Learning Disabilities

Some parents, especially if they have LD themselves, know a lot about how children with LD learn. If their child is learning disabled, they may keep their child out of school for the first few grades and teach the child at home. They want to be sure that their child learns to read and is not teased by other children for being slow to learn.

One drawback to home schooling can be lack of contact with peers. For a student with LD who has problems socially, the transition from home schooling may be very hard. An active social life is important for all children and teens, but those with a learning disability may have more trouble than most finding and keeping friends. You can see chapter five, Friends and Feelings, for more information about these subjects.

Students who are home schooled may also not learn organizational skills. They do not learn to deal with such things as negotiating a large lunchroom, opening a locker, or changing into gym clothes. Although there are drawbacks to home schooling, there are advantages as well. Teachers, parents, and experts on education often debate the value of home schooling. However, almost all agree that if a student is home schooled, the transition from home schooling to organized education must be made very carefully. This is especially true if the student has a learning disability.