Informing parent of a learning disability.

: How should I inform a parent that their child has been diagnosed as
: having a language learning disability? How can I tell them in a
: way that they will understand and not be offended etc.?
: Help!!!!!!!!!! I would assume that the parents know that some thing is wrong or they would not have agreed to testing. When you tell them just please be prepared to tell them what this means and what can be done to help thier child. I had an IEP meeting Tues. and the best part was the team had my childs help all mapped out for me which was a big relieve to me.Diane

: Did the parents agree to the testing? Then they’re aware that you’re looking for something. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that something was found.Parents don’t feel offended by these diagnoses. They feel concerned. I’m not sure there is a way to tell a caring parent that a child has a learning difference without the parent becoming concerned. Isn’t parental concern the right response?Is this child having trouble in school? If so, you could present the diagnosis as a opportunity to have learned more about the child’s learning style and also present the strategies that will used to now better teach this child based on what you now know.How should I inform a parent that their child has been diagnosed as
: having a language learning disability? How can I tell them in a
: way that they will understand and not be offended etc.?
: Help!!!!!!!!!!

It sounds like you are worried that someone is going to be angry?Sara and Diane are right- if the parents agreed to testing then they know that something is not running smoothly. However, knowing that and being confronted with the reality of what that something is are very different, and some parents- just because they are people who love their kids- get caught in the blame/anger thing. Truly though, this doesn’t happen often.What you need to do is make sure that you understand the test results and the academic implications of them. Most parents are understandably confused by what is in those reports. You need to unconfuse them. You also need to be able to provide a clear idea of what you will orchestrate to help their child and how it will work- and how it matches the recommendations etc. in the report. If you are prepared, then there should not be a problem. Just don’t be jargony- a parent isn’t obligated to understand what language based learning disability means- you are. Your job is to help them understand the terminology and the various facets of their child’s learning style and what sort of a plan will meet the child’s needs. Good luck:) Robin

: How should I inform a parent that their child has been diagnosed as
: having a language learning disability? How can I tell them in a
: way that they will understand and not be offended etc.?
: Help!!!!!!!!!! At the time of learning of a disability, it helps that the parents know that there is hope. Providing a solution or solutions at the time of informing a parent of a diagnosis it very helpful.

It can be difficult for a parent to learn their child has a learning disability, but there are ways to make the situation less stressful. First, a conference should be held with the parent/s and should include the regular classroom teacher, special education teacher and an administrator. Try to create a positive environment so that the parents do not feel they are being attacked or blamed. Explain the diagnosis to the parents as well as the special services provided to aid in the student’s education. Allow the parents time to ask questions and to express their feelings, concerns, or ideas they might have about the disability. Share success stories of other students and their families so the parents will see that they are not alone. Show a positive outlook for the child’s future. Discuss the role of special education if applicable and set a time to build an individual education plan.