Insight Type: Lifestyle Insight

Reading skills develop in kids at different stages during their growth. If your child isn’t reading and writing their own name before starting school, it’s completely normal. However, there are ways that you can get involved to help raise an eager reader.

Reading skills develop in kids at different stages during their growth. For example:

• The majority of pre-schoolers can name their favourite book; hold a book, turn the pages, pretend/attempt to read; see the difference between random lines and letter/numbers
• Some may even recognise and even write some letters or numbers; name some letters; make up rhymes and silly phrases
• Small minority may be able to predict the endings of stories; read and write their own name; retell stories they’ve been told

If your child isn’t reading and writing their own name before starting school, it’s completely normal. However, there are ways that you can get involved to help raise an eager reader. For starters, make books a part of the household. Whether it’s your kids seeing you reading them, or letting your kids have a collection of books they can draw from, have reading a focus in the household.

Some fun activities you can do together

•  Choose reading material together. There’s no such thing as bad reading, so whether it’s a comic book, magazine, book, or song book it’s good.

“Ben actually loves our trips to the bookstore. He takes me by the hand and drags me over to the kid’s section as he selects books and comic for his collection. He’s so proud of his curated collection that when visitors come to our home, he always shows it off.”
~Parent of Ben, 4

•  Encourage any kind of writing. If the occasional letter is backward or they hold the crayon in a strange way, it’s all good. At this age it’s all considered learning!
•  Play word (and phonic) games to explore their creativity. Start by having them name the letter their favourite word starts with and as they advance start asking them to name words starting with the same letter. For example, ask questions like, ‘what letter does p-p-puppy start with? And then progress to ‘can you name other words that start with P’?
•  Try active reading. Instead of just reading together start having discussions about the material. Ask them about what they think may happen next in the story.
•  Make reading a bedtime ritual. This time will be quality time for both you and your child. Have this time for both of you to cosy in and read together.
•  Create an inventory of fun facts. Use non-fiction books to learn fun facts on topics they love—from cats to dinosaurs, develop an artillery of fun fact materials you can come up with together that they can show off to friends and family.
•  Re-read the favourites over, over and over again. Repetition is great at this age and it will certainly bring confidence.

“Tim’s favourite book is hands down “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein. The best part about this book is that it’s filled with silly illustrations and short poems that we can read and giggle at together. He picks a new favourite poem each week, and we read them to death. But, by the end of the week he’s reciting a couple of his favourite lines to anyone who will listen.”
~Parent of Tim, 5

References:

1. Healthfully. How to teach a 4-year-old to read. Available at:
https://healthfully.com/173242-how-to-teach-a-4-year-old-child-to-read.html

2. Pearson. Top 10 tips to help children enjoy reading. Available at:
https://www.pearson.com/uk/learners/primary-parents/learn-at-home/help-your-child-to-enjoy-reading/top-10-tips-to-help-children-enjoy-reading.html

3. Scholastic. Raise a reader: a parent guide to reading for ages 3-5. Available at: https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/books-and-reading-guides/raise-reader-parent-guide-to-reading-ages-3-5.html

Holidays are meant to give kids a break from school, but that doesn’t mean they need to take a break from learning. If kids don’t engage their brains during the holidays, they often forget what they’ve worked so hard to learn during the last term/year.

Learning doesn’t have to stop when kids aren’t in school

You may find that kids may be more reluctant to do work during this time, which makes it harder for you to encourage them. However, remember, learning doesn’t have to happen sitting in front of desk, it can happen anywhere. So how can we encourage learning during the holidays? Here are some tips on how to inspire curiosity and keep learning a pleasant activity to be nourished even while out of school.

