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Posts for tag: learning disabilities
Find out the best ways to handle some of the most common childhood learning and development disabilities.
Even though there is more information than ever before regarding childhood developmental and learning disorders there are still so many things we don’t quite 
understand and there is also a lot of misinformation out there. The goal of your pediatrician is to provide you with all the information you and your child need to understand their learning or developmental disorder and the most effective treatments and interventions available.
What are the most common learning disabilities?
One of the most common learning disabilities is dyslexia, which can affect how a child understands what they’ve read. It may also affect comprehension, spelling and other facets of reading and learning.
ADHD is another common learning disability that affects millions of children. Children with ADHD have trouble concentrating on work and may easily get distracted. ADHD can affect a child’s school, home or social life.
Other learning disabilities include:
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Processing deficits
What are the most common developmental disabilities?
A common developmental disorder is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since autism is a spectrum, symptoms will vary in type and severity. It can affect a child’s ability to socialize or pick up social cues from those around them. They may prefer to be alone or not to be touched. While there is no cure for autism there are ways to manage the symptoms.
What are my child’s treatment options?
It’s important that if you think your child might be struggling with a learning or developmental disorder that you talk to your pediatrician. There are many ways in which to treat these symptoms through medications, therapy, lifestyle changes and behavioral modifications, and your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment options for your child.
No matter whether you have questions about your child’s learning or development disorder or your child is displaying symptoms of one of these delays, it’s important that you have a pediatrician you can turn to for answers, support and treatment options. After all, your family and your pediatrician are a team designed to help your child live the best possible life.
Often times the only way a developmental disability is diagnosed is because your child hasn’t met certain developmental milestones or has started to fall behind in school. Many parents can sense that something just isn’t right and decide the best approach is to schedule an appointment with their pediatrician.
A developmental disability can easily be diagnosed during your child’s routine wellness checkups. Remember, the moment your little one is born they will have to come in regularly for medical care, vaccinations and to make sure they are healthy and reaching certain milestones.
Developmental milestones include things like rolling over, smiling and their first steps. If your child hasn’t reached these milestones then your children’s doctor may recommend a series of tests to check for a developmental disorder. It is often through these routine visits that a pediatrician is able to quickly detect a developmental disability.
Common developmental disabilities in children include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Hearing loss
- Learning disabilities
- ADHD
- Intellectual disabilities
There are many factors that could influence whether your child is at risk for a developmental disability. Everything from the mother’s behaviors and habits (E.g. smoking) during pregnancy to complications during pregnancy and environmental toxins can play a part. While most developmental disorders occur the moment a baby is born, certain factors such as an early childhood infection or injury could lead to a developmental disorder.
If your child has a developmental disorder it’s important that they have a pediatric team that will be able to provide them with the proper health care they need. Children with developmental disabilities can grow up to lead rich, full and happy lives. Of course, we also understand the trials and tribulations that come with having a developmental disability, but an expert pediatric team can provide your little one with the care they need as well as proper support. We can also recommend certain support or educational programs to help you and your child with this diagnosis. There are countless support systems and resources at your disposal.
If you suspect that your child might have a developmental disability, it is important that you schedule an appointment with a pediatrician as soon as possible.