Leveraging Strengths

When students are first diagnosed with learning differences, they may find themselves feeling a bit discouraged. They cannot perform specific skills, or something hinders their abilities. We speak to many parents who say that their child is frustrated and feels somewhat helpless. They need to catch up with their peers in certain areas, which affects their self-confidence. We always reply that this is very normal, and we explain that the child needs to understand the nature of the challenge. By demystifying the deficit, we help her realize that there is a distinct reason for her difficulties and that nothing is wrong with her. Also, we explain how she can improve in these weaker areas and build up her skills. We leverage her strengths in other areas to bolster her growth. This process works slowly, but if done consistently over some time will boost her abilities in the weaker areas. She can build her cognitive muscles and make significant improvements with effort and determination.