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If your child is struggling in school, it may be for perfectly good reasons. Here's a quick rundown on the possible causes for those Cs, Ds or Fs. All parents want their children to shine in school. But sometimes even smart kids who work hard can't seem to grasp basic skills like reading or math. Or they may have difficulty concentrating on schoolwork. They may have a condition that makes it difficult for them to learn what seems to come naturally to others. Does this sound like your child? If it does, your child could have a learning disability or attention disorder - problems that need special educational or medical help. Q. What makes school a struggle? A. Learning disability is a broad term for many difficulties. You may already be familiar with dyslexia, a reversal of letters and words. But there can be problems involving other subject areas, such as math. An attention disorder, most commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), makes it hard for children (and later, adults) to focus on learning and other tasks. The causes of these disorders are not well understood. Researchers have found some differences in the brains of those with learning disabilities and ADHD. The disorders have also been linked to genetic factors; alcohol, tobacco or other drug use during pregnancy; and toxins, such as lead, in a child's environment. In most cases, there's no known cause. But there's hope. Children with these disorders are usually just as smart as students who take to school easily. They can learn and succeed. Q. What signs point to learning disabilities? A. About 5% of American public schoolchildren suffer from one of the many different kinds of learning disabilities. Some early warning signs include slow language development or poor coordination. But learning disabilities are often invisible until a child hits school age. In many cases they are diagnosed after a professional educational evaluation. There is no proven medical treatment for learning disabilities. Some people advocate special diets, exercise or visual treatments, but there's no evidence that these approaches work. |
Therapy and remedial education, however, can help children cope well with the problem. Federal law requires school districts to test and offer special instruction to all students with learning disabilities. Q. What points to ADHD? A. Attention deficit problems afflict between 3% and 5% of all American children. They're particularly common in those with learning disabilities. Children who have ADHD are easily distracted, fidget constantly, are often disruptive and can't follow directions. They also blurt out answers before questions are finished. Some children have difficulty with attention without hyperactivity. They are harder to spot because their behavior is not as disruptive. ADHD is often treated with stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), which reduces hyperactivity and impulse problems, making it easier for children to focus. The drugs work for about 90% of patients and are sometimes continued into adulthood. But they do carry side effects: trouble sleeping, loss of appetite and temporary slowdown in growth. A newer non-stimulant medication, atomoxetine (Strattera), is also available. Side effects can include dry mouth, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and insomnia. Your child may also benefit from behavior modification or other forms of therapy, which can help ADHD patients control their outbursts and function better in society. And your child may need tutoring or special remedial classes, which he or she is entitled to by law. One last word: If you or your child's teacher suspects ADHD, talk to your family doctor. He or she can either diagnose and treat the disorder - or refer you to the appropriate professional. Karen Rafinski is a medical writer in Cambridge, Mass. |
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