Ask a Child Psychologist is a new series of columns offering insights and advice on navigating youth emotional and mental well-being. It is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice.
As the school year progresses, March Break offers students and their families a welcome reprieve from schoolwork routines. But this time of the year is also when academic challenges may start to become more noticeable. Many parents find that concerns about their child’s learning emerge more clearly as classroom expectations increase.
Learning difficulties are more common than many people realize. According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 8.4 per cent of children and youth aged 5 to 17 have learning disabilities or learning disorders. In addition, experts say school disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to learning losses for many students.
These challenges can range from difficulties with reading, writing, and math to issues with attention, memory, and processing speed. Some children may struggle with organization and time management, while others may have difficulty understanding verbal instructions or clearly expressing their thoughts.
Early intervention is crucial. Studies show that the sooner a learning challenge is identified and addressed, the greater the chances of helping the child build strong foundational skills, develop confidence, and achieve academic success.
As a parent, you may be wondering how you can help your child. Here are the most effective actions you can take if you suspect your child has a learning challenge.
Step 1: Clearly document your concerns
If you notice that your child is struggling, the first step is to observe and document the specific challenges they are facing. Consider whether your child is having trouble with reading, writing, math, or another subject. You might also ask yourself if they struggle to complete homework independently, or if they seem frustrated, anxious, or resistant when it comes to schoolwork.
Keeping a record of your observations can help you identify patterns over time. Collecting work samples and noting any specific challenges can provide valuable information when discussing your concerns with teachers and other professionals.
Step 2: Talk to your child’s teacher
Teachers spend a significant amount of time with students and can offer valuable insights into their learning progress. Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher or guidance counsellor to discuss your concerns.
Ask whether similar difficulties have been observed in the classroom, how your child compares to their peers in terms of academic performance, and if there are any additional supports available at school, such as small-group instruction or individualized learning support. It’s also worth asking if there are learning strategies or community learning supports they recommend for supporting your child at home.
Step 3: Monitor progress with extra support
For many children, a little extra help can make a big difference in their learning and overall well-being. Some may benefit from additional one-on-one time with a parent, tutor, or learning support specialist who can provide tailored attention to their specific needs. This focused support can help children build confidence, address gaps in their understanding, and improve their academic or social skills. The key is to monitor progress over time.
This approach is consistent with the widely recognized Response to Intervention framework commonly used in education. At Tier 1, students receive general classroom instruction with minor modifications to support their learning. Tier 2 offers small-group interventions or additional assistance, while Tier 3 provides more intensive, individualized support, often accompanied by formal assessment.
If your child benefits from extra help, they may simply require more focused support and practice. However, if challenges continue despite these interventions, it could signal a more significant learning difficulty that warrants further evaluation.
Step 4: Consider a professional assessment
If your child continues to struggle despite interventions, a formal assessment may be needed. A psychoeducational assessment by a registered psychologist evaluates areas such as cognitive abilities, academic skills, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning. You may be able to access this assessment through the school, though waitlists can be long. Alternatively, private assessments, while costly, provide valuable insights into your child’s strengths and challenges and can diagnose underlying learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.
A diagnosis can empower you to advocate more effectively for your child, ensuring they receive essential school supports, such as an Individualized Education Plan, accommodations (such as extended time on tests), and additional learning aids. Moreover, it provides your child with a clearer understanding of their unique strengths and challenges, fostering greater self-awareness and confidence.
Ultimately, if you’re concerned about your child’s educational experience, rest assured that by taking these proactive measures, you’re helping to establish a solid foundation for lifelong learning and growth.
Dr. Jillian Roberts is a research professor of educational psychology at the University of Victoria. She is also a practising registered psychologist in British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. She specializes in child and adolescent development, family therapy and inclusive education.
Want to ask a child psychologist?
If you have questions about navigating the complexities of youth emotional and mental well-being, we want to hear from you. Are you trying to figure out the best way to support kids’ mental health? Grappling with special education needs? Helping your adult children make school or work transitions? Submit your questions, comments or concerns for Dr. Roberts to consider addressing in future columns. This does not replace professional medical advice.
