What approaches can a therapist use for treating learning disability?
There are a myriad of therapy approaches that therapists can use in the treatment of learning disability. These include child psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, family therapy, sensory integration therapy, lifestyle education, etc.
How can a therapist help the child with a learning disability?
A therapist can work with other professionals such as a special educator and/or teachers and parents to design an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to the child’s unique needs to enhance the child’s learning effectiveness at school. A therapist can also provide support to the child throughout their challenges at school and home, and help the child deal with any negative emotions that they may face as a result of their learning disability.
What professionals other than a therapist can help a child with a learning disability?
A speech therapist can help the child with a learning disability to improve their language skills. An occupational therapist would be able to help improve the child’s motor skills if writing problems are present. A special educator can provide the additional support of equipping the child with techniques that help them enhance their academic skills.
How can a therapist work with the family of a child with Specific Learning Disability?
Having a child with a specific learning disability (SLD) can place a significant amount of stress and strain on social and familial relationships. It can also put the family members at a heightened risk of developing certain mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Certain interactional patterns with the child with SLD by the parents and other family members regarding the child’s low academic performance could be detrimental to the child’s emotional as well as academic growth. A therapist can help the family members become aware of and deal with these different types of issues.