Tips to keeping kids engaged during the holidays

• Go to museums, zoos, aquariums. These environments lend themselves well to interactivity along with educational material. Make sure to take the time to read (or better, have them read!) the information describing each exhibit, and definitely ask lots of questions that can spark discussions. This will keep your child’s brain stimulated even while they are having so much fun. One study has even found that visiting museums with kids made them:
  • Demonstrate stronger critical thinking skills
  • Display higher levels of social tolerance
  • Develop a taste for culture
• Take them on errands, like going to get groceries. Although it may not seem like learning, these are places and times that would be great for communication and interaction. For example, selecting foods. This is an opportunity to talk about nutrition and why you are selecting certain foods. You can even have them be the keeper of the list so that way they can practice reading and participate in the whole process. As a bonus, if you have a fussy eater this could be a great time to have them select some of the foods. They may be more inclined to eat them!

“Jane wants to come with me grocery shopping, because then she feels she has a say in the meals we prepare together. We often have discussions why I’m choosing one product over another, but now, she even knows to reach for the brown or multi-grain breads over the white bread. It’s giving her an important education on nutrition as well.”
~ Parent of Jane, age 6

• Go to libraries or bookstores. Keep reading alive during the school breaks. And really try to make an effort to schedule in reading time. Taking your child to get the books is the best, so they can choose ones that interest them. All reading is good reading.
• Keep a routine. Try to keep a routine. Have them get up the same time that they get up for school or close to. And make sure reading and writing is incorporated every day. The hardest part about routines is when you fall out of one and you have to start again. Think about what it takes to get back into a fitness routine after the winter holidays. The worst!

Most importantly, remember to have fun. Holidays are given for a reason—almost like a gift for working hard during term time. But it’s also our job to make sure they don’t regress during these times or develop bad habits. After all, we want them to be ready to get back to school when the time comes.

References:

1. Pearson. 5 tips for getting your child out of holiday mode. Available at:
https://pearson.com.au/insights-and-news/supporting-students/5-tips-for-getting-your-child-out-of-holiday-mode/

2. Melbourne Child Psychology. 5 ways to keep kids learning during the school holidays. Available at: https://www.melbournechildpsychology.com.au/blog/5-ways-to-keep-kids-learning-during-the-school-holidays/

3. Essential Kids. Keeping kids on track during the holidays. Available at: https://www.essentialkids.com.au/activities/school-holidays/keeping-kids-on-track-during-the-holidays-20091105-hyzi

Your child is not alone, as many as 1 in 10 children may experience learning difficulties. Learn what they are so you can quickly identify if your child may need help.

What are learning difficulties?

While attending school, you just can’t shake the feeling that your child isn’t keeping up with their peers. You feel your child’s confidence in their school-work is slipping, but you can’t figure out why. What’s happening?

Your child may be experiencing some difficulty learning. Your child is not alone. Approximately 1 in 10 children will experience this. The exact reason for why a learning difficulty may occur is not known, but it’s typically linked with parts of the brain that are processing information differently. I know it can seem daunting, but there are things that you can do to help. The key is detecting it early and getting support as soon as possible.

What exactly is a learning difficulty?

A learning difficulty is an ongoing issue with learning, focusing on the areas of reading, spelling, writing and maths. A child that is experiencing this may have a lower ability then their peers in one or more of these areas.

Although learning problems and learning difficulties are sometimes lumped together, they are not the same. Learning problems are more closely associated with circumstances, (i.e. extenuating circumstances, trauma, etc), or with motor skill impairment. Impairment of hearing, sight or other senses can affect learning, but if that problem is addressed, then learning can be restored to normal functioning.

Learning difficulties can feel overwhelming for both you and your child because it’s not something that can be cured. However, it can be assisted.

How can you help?

With some support, learning difficulties can be managed. It’s essential to recognise and improve skills early. The best way to start is identifying if there is a problem. A reliable resource will be your child’s teacher. They will be able to give you an idea if your child is progressing on track and at the same rate as their peers.

If they suspect that your child may need some additional support, get that support as soon as possible. You should try to get your child formally assessed for a learning difficulty to identify if they do indeed have one and what to do next.

