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About the author:

Christopher J. Nicholls, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the areas of learning and attention disorders, acute and chronic illness, and other disabling conditions. He is currently in private practice in Scottsdale, AZ.

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SickKid.Net - Learning Disabilities

Does your child have a learning disability?
by Christopher J. Nicholls, Ph.D.

The self-esteem of kindergarten and first grade students often hinges upon their success in mastering the early recognition of letters, numbers and symbols.  Confidence grows as we start making sense of those funny looking shapes on paper, while shame and embarrassment goes along with realizing that others are starting to read, while you just don’t get it.  Older children discover that it doesn’t get easier - they have to switch from learning to read, to reading to learn.  Comprehension, speed, and accuracy become more important in reading, and simple counting gives way to the more complicated “gazintas” of division (you know, two gazinta six three times…)

Many children – about one in twenty – struggle with these developing skills, and will eventually be labeled as having a “learning disability.”  What does this mean?  What should parents do? Where should you turn?  This article will help to introduce you to these topics, and give you some beginning suggestions.

© 2000 Christopher J. Nicholls, Ph.D.