How to Support a Child with Learning Difficulties at Home and School

Published By: Aulixo® Clinic

Author: Dr. Pravin Dhole

"Why is she still struggling to read words her classmates learned last year? He's bright, curious and yet, numbers just don't make sense to him."

"If these thoughts sound familiar, you're not alone. Many parents notice their child falling behind in school despite consistent effort, regular practice, and support at home. It's confusing and heartbreaking. But it's also a sign worth paying attention to.

Introduction: What Are Learning Difficulties?

Learning difficulties are not a reflection of laziness or low intelligence. Many children facing these challenges are highly intelligent and creative-they just learn differently. These difficulties often stem from

Imagine trying to read in a mirror or do a math sum while music blares in your ears. That's overwhelming, everyday learning tasks can feel for some children.

The key? Early recognition, the right support, and plenty of patience.

How Common Are Learning Difficulties?

While it may feel isolating at first, learning difficulties are more common than many parents realise:

• In India, studies estimate that between 2.1% to 30.7% of school-aged children an SLD.

• A large-scale systematic review placed the average prevalence at 10.7% of children

• Globally, the DSM-5 reports that 5-15% of children are affected by learning disorders

  
  

  Dr. Pravin Dhole explains it this way: "We see kids who are bright and articulate in co but when asked to write a sentence or solve a math problem, they freeze or fall apart ack of ability-it's a mismatch in how they process information

  
  

  The Impact on Learning and Self-Esteem

  
  

Learning difficulties can profoundly affect academic performance and a child's confidence and mental well-being.

In the U.S., over 90% of students with SLDS in grades 4 and 8 are not proficient in reading or math (NCLD), and similar patterns are seen globally. Children often:

• Score lower in exams or fall behind in class.

• Feeling embarrassed or anxious about speaking up

• Start believing they're "not smart enough," even when that's far from true

  
  

A parent from Pune shares, "My son would cry every morning before school. He said the words in the books danced around. It took us a year and many school meetings to finally get a dyslexia diagnosis.

Recognising the Signs: What to Watch For

Many children struggle occasionally, but if the same issues persist over time, it might be more than just a phase. Here are some real-life signs of common learning difficulties:

Reading Difficulties (Dyslexia).

• Your child avoids reading aloud in class

• Struggles to remember letter sounds or recognise familiar words

• Confuses letters like b/d or p/q

Writing Difficulties (Dysgraphia)

• Poor handwriting or inconsistent letter sizing

• Trouble organising ideas into written sentences

• Tires quickly during written work

Math Challenges (Dyscalculia)

• Struggles with basic math facts despite repetition

• Confusion between numbers or signs (e.g.,+ and -)

• Difficulty understanding concepts like time or money

Attention and Focus Issues (Often Linked with ADHD)

• Easily distracted, restless, or fidgety

• Starts tasks but struggles to complete them

• Interrupts or talks out of turn frequently

ADHD is often misinterpreted as misbehavior, but it's really about how the brain manages impulses and focus.

How Are Learning Difficulties Diagnosed?

In India, several validated tools and assessments are used to identify SLDs, including:.

• The AIIMS SLD Comprehensive Diagnostic Battery

• The NIMHANS Index for SLD

• WISC-IV and other psychometric tests administered by child psychologists

If you suspect something, don't wait. Talk to your child's teacher or pediatrician and request a referral for a formal assessment. The earlier you start, the better the outcomes.

How to Support a Child with Learning Difficulties at Home

You don't need to be a trained educator or therapist to help your child thrive-you just need empathy, creativity, and the willingness to meet them where they are. Home is often where the most powerful learning happens, especially for children with learning differences.

Here are practical ways to turn your home into a supportive, low-pressure space for growth.

1. Create a Predictable Routine and Study Zone

Children with learning difficulties often feel overwhelmed by chaotic environments. Creating a calm, predictable space helps them feel secure and focused.

Try this:

• Set up a quiet, clutter-free workspace with all essentials in one place

• Use visual schedules or checklists with icons for younger children

• Set short, regular study times instead of long, exhausting sessions

My son used to resist homework every day. Now, we do it at the same time, in the same spot, and he knows what to expect. That made a big difference," says Priya", a parent of 8 an 8-year-old child.

2. Break Down Big Tasks Into Bite-Sized Steps

What seems simple to us-like "do your project"-can feel huge and unclear to a child with processing difficulties.

What helps:

• Turn big tasks into small, clear instructions

• Use timers or visual countdowns to signal breaks

•  Praise each step, not just the final outcome

  
  

Instead of write your essay

Try Let's pick a topic. Then we'll make 3 bullet points. After that, we'll turn them into sentences

3. Use Multi-Sensory Learning Techniques

Children with learning differences learn best when they can see it, hear it, touch it, and move

through it. This approach engages more parts of the brain and boosts retention.

Examples:.

• Use magnetic letters to spell out words

• Trace numbers in sand or flour for math practice.

• Clap out syllables in difficult words

• Act out stories before writing them

Tip: You don't need expensive materials-just creativity and a willingness to experiment.

4. Praise Effort, Not Just Results

A child who struggles to read a paragraph but doesn't give up deserves just as much praise-if not more than one who breezes through a worksheet.

Say things like:

• "I love how hard you tried today!"

• "You really focused, even when it got tough."

• "You're showing so much courage.

This builds resilience and reduces the fear of making mistakes-a major hurdle for children with learning difficulties.

5. Make Reading Enjoyable Again

mistakes

Reading can feel like punishment to a child with dyslexia. Help take the pressure off.

How:

• Read aloud together, switching turns by sentence or page

• Let them follow along with an audiobook

• Use graphic novels, large-print books, or dyslexia-friendly fonts

• Don't correct every mistake focus on fluency and enjoyment first

  
  

6. Watch for Emotional Clues

Sometimes, learning struggles show up as tantrums, low confidence, or anxiety rather than academic failures.

.A child who "acts out" during homework may actually be scared of getting it  wrong again

What helps:

• Offer calm reassurance

• Acknowledge frustration without brushing it off

• Validate their feelings know this in hard. But we'll take it one step at a time, together"

If meltdowns, withdrawal, or anxiety persist, consider talking to a child psychologist for support.

Conclusion:

 At Aulixo® Clinic, we understand that every child learns differently. Our goal is to support the creation on creating individualised treatment plans that address both the symptoms and needs. Led by Dr. Pravin Dhole, a homeopath with over 35 years of experience, our team helps children facing learning challenges by providing personalised care tailored to their unique underlying causes of learning difficulties.

One of our key programs is Autscape®, which utilizes innovative methods to target the root causes of developmental disorders, aiming to bring about lasting improvements in areas such  as communication and social skills.

We believe in a holistic approach, integrating various therapies to provide comprehensive support for your child. Our services complement existing educational and therapeutic interventions, working collaboratively with families to enhance each child's learning experience.

If you're seeking additional support for your child's learning journey, consider reaching out to Aulixo® Clinic. Together, we can explore strategies to help unlock your child's potential.

Remember: You're Not Alone

Parenting a child with learning differences is a journey-sometimes hard, often emotional, but always meaningful. The small victories-writing their name clearly, finishing a book, staying calm during math-are worth celebrating