Professionals that specialise in learning difficulties will be very useful and informative when it comes to tailoring a program for your child. Often times identifying the problem is the hardest part. If you’ve already gotten your child to a specialist, you’re well on your way to giving your child the best chance to cope with their learning difficulty.

Is it ADHD, or just part of growing up? Here’s how to recognize the signs and get the help your child needs. 

What is ADHD? 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain development and function. While ADHD does not influence intelligence, it can impact the ability to regulate attention and emotion. 

What are typical ADHD symptoms? 

All young kids struggle at times to pay attention, be quiet or still, follow directions or wait their turn – but by the age of four or five most have mastered the basics of these skills to some degree. 

If your child reaches school-going age and still frequently displays hallmark ADHD behaviours in multiple settings – at home, at school, or at play – it could be time to take a closer look: 

• Inattentiveness – easily distracted, struggles to focus or concentrate, has issues listening or completing simple instructions, daydreams or dawdles too much, absent-minded and prone to losing things 
• Hyperactivity – always moving, fidgety, restless, bores easily, is disruptive or has trouble staying still or quiet when needed 
• Impulsivity – acts without thought, struggles to wait their turn, seems unable to follow rules consistently, can be aggressive to other kids (eg kicking or biting) or inclined to overreact 

Where to go for answers? 

There is no simple test to determine whether a child has ADHD, but a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis following a detailed assessment that can include: 

• a physical exam 
• patient and parent interviews 
• reports from other caregivers such as guardians, teachers or coaches 
• a review of school reports and medical history 
• tests to measure attention, distractibility and memory 

This comprehensive process helps to rule out any alternative causes for a child’s behaviour, and determines if their symptoms meet the ADHD diagnostic guidelines as set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – the authorative guide used by most health care professionals when evaluating ADHD. 

While a child psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist or pediatrician is usually best equipped to determine ADHD, 

it’s important to make sure your chosen clinician holds training specifically in the areas of ADHD diagnosis and treatment. If needed, ask your child’s primary care doctor to recommend an appropriate practitioner. 

My child has ADHD, now what? 

The outlook for most children who receive treatment for ADHD is encouraging. Multiple tools are available to help manage symptoms including medication, supplements, psychotherapy, social skills training and behavioral interventions that both parents and teachers can put into practice. Evidence also shows that a nutritional diet, regular exercise, quality sleep and other smart daily choices can help. 

Your chosen clinician will recommend a treatment plan but also remember that in many cases, ADHD responds best to a combination of strategies. For this reason, it could be beneficial to consult with several specialists in order to develop a balanced long term approach tailored specifically to your child’s needs. 

Help is out there and with the right support and treatment, your child can get on track for success in all areas of life. 

Sources:

AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) 
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) 
NHS (National Health Service United Kingdom) 

We all know our kids need to eat sufficient amounts of omega-rich foods to get their quota of essential fatty acids, right?

If you need a recap: Fats play a vital role in our bodies, in fact they make up about 60% of the brain!

The human body can produce all the fatty acids it needs except for two (hence known as ‘essential fatty acids’): Omega-3 and Omega-6. These vital ‘healthy’ fats therefore need to be consumed through diet, and regularly because the body also cannot store them for very long.

Omega-fatty acids contribute to the proper structure and function of every cell in the body so they are key for growth and development. Young kids in particular need enough of them to help their brain and nervous system develop normally. Studies also show that deficiencies are unusually common in kids with ADHD, dyslexia and autism – as well as behavioural and learning issues.

Today’s modern ‘Western’ diet often lacks sufficient omega-rich foods such as oily fish, as busy families often opt for more convenient processed meal options. As a result, many children are at risk, or already showing signs of, inadequate essential fatty acid (EFA) intake.

This concerning trend has given rise to a plethora of omega supplements becoming commercially available – but it’s important to do your homework and make sure to select a quality product that’s fit for purpose.

