One thing a majority of them struggled with was organizational skills. They were always losing things - notebooks, pencils, coats, assignments, anything they could possibly lose. Their lockers looked like tornadoes had gone through them. And I heard from parents that their bedrooms were same story.

Too many of students that I taught tried to avoid reading and writing because it was so difficult for them. It was a common practice for me to help them read tests because they 1) couldn’t read words, or 2) didn’t understand either question or multiple choice answers they were given.

Notetaking was always difficult for Michele. She couldn’t get notes from chalkboard, overhead, or even her textbook onto her paper. She had to have help in her classrooms so she could work around this problem.

Everyone has problems with something. But when these problems interfere with your child’s education, and they are not showing improvement they should be showing, it is time to consider getting him evaluated.

For more on having your child evaluated, read "To test or not to test" at LDPerspectives.com

You may have noticed other indications at home but thought they were just “kid things”. If you ask your child to do 2 or 3 things in a row, does he forget most of them? When you ask him a question, does he have difficulty expressing answer? Is his room always disorganized? Does he have trouble socially?

These are some of questions you might want to think about as you talk with teacher and ask if she notices them in classroom.

It is important you realize that by doing this, you are not putting your child down or complaining about him or labeling him as a “bad kid”. You are discussing facts of what is actually going on, or not going on, with his learning. You are acting in his best interest.

Do not hesitate to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. The teachers will not think that you are stupid or inadequate The area of Learning Disabilities can be very confusing and overwhelming to anyone. It is best that you understand what is going on right from beginning.

When teachers have explained symptoms to your satisfaction, then it is time to find out what will happen from here. Ask specific questions about testing, how best to address your child’s concerns and how to minimize any “stigma” your child might experience as a result of being tested.

Remember, you are parent. And everyone is here to help your child.

For more up-to-date plain talk about learning disabilities, please visit us at www.ldperspectives.com.