7 Things to Know About the 1 in 5 with Learning and Attention Issues

learningandattention187The term “learning and attention issues” covers a wide range of challenges kids may face in school, at home and in the community. It includes all children who are struggling — whether their issues have been formally identified or not. Learning and attention issues are brain-based difficulties, and they often run in families.

#1: One in five kids has a learning or attention issue. Chances are, you know a child with learning and attention issues.
#2: Learning and attention issues are brain-based difficulties that can cause kids to struggle in school, socially and with everyday skills. Dyslexia and ADHD are examples of common learning and attention issues.
#3: Having learning and attention issues doesn’t mean a child isn’t intelligent. In fact, many kids with learning and attention issues are very bright.
#4: It’s a myth that kids with learning and attention issues are “just being lazy.” While learning and attention issues may not be as visible as other health issues, they’re just as real.
#5: Some signs of learning and attention issues — like refusing to read aloud, having a consistently messy backpack or not wanting to go to school — can seem so commonplace that they’re easy to overlook. If parents are concerned, talking to their child’s teacher or doctor is a great first step.
#6: Kids learn in different ways and at different paces. It’s important to teach to each student’s individual strengths, skills and needs. This is true for all kids — not just kids with learning and attention issues.
#7: By setting high expectations for kids with learning and attention issues, and ensuring they have the right supports from parents, educators and the community, we can propel them to thrive in school and in life.

Excerpted from  “7 Things to Know About the 1 in 5 with Learning and Attention Issues,” an article by Understood on Reading Rockets. See the full article for more information on dyslexia, ADHD, advocacy and self-advocacy, and much more.

Reading Rockets is a national, non-profit multimedia literacy initiative that provides research-based strategies to teachers, parents, administrators, librarians, childcare providers, and anyone else involved in helping a young child become a strong, confident reader.

Understood is a non-profit organization that was formed to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. View the full list of articles from Understood on Reading Rockets website.

Source: Reading Rockets | 7 Things to Know About the 1 in 5 with Learning and Attention Issues, http://www.readingrockets.org/article/7-things-know-about-1-5-learning-and-attention-issues | Copyright © 2018 WETA Public Broadcasting

Have questions? CHC can help. To schedule an evaluation or to get advice about your child’s challenges, call or email a CHC Care Coordinator at 650.688.3625 or careteam@chconline.org

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