Once armed with a reputable brand containing a clinically validated formula, correct and consistent dosing is crucial because otherwise you are unlikely to achieve the full benefits that these nutrients can offer. Following a strategic two-phased approach is recommended when starting on your child’s omega supplement journey.

Phase 1: Loading dose

It takes time to build up EFA amounts in the body to overcome and correct any potential deficiencies. For this reason, a higher intake at the onset of treatment is required to rapidly increase fatty acid concentration levels. This starting dose includes an upfront triple dose per day for the first 12 weeks, after which time the EFA levels should be optimal.   

Phase 2: Maintenance dose   

From week 13 (month 4) of supplementation, a lower (1/3^rd of loading dose) but consistent daily supply will serve to keep the amount of EFA in the body steady, and at therapeutically-useful levels.

It’s important to remember that ongoing replenishment is vital because the body cannot make these omegas or store them for long, so skipping or reducing intake could mean going back to square one!

An Ofsted report into the impact of the pandemic on school children found concerning levels of regression in reading, writing, and learning stamina.

Older children are now lacking “stamina” in reading and writing whilst youngsters have started using nappies again and forgotten how to eat with a knife and fork, according to the latest school reports from Ofsted into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Nearly all primary school leaders said that they were prioritising reading and improving fluency, comprehension and reading accuracy in children after seeing a decline. Others were focused too on pupils’ writing, including their ‘stamina’ when writing at length. 

With studies showing Omega-3 fish oils improve brain function, concentration and behaviour, experts believe increased consumption of oily fish and supplements could improve children’s stamina in the classroom. 

Some unique Omega-3 formulations have even been proven to specifically support children’s reading ability. 

A clinician-led year-long trial* of Omega-3 brain health supplement Equazen lifted reading scores in mainstream children aged between nine and 10 across four key points. 

It found phonological decoding was 10 per cent faster in those children who took the supplement and phonological decoding time per word saw twice the improvement compared to children taking a placebo. 

64 per cent had an improvement in reading comprehension and their visual analysis was up by 8 per cent. 

Dr Tony Lloyd, a child psychotherapist specialising in the education setting said: “The long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, help to improve children’s mood, attention and behaviour, so they are crucial for learning. DHA is essential for growth and functional development of the brain and has been known to help reaction time and sustain attention. 

“Our brains are 60 per cent fat and the fattiest organ in the body. We must maintain our levels of omega-3 and omega-6 through diet and supplementation for optimum brain health and this is especially true in children as their brains are still growing all the way up to adulthood. Taking a daily supplement such as Equazen can really help improve a child’s stamina and focus, especially during tough times like this.” 

Previous studies have also found that poor reading and behavioural problems are intertwined** 

With a recommended daily intake of 250mg of DHA for children and adults it is almost impossible to get the required amount from diet alone, even if you eat two portions of fish a week. It’s especially tricky in children who don’t like the taste of oily fish such as mackerel and sardines. 

Roz Kadir leading nutritionist and advisor to omega supplement Equazen said: “Parents have been well educated about feeding their children five-a-day but there isn’t the same awareness of the importance of omega and fish oils. We all know oily fish is good for our general health but not how crucial it can be to children’s learning and development.

We require certain quantities of these fatty acids and it’s difficult to get the required amount through diet alone. A good, varied diet should include at least two portions of fish a week, including one from oily fish. It’s estimated three quarters of us don’t reach the required amount of Omega-3 and 6 with children eating just 13 to 29g of oily fish per week as opposed to the recommended amount of two 140g portions. Families can therefore use supplements to easily bridge any nutritional gaps, just as we do with multivitamins.  

“As children can be being fussy eaters, especially with stronger smelling foods such as oily fish, a supplement such as Equazen which have the fishy taste and odour removed is a great way to ensure your children have an adequate intake. They have a range for the whole family, including capsules, chews and flavoured liquid that children can enjoy. This can also be added to smoothies or yogurt”.

