How to Address a Child's Learning Disability for the First Time

Dr. Nekeshia Hammond
Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A.
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When parents first suspect their child has a specific learning disorder, it is very common to have questions and be fearful of the outcome. Yet, it is imperative for parents to have their child complete a comprehensive psychological evaluation, including educational testing. The reality is, many conditions "look like" a learning disability, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, Gifted abilities, etc. It is vital to assess if there are any reading, math, and/or writing disabilities, as well as any other condition that may be impacting learning. Once a parent receives the appropriate assessment and knows better what is going on with their child, at that point they can work on getting the necessary modifications in a school setting. As a psychologist, I have heard from numerous families how much of a positive difference putting specific changes in place in an academic environment can change the life of a child.