How to Help Someone With Learning Disabilities

Did you know 61 million people in the US have a disability? Learning disabilities can impact a person’s ability to find a job, and form healthy relationships.

As a friend or relative, learn how to support your loved one. If you’d like to learn more, keep reading.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to help someone with learning disabilities. Empower yourself with knowledge about learning disabilities, and different learning styles.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading.

Educational Opportunities

You will want to learn how to become an advocate for your child’s or friend’s education. Today, there are many budget cuts and poorly funded schools.

Does your child have a demonstrable educational need? The school must create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) by law. The IEP should provide educational benefits.

Spend time researching the special education laws. Ask your child’s school secretary about the guidelines for the available services. Your child might be able to gain some support or accommodation.

It’s helpful to understand how to navigate the educational system. You can provide further support to other family members or friends who need advice.

How to Communicate With Educational Professionals

You might find it challenging to step into an advocate’s role. Parents need excellent negotiation and communication skills. This way, you can defend your child’s rights.

Write down what you would like to accomplish in an upcoming meeting. Use active listening when school officials explain themselves. Ask questions for clarification.

You might also want to share some potential solutions. Spend time researching what other schools do for children.

You’ll want to stay focused on your goal during the initial meeting. The school system has to manage a large population of different students. During your session, bring the topic back to your child and their needs.

What Are the Limitations?

Understand your child’s school and how they can help. Parents will make the mistake of not asking about the school’s limitations first. Don’t invest all your time in a solution that the school might not be able to use.

Limited funding and regulations will affect the accommodations your child receives.

How Does Your Relative or Friend Learn?

Each person has a unique learning style, whether they have a learning disability or not.

Try to identify your child’s main learning style. Do you know if they are a kinesthetic learner, auditory learner, or a visual learner? Take the appropriate steps to ensure the learning’s reinforced.

If your child is a visual learner, it’s easy for them to take in new information when they read it instead of hearing it. They will also benefit from written directions, maps, charts, and notes.

An auditory learner will perform best when they get to listen to the teacher. They will also learn best when participating in study groups or classroom discussions.

Encourage your child to meet up with classmates to study before a test.

Other pupils will learn best when they move around or do things. They perform better when exploring, touching, transferring, or creating something.

Try to organize props, skits, field trips on the weekend, or on-hand activities. Your child might also love drama, sports, martial arts, or crafts.

Supporting the Job Hunt

Later on in life, you might need to help your child navigate the job hunt.

Understanding your loved one’s learning style will help you support them during the job search. You can help your friend or relative narrow down potential job opportunities that suit their skill sets.

Begin brainstorming what your loved one prefers to do with their spare time. Do they have a passion for writing, drawing, or reading? Your loved one might love numbers, and prefer to work alone or remotely.

Help your friend or relative brainstorm potential career opportunities. Together, you can find something that will suit their skills and interests.

Routine Is Crucial

People with learning disabilities will often benefit from routine. Without a routine, the person might feel anxious or uncertain about their future. For people living with disabilities, routine is critical.

Help your loved one by establishing clear routines.

Provide Personal Support

Caring for a loved one with any disability often involves helping them with personal care.

You might offer assistance with eating, cleaning the home, or picking up groceries. Make sure you always provide help in a way that makes your loved one feel respected.

Engage in New Activities

Ask your relative or friend if they want to explore a new hobby or interest. Go to a local art workshop, and meet other like-minded individuals.

Your loved one might even meet someone special. Building a healthy social network is part of living a fulfilling life. Most people today complain about feeling lonely. It’s not easy to make friends as an adult.

Yet, you can usually begin building a network by joining a local interest group or club.

Help your loved one when they enter the dating world. You can support them by being there and listening to their experience. Share helpful advice about how to set boundaries.