to achive or it will be harder for them to, we think it is best for them to try their best & always praise their efforts. But I think it is a personal choice every parent in the situation needs to make for themsleves.

Answer 8

I think it truely depends on if the child is aware that they may be having a more difficult time in learning. If the child isn't aware of it, then there really isn't a reason to cause this little one stress and worry. But if they are starting to notice that they are a little different than their classmates, then it might be beneficial to explain to them that their struggles are not their fault and part of the learning disorder.

Answer 9

Depends on the child. You don't want to hide the fact that they are different or they will be blindsided when they get into school. For some children, it can work as a motivator for them to try to prove you wrong and push through the tough parts. We all learn from our differences and they make us better people in the end.

Answer 10

It depends on the age and severity of the illness. If it's one where the child is going to not live very long, I say no. Let them live their life happily for what time they have. If not, then tell them when they're old enough to understand. Don't hide it or seem ashamed of it, because then they're picking up that they aren't good enough and you're embaressed of them. Reaffirm that they are just as good as any other child and you love them no matter what