What is DHA and EPA?

There are three types of Omega:

• Omega-3 DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is found in oily fish and seafood, which makes up around 40% of the healthy fats found in the brain. 
• Omega-3 EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) is also found in oily fish and seafood and plays an important role in mood and behaviour.
• Omega-3 ALA (Alpha-linolenic Acid) is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils.

* Efficacy and Safety of Omega-3/6 Fatty Acids, Methylphenidate, and a Combined Treatment in Children With ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders. Pre-published January 24, 2014, https://jad.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/01/24/1087054713518239.abstract. Placebo controlled trial with 154 children aged 9-10 shows Equazen lifts reading scores in mainstream children with no learning or behavioural challenges

** https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4422059/

Dr Tony Lloyd, CEO, ADHD Foundation – The Neurodiversity Charity – a leading neurodiversity, mental health and education charity, and the largest ‘user-led’ ADHD agency in Europe.

Could your child have ADHD? What do you need to be aware of?

There are several enduring myths about ADHD. Many parents will no doubt be concerned that a diagnosis of ADHD may be harmful in itself because in the past it has been associated with ‘naughty boys’, or about giving children drugs to make them behave.

This is such a tragedy because although one in 20 children have ADHD, less than half of that number are ever assessed or diagnosed – and as many as 50% of those children who are referred for an assessment don’t in fact have ADHD but instead have behaviours that are linked to trauma, anxiety or other neurological conditions. Why is this happening? Why are so many children who have ADHD being missed? And why are so many children who don’t in fact have ADHD being referred for an assessment? Sadly, because many teachers, and yes, some parents, also think ADHD is about bad behaviour.

ADHD is not a behavioural disorder – it is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by a delay in development in certain parts of the brain. This delay often results in children with ADHD sometimes being seen as less mature than their peers.

So what do parents need to look out for?

• Children with ADHD are often very anxious
• Children with ADHD can be very forgetful
• Children with ADHD find it difficult to sustain concentration
• Children with ADHD have what is known as poor executive functioning skills – that is the ability to organise their thoughts and regulate their emotions to plan and organise ‘how’ they do their school work, resulting in difficulty with ‘task initiation’ – so they procrastinate and become frustrated and overwhelmed as they cannot ‘order’ their thinking in a linear, sequential way. On the plus side this can also be the engine of creativity!
• Children with ADHD can be easily distracted, find it difficult to stay on task or become confused and frustrated by too much information or stimulation
• Some children with ADHD can be hyperactive – always on the go with seemingly boundless energy, and no matter how tired they are, they still have difficulty sleeping
• Some children with ADHD can be impulsive, so they may say and do things that they know are not appropriate, but their brain has failed to consider the consequences of their words or actions. (This is not the same as intentional inappropriate behaviour)

Let us be honest – all children find it difficult concentrating or staying on task. All children can be forgetful, impulsive and hyperactive. That is just how children are. They are genetically programmed to do two things above anything else – feel safe and secure in the care of a primary care-giver such as a parent or teacher, and to explore and understand the world around them. This exploration, this learning about their world, is a trial and error process when they do not have the self awareness, life experience or mental capacity to understand whether the environment they live in is safe. So we teach them how to ‘behave’ so they can be safe, and learn how to belong and form relationships with their world. What defines these characteristics as ‘ADHD’ is that they present in a more extreme form. This is why we tend not to diagnose children until they are at least six years of age, as every child has a unique, developmental trajectory – some mature quicker than others.

So what do parents do?

