Helping At Home
Learning disabilities can have a large impact on a person's home-life as well. Social difficulties, hyperactivity, disorganisation and communication-issues can all affect a family, as can the stress that people bring home when their days at work or school are difficult. Additionally, having one member of a family who requires more help can leave other siblings feeling ignored; and having a child who struggles is a stressor on any marriage.
In order for families to weather these issues, the first step is ensuring that all members understand and recognize the effects of LDs/ADHD. Speaking openly (and courteously) about the issues, rather than pretending they are not there, can go a long way to decreasing a family's stress.
Family counselling is an option worth exploring. When all members are equally stressed, having an outsider guide discussions may be the best option. It is important to remember that all members of a family are affected by the struggles of a single member, and so the stress of all members must be considered. When a family can work through hard times in a healthy, productive way, they can forge an even deeper bond.
Families can also do much to help with developing solid and effective compensatory strategies, since they know the person with LDs best. Group problem-solving around compensation can help a family member feel supported and confident, giving him or her more confidence to try the compensations at school. It also allows the person with the LDs the chance to practice their skills and strategies in a safe environment.
For more information on topics related to this page please see the list below.
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Youth Workshop Series: Self-Advocacy for Youth
Youth Workshop Series: Learning Styles for Youth
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Ontario Skills Passport has New Features
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Expectations: A Delicate Balance
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LDAO Stay in School Poster - french version
Help Yourself: How to take advantage of your learning styles
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Youth Workshop Series: Self-Advocacy for Youth
Youth Workshop Series: Learning Styles for Youth
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Other Resources about Parenting
Courses
Parent Workshop Series: Setting Up Your Child For Success
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University of Ottawa Research Project - Announcement
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Building a Positive Parent-Teacher Relationship
How Do I Find the Right Camp for My Child?
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Expectations: A Delicate Balance
Helping Children Leave the Nest
Helping Young Children with Learning Disabilities at Home
Principles for Learning To Read
The Role of the Occupational Therapist in Schools
Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
What Are Nonverbal Learning Disabilities?
Why Do Some Children Have Difficulty Learning To Read?
Written Expressive Difficulties in Children: Suggestions For Teachers
A Parent's Guide to the IPRC and IEP
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Richard Lavoie: How Difficult Can This Be? F.A.T. City--A Learning Disabilities Workshop
Tip Sheets for Parents about Education
Bridging the Gap: Raising a Child with Nonverbal Learning Disorder
Educating our Children: The Guide to Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening Activities
Other Resources about Children
Articles
Written Expressive Difficulties in Children: Suggestions For Teachers
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