(BPT) – One in five children – nearly 70 million Americans – have learning or thinking differences (LTDs), such as ADHD or dyslexia. Although LTDs are common, according to Understood.org, a resource for people with LTDs, there are still stigmas associated with them. Often, these stigmas negatively impact children’s mental health, and prevent parents from taking steps to get their child proper support.
According to Understood.org’s “Neurodiversity and Stigma Study,” 90 percent of parents believe there are children with LTDs, yet more than half of those with neurodivergent children say they’re afraid to let others know. Additionally, 69 percent of parents of kids with LTDs say these stigmas negatively impact their child’s mental well-being.
Recently, Understood launched the “Be the Reason” campaign to increase parents’ awareness of neurodiversity. Parents can get involved by participating in the #YouCanBeTheReason social media challenge to share how they’ve been the reason their child thrives. It includes a short film and stories from the perspectives of children with LTDs, and an activity kit to help parents initiate conversations with their children.
“When parents engage with their kids around their emotional and academic challenges, it can be incredibly powerful,” says Dr. Andy Kahn, a licensed psychologist specializing in LTDs. If your
child has a learning or thinking difference, here are some important steps you can take, according to Kahn and Understood:
Talk with your child. To get a better sense of the challenges they’re experiencing, try asking open-ended questions like: “What made you laugh today? What was the best and worst part of your day?” You can also use a feelings wheel, which helps kids make connections between feelings, body sensations, and words, and helps kids express their emotions.
Engage teachers and caregivers. Proactively engaging with your child’s teachers and other caregivers, such as pediatricians, coaches, and tutors, will help you get a 360-degree view of what your child may be experiencing at home, school, and in other activities. These conversations also allow for collaboration with other caregivers to ensure your child gets appropriate support. Many accommodations can be made at school, such as additional time for tasks, or sensory tools to support your child’s emotional and academic development.
Practice self-calming strategies. LTDs affect your child academically, emotionally, and socially. Techniques including deep breathing, stretching, and yoga can help kids calm their bodies, become more aware of how they feel, and manage their emotions. In stressful situations, help your child pause and “scan” their body from head to toe, checking for signs of tension, pain, or discomfort. Identifying and acknowledging the physical effects of stress and sadness is a first step to releasing them.
If you’re a parent looking for more tips and resources, visit the “Be the Reason” campaign website, and be sure to participate in the #YouCanBeTheReason social media challenge across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. To learn more about symptoms of LTDs, visit www.understood.org/take-note.