• Be informed – ensure you know about what ADHD is and what it isn’t, and don’t be influenced by stigma or hearsay
• Speak with your child’s school and ask if they appear to be struggling with learning and displaying anxiety, because anxiety is the main cause of distressed behaviours that are not context appropriate for the classroom
• Ask your family if anyone in your extended family on both sides has either dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism spectrum or other learning impairments – because we know that while genetic in origin, ADHD comes under the umbrella of a number of learning difficulties which often co-exist. Did you know for example that over 40% of children with ADHD also have dyslexia?
• ADHD is genetic in origin but how it affects the individual is determined by the environment – so how you parent your child, how your child’s needs are addressed in school and things like nutrition, good sleep and even traumatic events in childhood can cause that genetic potential to be amplified
• Pre-term births, epilepsy and brain injury can also be factors in determining whether your child has ADHD
• If your child’s school share your concerns then speak with the school nurse and your GP, and ask for an assessment to determine whether your child does in fact have ADHD
• Don’t wait for a formal diagnosis before you start putting effective strategies in place at home and at school – start straight away!

Last but by no means least – ADHD is only a facet of who your child is; it does not define them. They need your love to help them learn how to manage ADHD and how to play to their strengths. Many people with ADHD lead happy, healthy, successful lives. Many achieve at school and there are many high profile role models who have ADHD from Leonardo da Vinci, to astronaut Scott Kelly and Olympic Gold-winning gymnast, Simone Biles. It is estimated that over 35% of entrepreneurs have ADHD or dyslexia – or both!

Identified early and managed well – there is no reason why your child cannot achieve their potential. On a final note – it is estimated that one in five human beings are neurodiverse – that is to say one in five have either dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism spectrum, ADHD, dysgraphia or dyscalculia. They are naturally occurring differences in human neurology. Your child is not sick or ‘disordered’, nor are they mentally ill – they are different. Yes, these differences can be very impairing, but with the right support, early intervention and informed and loving parents, your child can thrive. They just need a little bit of understanding and extra help to understand themselves and manage the challenges while playing to their strengths.

For more information about ADHD Foundation – The Neurodiversity Charity, visit the website. You can also follow on Twitter, Facebook

There are no cures or quick fixes for learning difficulties, but there are steps you can take to begin the process.

What can I do for my child with a learning difficulty?

As a parent, if your child is ever struggling, it will always be your first instinct to want to jump in and help. But with a learning difficulty, there aren’t any quick fixes, and there isn’t a magic pill that will solve the problem.1 Your child’s brain is processing information differently, so supporting a learning difficulty is essentially re-conditioning the brain to process information, as well as ensuring you’re feeding the brain with the right nutrients to ensure proper development.²

How to evaluate an intervention

There is a lot of information out there about different interventions and strategies that may be suitable for your child. But how do you know which one would be best for your child?

Here are 3 tips to think about when considering any intervention:

1. Beware of simple solutions: There aren’t any quick fixes for learning difficulties, so definitely be wary if someone is offering a solution that seems too good to be true, because it probably is!^3,4
2. Ask questions: Don’t be shy about asking questions. Some questions to ask:^3,4

• Has this strategy been successful in other children?
• Has this strategy been studied before?
• Are there any possible side effects that you know of?

3. Trust yourself: You are always going to have your child’s best interest at heart, so trust your instinct. If you don’t like the sound of an intervention or strategy don’t just go along, get a second opinion.⁴

Consider nutrition

60% of the brain’s weight is made up of oils and fats, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that making sure you have the right fats, such as omega-3s, in your diet can help with brain health.⁵A typical modern Western diet is actually lacking these omega-3s and include more processed fats that aren’t good for you or brain development.⁵

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are proven to improve cognitive function. Learn more about omega-3s and their importance.⁵ They have been linked to neurological development, so when your body is deficient of them you are at a higher risk of learning difficulties.⁵

The best source for omega-3s are oily fish. Learn more about which types of fish contain the most omega-3s. We know that some people don’t like the taste of fish and therefore won’t include fish or seafood in their diet.⁵ However, especially for growing children, it’s important to supply the body with these omega-3s that are vital for brain development. If you don’t think that your child is getting enough omega-3s in their diet alone, definitely consider a fish oil supplement. Fish oil supplements have been linked to improving cognitive learning and the best part is they don’t come with any horrible side effects.

