Laziness, Late Bloomer, or Learning Disability?
This is the question!
As parents, this question churns around in our mind over and over again. As we watch our child interact with others, work at their addition and multiplication facts, and attempt to sound out words in their favourite books. And so you wonder, “Why is this so hard for them?”
We know that our child has the ability, we see their zest for life, and we see the excitement on their face when they learn something new. But, when we present them with a workbook, the tears start to flow and arguments ensue.
We worry and we wonder…will our child ever catch up to their peers? Is it true that they will thrive once they’re ready?
Is my child just lazy?
Laziness – “the quality of being unwilling to work or use energy; idleness” (Oxford Dictionary)
Will they catch up eventually?
Late Bloomer – “a person whose talents or capabilities are not visible to others until later than usual.” (Wikipedia)
Do they have an actual learning disability?
Learning Disability – “refers to disorders that affect the acquisition, retention, understanding, organization or use of verbal and/or non-verbal information.” (ldao, 2001)
The process of learning affects how a person:
- Takes in information – Perceiving information through senses,
- Stores information – Processing and remembering information, and
- Uses information – Expressing information verbally or in writing.
It can look like laziness. It can look like a late bloomer, but perhaps there is a learning difference in the way your child takes in, stores or uses information.
In the following snippet from one of her workshops, Diane shares from her own personal experience as well as from the perspective of a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist.
Most importantly, Diane encourages parents and teachers that there is hope and help for their child that learns differently!
Here is a snippet:
