Question:
My son is five years old and currently in preschool. He should be starting kindergarten in the fall. We have been working with him very hard on the alphabet and his numbers, but it does not seem like he retains much. Is it possible that he has a learning disability and what resources are there for a child that is not yet in the public school system?
Answer:
If you are concerned about your child’s learning ability, by all means have him tested. You can contact private psychologists or contact your county or state educators. It will give you some information and relieve your anxiety. At such a young age, the results of the testing won’t necessarily determine whether he has a learning disability, but could indicate a learning DELAY which just means he has some catching up to do.
To help him catch up, regardless of the testing results, make the learning FUN! If you don’t already have them, get magnet letters for the fridge and letters for the tub. Help him recognize the letters in his name first. Play the memory game with him using the alphabet. Start with just 5 or 6 matching sets. Play alphabet bingo with him. And most importantly be positive and have fun! Always tell him he’s doing a good job.
Jo Ann D. LoRusso, Ph.D. | The PreK Connection | Early Childhood Special Education Consultant
Dr. LoRusso has degrees in cognitive psychology and early childhood special education with a focus in learning disabilities and early literacy. She currently teaches early childhood special education courses at Delgado Community College in New Orleans, works as a special education consultant, and has over 13 years experience working with young children with various types of learning issues.
