Tips+for+Parents+of+a+child+with+a+Disability

Tips for Parents of a Disabled Child
 * Learn as much about learning disabilities as you can.
 * Recongize the child's strengths and interests. Find out how the child learns best. Give the child opportunities to use his or her talents and strengths.
 * Give your child with learning disabilities the opportnity to excel or just enjoy activities outsie he classroom, such as dancing, music, sports, or computers. Give your child opportunities to participate in areas of interest or/and talent. Encourage friendships with children whom they meet in these activities.
 * Help your child learn through areas of strengths. Talk with your child's teacher and observe for yourself how the child learns best. Establish a special place where the child can do homework and prioritize its importance.
 * Meet other parents who have children with learning disabilities. Share concerns and successes with others as well as advice and emotional support.
 * Help develop an educational plan for your child with the school. Establish a positive working relationship and communicate regularly with your teacher, discuss questions, and exchange information bout successes and progress.
 * Learn about intellectual disabilities in order to give your child the help he or she needs.
 * Encourage your child to be independent, learning daily care skills such as dressing, grooming, eating, and using the bathroom.
 * Give your child chores, but make the chores one in chich she or he can be successful. Use them as teaching tools. For example, in setting the table, have the child count out the number of napkins. Give the child one task at a time and hlep when assitance is needed.
 * Praise, praise, praise, when the child has wrked hard and accomplished the task. Give feedback and build your child's abilities.
 * Have your child join in outside activities, such as scouts, sports, and recreational activities.
 * Work with the school and your child's teacher. APply what he or she is learning at school with activities at home and in the community.
 * Volunteer in the classroom or in another classroom. See how the teachers work with the children. Contribute to the success of the class by cooperating with the teacher.