References

1. National Institute of Health. What are the treatments for learning disabilities? at: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/treatment. Accessed  November 2018.
2. Child Mind Institute. Specific learning disorder: treatment Available at: https://childmind.org/guide/specific-learning-disorder/treatment/. Accessed  November 2018.
3. PBS Parents. Treatment for learning disabilities.    Available at: https://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-disabilities/basics/treatment-for-learning-disabilities/. Accessed November 2018.
4. PBS Parents. Teaching Strategies – learning disabilities.    Available at: https://www.pbs.org/parents/education/learning-disabilities/strategies-for-learning-disabilities/teaching-strategies/. Accessed  November 2018.
5. Integrated Medicine Institute. Specific nutrients for children with learning disabilities and hyperactivity issues. Available at: https://www.imi.com.hk/specific-nutrients-for-children-with-learning-disabilities-adhd-hyperactivity.html. Accessed  November 2018.

A child may struggle with schooling or paying attention, but if this is a problem that is not resolving over time they may be struggling with a learning difficulty.

How do I know my child has a learning difficulty?

It is perfectly normal for a child to struggle with a difficult subject at school or even have trouble paying attention to a topic they aren’t interested in – this does not mean that they automatically have a learning difficulty. It’s only when they are consistently struggling, maybe even in multiple subject areas, for a long period of time that you may want to dive deeper to investigate the cause. An important point to keep in mind during all this is to remember, that a learning difficulty does not mean that a child isn’t smart, it just means that their brain has a different way of processing information.

Where are learning difficulties discovered?

More often than not, learning difficulties are uncovered at school, by your child’s teacher. This is a critical time and place, and your child’s teacher is your best resource. Since school is a place of learning, when a child isn’t keeping up with their peers the teacher may be the first to notice and begin to monitor the situation.

What are some signs that I shouldn’t ignore?

Children don’t always have the greatest attention on the best of days! But if you see your child consistently struggling with the following for longer than a short period of time, it’s important to identify why.

Some signs not to ignore

• Lack of enthusiasm for reading or writing.
• Trouble with memorisation.
• Working at a slow pace.
• Trouble staying on task/following direction.
• Not being able follow abstract thinking.
• Either lack of or heightened attention to detail.
• Poor social skills.

Recognising the signs and getting your child the support they need

Recognising the signs early is key to getting children the support they need. Professionals that specialise in learning difficulties will be very helpful in guiding you through the best strategies in supporting your child’s learning difficulties; however, there are things that you can do to help.

• Step 1: Be proactive. You’ve already identified some signs, but learn more about learning difficulties. If you think your child is displaying some signs trust your gut and get them tested by a professional who can diagnose.
• Step 2: Continue to be supportive. Remember that it’s not just you who is worried. Your child is probably aware that they aren’t performing the way they “should”. They will need your support to get them to accept the help and understand that there isn’t anything wrong with them, it’s just a different way of processing information.
• Step 3: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, together. Your whole body is connected, so maintaining a healthy sleep and exercise schedule is vital for your body to function at its peak.
• Step 4: Fill your diets with only the good stuff. Like fish! Fish is a great source of protein and provides nutrients such as omega-3s that your body can’t produce. Omega-3s are proven to support cognitive development, so should be an essential part of your child’s diet. If you don’t think your child is getting enough fish, consider a fish oil supplement. Learn more about Omega-3s and nutrition for learning difficulties. 
• Step 5: Pay attention to any changes. The best way to monitor your child’s learning difficulty is by observing. Note any changes that may concern you (or improvements!) and be sure to discuss these with your child’s specialist.

Be patient, we know it’s hard for you too. But remember, the more proactive you are, the better you will feel and the sooner your child will get the support they need.