Learning Difficulties: The contradiction

Parents today have busy lifestyles and face multi-faceted economic strains (financial, emotional, cultural, safety) which may have a direct influence on the family as a whole. More and more families rather eat takeaways; children and parents spent less qualitative time together. Technology has taken over: children are less active and play mostly playstation. Values have changed, lesser time as a family is spent eating a proper meal at the dining table, saying grace and really communicating. All the aforementioned may cause socio-emotional problems within certain children; this in turn may have an impact on scholastic performance or related learning difficulties.

General definition: Learning disability or may be termed learning difficulties. “A syndrome found in children of normal or above-average intelligence characterized by specific difficulties in learning to read (dyslexia), to write (dysgraphia) and to do grade-appropriate mathematics (dyscalculia)...”

Why the title: Learning Difficulties: The contradiction? Learning difficulties can be co-morbid to Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disorders. The contradiction arises when a child display certain symptoms which are present in a wide array of disorders or learning difficulties. It is important that parents do not make their own diagnosis or long term prognosis, but rather read up on certain characteristics that their child may display and then contact a professional whether a Counsellor, Psychologist (Educational, Counselling or Clinical), Psychiatrist, Neurologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist or Audiologist.

Personal note: I have been working with ADHD children and these children are often put on Ritalin, Concerta, Wellbutrin or Straterra and observed that these children display a loss of appetite, drowsy, zombie like, as well as indicated stomach cramps. Sometimes the medicine only has a short term effect on their behaviour and it is as though they may get contractions like an unloading of energy all at ones. Consider alternatives such as the following: These children need structure and discipline, whether at home or school. Limit the watch of inappropriate and aggressive television programs, as well as computer games. Instead balance it with outdoor activities, to better motor-sensory coordination. They might need acceptance and elimination of labels set by society. Children with any form of disorder or difficulty may need smaller classrooms and individual attention. A well balanced diet is of utmost importance. Children, who might find it difficult to pay attention or show hyper activeness, may need regular breaks for activities every 10 to 15 minutes. He/she may need time to walk outside, drink water or have a snack. It is about managing, as well as organisation of time and not exclusion or judgement.

Read about, as well as find out from an Herbalist or Doctor about available natural medicines; which can be combined with structure, discipline, acceptance, love, understanding, as well as a well balanced diet. Only in severe cases and with proper diagnosis, as well as thorough investigation, asking questions and overseeing all possible alternatives are recommended that the parent relate to the use of pharmaceutical medication. Always remember your child is no label and you need to consider whether you would like your child to become a zombie or whether a plan can be formulated to work out a proper alternative structure to fit within your child, as well as the family’s lifestyle.

General parenting recommendations: Each person or child have brain and nutritional needs. A nutritious breakfast is the most important meal of the day; this can have a positive effect on a child’s performance in class. The following foods within a learner’s diet may be considered: meat (ostrich, chicken), fish, eggs, cheese, nuts and soya products. The following minerals are also very important to a well balanced diet: Iron is essential for the transport of oxygen to the brain by means of the blood. Zinc is a very important mineral, as well as Vitamin C and Omega-3. Balance the amount of Caffeine, which is an ingredient of coffee and cola drinks. Please go read more on health.iafrica.com and www.TheTruthBehindADHD.com. Here are two natural medicines that parents may go and read up on (please go and do thorough research before considering the use of it. Always consider the importance of structure and a well balanced diet, as well): Listol and BrightSpark (Please find out from your doctor or homeopath of the side effects, if there is any, and the benefits of these natural medicines). Additional information can be found on the site of BrightSpark or by writing or emailing to the following address: Feelgood Health, P.O. Box 735, Plumstead, 7801, Cape Town, South Africa. Ph: +27 21 797 0193. E-mail: help@feelgoodhealth.co.za.

Conclusion

Learning difficulties should not be seen in isolation, it may be co morbid to various other disorders. It is recommended that when a child may be or are already diagnosed with a learning difficulty or disorder to consider all possibilities before considering medication. Read up and do thorough investigation about all possible and available alternatives. Take in consideration that no child is the same, there is not a one fit all cure. Any learning difficulty is not an incurable disease nor is it a disease. It is something that can be worked upon, with love, patience, acceptance, non-judgement, structure and appropriate parental discipline. Consider natural medicines and a well balanced diet. Try to eliminate any labels, as well as accept your child as a unique individual.