What to Do After a Learning Disability Diagnosis: A Guide for Parents and Individuals
I hope this message finds you in good health and contentment. Today, I want to talk about what happens after receiving a learning disability diagnosis. Whether you're a parent or the individual diagnosed, this can be a turning point in your life.
For Parents
As a parent, you might find yourself oscillating between denial and relief. You might question if it’s your fault—blaming your genes or parenting style. Alternatively, you might feel relieved to have a starting point to understand and help your child. Both responses are natural and valid but come with their own challenges.
Denial can make it difficult to move past emotions and shame into a proactive mindset. Relief might lead to overanalyzing or generalizing every aspect of your life in relation to the diagnosis, which can complicate your response.
The first thing to remember is that all your feelings are normal human responses. Before jumping into action mode to fix or help your child, start with yourself. Breathe, step back, and calm your entire nervous system. Trust that everything is going to be okay.
A learning disability diagnosis is not an illness; there is nothing to fix or cure because nothing is broken. It’s simply an identification of why your child responds in certain ways. Your child has a wonderful mind that just needs different things to grow. There is no need to expect them to develop at the same pace or in the same way as others.
Your journey will involve understanding what your child's mind needs and how to provide that support. As someone who has worked in this field for the past decade, I have seen a variety of family dynamics. One common thread among all families is love and the desire for their children's best interests. You are no different.
Because each child and situation is unique, I won’t prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach. However, I recommend not doing it alone. It truly takes a village to nurture and develop a child. Parents and professionals in the field are supportive and can remind you that your challenges are not isolated. Please reach out to me, and I will be happy to connect you to helpful platforms and communities.
For Adults
If you are an adult who has just received a diagnosis, you might be experiencing a flood of emotions. Remember, you are not sick or broken. Your mind is beautiful, and this diagnosis is a starting point for self-understanding.
Reach out to me for resources and introductions to supportive people and groups. This journey is about learning and growing. You can rewire your mind to tell a different story, make it be a story of curiosity and wonder.
Closing Thoughts
Education is the most powerful tool we can use to understand ourselves and our world.
I wish you love, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion as you navigate this journey.
Sincerely,
Taahirah