Children's Health

Detecting Learning Disabilities

Parenting a Child With a Learning Disability continued...

2. Be your child's advocate. Work with your child's school to develop an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) -- a special plan that sets goals for your child and describes support that may be needed to reach those goals. Understand special education laws and school policies so you can make sure your child is getting the most out of school. Many services may be available, but they may not be offered until you ask for them.

3. Make sure your child has healthy habits. A child who gets plenty of sleep at night, eats a balanced diet, and gets plenty of exercise is a healthier child, both mentally and physically.

4. Pay attention to your child's mood. Learning disabilities can be bad for a child's self-esteem. Keep an eye out for symptoms of depression, such as moodiness, changes in sleep or appetite, or loss of interest in their usual activities.