If a parent suspects a learning disability, it is important that the child gets tested so that specialized services can be provided.
The first thing a parent should do is set up a meeting to speak to the child’s teacher. This meeting should be a time when the parent shares any concerns and asks the opinions of the classroom teacher. Many times what a parent perceives as an unusual difficulty, is in fact the appropriate level the child should be working on for the grade level and a teacher can help clear that up. The parent should also speak to the child’s doctor about any concerns.
If, after discussing the problem with these professionals, the parent is still concerned and nothing is being done, it may be prudent to make a formal request of the school to have the child tested. While most disabilities will be caught by the teacher or doctor and testing performed, there are a few instances when the parent must push for the testing to take place. The school does have the responsibility to test any student for disabilities at the parent’s request.
When the Teacher Suspects a Disability
If the teacher has noticed some of the same signs and symptoms that the parent has, the next steps should be taken to diagnose the learning disability. This includes speaking to the child’s pediatrician to rule out any medical cause for the problems and having a psychologist and a special education teacher administer a battery of tests to look for specific learning disabilities.
If the parent insists on having the child tested, the school must by law test the child.
After the tests are completed, a meeting will be called for everyone involved to attend and discuss the results of the test. At this meeting it will be decided how to proceed and whether or not an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) should be written, which is where any specialized services the child will receives will be documented.
Continue Reading: Understanding Disability Test Results
