When a new school year starts, parents are hoping for smooth mornings, happy afternoons, and consistent academic progress. But for some parents, it quickly becomes clear that their child is falling behind. Learning difficulties come in all forms: trouble staying focused, falling behind in reading or math, or even becoming anxious and upset about schoolwork. With early identification and good support, children can make incredible progress!
At Parsi Pediatrics, we work closely with parents and schools to guarantee that every child reaches their full potential, regardless of the difficulties they are experiencing.
Recognizing the Signs of Learning Difficulties
Learning difficulties involve more than just “falling behind.” They can involve difficulties with reading, writing, math, memory, organization, or focus. These issues often have multiple causes, such as vision or hearing problems, developmental delays, or conditions like ADHD. In children, early signs might include:
- Trouble following multi-step instructions
- Avoiding schoolwork or homework assignments
- Difficulty remembering facts or sequences
- Struggling with organization or time management
It’s important to remember that learning difficulties doesn’t mean a child isn’t smart or capable. They simply need a different approach, additional assistance, or targeted interventions.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
The earlier we address learning difficulties, the better the outlook for a child’s academic success and overall well-being. If difficulties are left undiagnosed, children may lose confidence, develop anxiety, or become disengaged from learning.
At Parsi Pediatrics, we provide developmental screenings during routine check-ups to track milestones in speech, motor skills, and social-emotional development. We can also evaluate attention, focus, and behavior to determine if an ADHD screening may be helpful.
Services We Offer to Support Learning
Our team works closely with families to assess concerns, guide next steps, and connect children to the right resources. Depending on your child’s needs, we can perform developmental and ADHD screenings and recommend vision and hearing tests to rule out sensory causes of learning difficulties. Our services are designed to give parents clear answers and actionable plans, whether the solution involves medical care, therapy, school support, or a combination of all three.
ADHD and Learning
While not all learning difficulties are caused by ADHD, problems with attention are a common factor in academic struggles. ADHD in kids interferes with their ability to stay on task, remember instructions, and complete assignments. Children may also be hyperactive or impulsive, but others only struggle with staying focused and organized.
At Parsi Pediatrics, our pediatricians work closely with parents to determine if an ADHD screening is needed and guide them through diagnosis. If your child is diagnosed, we work with families to create a personalized care plan that may include behavior strategies, therapy referrals, and, if needed, medication management. Our goal is to help children succeed at school while supporting overall child development.
Supporting Your Child At Home
Your role as a parent is essential in helping your child through learning challenges. Even before getting a full evaluation, there are many ways you can be helpful at home. Communicate openly with your child’s teacher about any concerns so you can work together toward solutions. Establish consistent routines for homework and bedtime to provide structure and predictability in your child’s day. Emphasize your child’s strengths and celebrate all accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.
At home, patience and encouragement go a long way. Kids often feel discouraged when they are struggling, but knowing you believe in them can significantly boost their self-confidence and motivation. Your child’s potential is limitless! They might just need the right tools and assistance to shine.
Seek Help From A Trusted Pediatrician
If you’ve noticed your child’s struggles lasting for several weeks, or if they’re showing signs of stress, anxiety, or declining grades, it’s time to seek help from your trusted pediatrician. Learning difficulties are best addressed through a team approach, with parents, teachers, and medical providers working together.
If you’re concerned about learning difficulties, call us today at 210.561.1551 or book an appointment to start the conversation.
