October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, during which the U.S. Department of Education spotlights the 1 in 5 U.S. students with learning or attention deficits. Nearly 3 million students have been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, while another 6 million kids are diagnosed with ADHD.
While these students face challenges in a range of specific skills such as math, writing, and reading, they may also excel in a variety of other skills and talents. While some may struggle emotionally, financially, or socially, many will realize their goals. Several factors contribute to help achieve success, especially for those who have learning differences:
Self-Awareness. Educators attest that individuals learn differently. Individuals who gain confidence in their own ability to articulate and understand their learning differences, as well as how they learn best, possess invaluable tools by which they may attain their life goals.
Proactivity. Those who believe they have the power and skill to control or impact the outcome of their life are more likely to achieve success. Even those with learning differences can take leadership roles and self-advocate.
Perseverance. It is a powerful life lesson when one achieves success after prior failed attempts, perhaps more so for individuals overcoming deficits imposed by learning differences. Overcoming one’s fear of failure can be an asset of great value throughout life.
Goal Setting. Establishing specific step-by-step processes, and narrowing the goals to make them attainable enhances both the probability of achievement as well as the likelihood the end result will achieve their success.
Support System. It is important for individuals with learning differences to be aware of, and know how to access and utilize support services. Perhaps in the future, they may find themselves able to reciprocate the support, finding themselves assisting and encouraging others.
Emotional Coping Strategies. Anxiety is a common result of living with learning challenges. While awareness can trigger stress, recognition that the stress is occurring and access to the use of coping strategies can help provide some resolution. Strategies to successfully address anxiety include counseling, reaching out to others for assistance, and recognizing its triggers.
Successful life outcomes for those having learning difficulties are possible. Although attention is commonly focused on what are educational obstacles, one’s learning differences generally persist well into their adulthood. By fostering these “success factors” early and guiding one’s children diagnosed with learning differences toward adopting these attributes, parents will ready their children with beneficial attitudes, behaviors, and characteristics they will value throughout their lives.