When a formal diagnosis is not met
By Kathleen Chan
Lead Psychologist & Registered Psychologist
DAS SpLD Assessment Services
As a parent, it can be frustrating and overwhelming when your child faces learning challenges but does not meet the diagnostic criteria for a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, following a formal assessment. This uncertainty can leave you feeling confused and unsure about how to best support your child. The good news is that even without a formal diagnosis, there are many effective strategies you can use to support your child’s learning needs.
Here are 5 key considerations:
1. UNDERSTAND THE LEARNING CHALLENGES
While your child may not fit the criteria for a specific learning difficulty, they may still face unique learning challenges. It’s important to identify the specific areas where they are struggling. For example, is it with language, attention, memory, or processing information?
By pinpointing the challenges, you can tailor strategies to address them directly, such as the following:
- If there are language weaknesses, introduce new vocabulary daily and use them in sentences and contexts that are meaningful to your child. You can also encourage daily reading to expose them to different words. Enrolment in enrichment classes or working with a private tutor can provide personalised support, such as focusing on specific areas like grammar or comprehension.
- For attention-related issues, break study sessions into manageable blocks and incorporate movement breaks to aid focus. Create a distraction-free environment by establishing a designated study space and minimising external noise.
- To circumvent memory weaknesses, use mnemonic techniques, visual aids, or repetition to help your child retain information. Flashcards or memory games can be effective tools for reinforcing key concepts.
- For problems with information processing, simplify tasks and instructions by breaking them into smaller, more manageable steps. Allow for extra time when processing new information, and encourage your child to ask questions to ensure they understand the material fully
2. USE DIFFERENT LEARNING APPROACHES
Every child learns differently. If traditional methods are not working, try alternative teaching strategies. Some children respond well to hands-on learning, while others benefit from visual aids or auditory tools.
For example, if your child struggles with reading, encourage the use of audiobooks or text-to-speech apps. If mathematical concepts are difficult to grasp, consider manipulatives or interactive online games that make learning engaging.
Engaging your child’s senses in the learning process can enhance their retention and understanding. Explore different tools and resources to find what works best for them.
3. BUILD EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS
Learning difficulties often extend beyond academics. Emotional and social challenges are common, particularly when a child feels they are struggling to keep up with their peers or the demands of the curriculum. this can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, stress, or a sense of inadequacy.
Create a safe and open space for emotional expression.
Talk to your child about their feelings and encourage them to share what frustrates or worries them. Practise emotional regulation techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or mindfulness.
For social challenges, use social stories, role-play social scenarios at home, or arrange playdates where they can practise interacting with peers. Reinforcing positive interactions and providing strategies to navigate social situations will help build their confidence. If needed, consider seeking the help of a school counsellor or psychologist to work with your child on their socio-emotional skills.
4 FOCUS ON STRENGTHS
Every child has unique qualities and abilities. Some may excel in creativity, problem-solving, or physical activities, even if they face academic challenges. Encourage your child to engage in activities that highlight their strengths, such as sports, the arts, or practical skills.
Fostering a growth mindset and emphasising their positive attributes will boost their self-esteem and motivation. This will help them view learning struggles as challenges to overcome rather than limitations.
5. COLLABORATE WITH TEACHERS
Working closely with your child’s school teachers can be highly beneficial. Discuss your child’s challenges with their teachers to identify accommodations and strategies that can help your child learn more effectively.
This collaboration helps ensure your child’s learning needs are met while fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
Overall, a lack of a specific learning difficulty diagnosis does not invalidate your child’s struggles. By identifying specific challenges, implementing different learning approaches, building emotional and social skills, focusing on strengths, and collaborating with teachers, you can help your child navigate their educational journey with confidence and resilience.
Supporting a child with learning challenges, with or without a formal diagnosis, is a long-term journey. There will be both successes and setbacks, but with consistent effort and love, your child can thrive. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge their progress, no matter how small it may seem. The key is to stay positive, remain open-minded, and keep exploring strategies to discover what works best for them.
At DAS, we provide literacy and educational programmes for learners who may not have a formal diagnosis of dyslexia or other special educational needs but face similar challenges. For more information, visit: I LEARN DIFFERENTLY
To learn more about our assessment services, visit DAS SpLD Assessment Services
