Diagnosing Learning and Developmental Disabilities in Children

Is your child living with learning and developmental disabilities? Dr. Jean Strength and the team at Pediatric Health Care Associates in Waxahachie, TX are here to help ease the path.

Diagnosing Learning and Developmental Disabilities 

Living with learning or developmental disabilities can lead to many challenges for your child. However, early intervention can help smooth out the path. The first step is to receive a proper diagnosis. In this guide, Dr. Strength and the team at Pediatric Health Care Associates in Waxahachie, TX share signs to keep an eye out for and how a diagnosis is reached.

How Will I Know If My Child Has a Learning or Developmental Disability? 

Children go through various stages in which they might struggle with certain things. They might perform fine in school one year but have difficulty the next. Or they might simply have difficulties with one type of skill. Such things can be completely normal, which is one reason why learning disabilities aren’t always diagnosed.

The best way to determine whether your child does have a disability is to reach out to your pediatrician if you notice issues such as the following:

• Trouble remembering their left from their right
• Difficulty sorting items by shape, size, or patterns
• Difficulty staying organized
• Poor coordination
• Trouble following instructions
• Issues with fine motor skills, such as drawing, writing, or cutting
• Reversing letters or numbers, especially after the second grade

These signs do not automatically mean that a disability is at play, but they should be shared with your pediatrician.

Diagnosing Disabilities

If your pediatrician is concerned that your child’s difficulties are due to a disability, various assessments will take place. These assessments will depend on the suspected disability but can include reading tests, cognitive tests, math assessments, mental examinations, and more.

Once a diagnosis has been determined, a personalized treatment plan can be developed. Treatment can include behavioral therapy, medication, psychoeducation, and more – depending on your child’s needs. Your pediatrician along with any specialists you are referred to will work with you throughout the journey to ensure the best results for your child.

If you’re concerned that your child might be struggling with learning and developmental disabilities, you are neither helpless nor hopeless. Call (972) 937-1221 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Strength at Pediatric Health Care Associates in Waxahachie, TX today.