Should a child be classified as Learning Disabled? (mentally, kids, teens) - - City-Data Forum

stock66 · 11-20-2007, 07:00 PM

Can anyone tell me the benefits or negatives of having a child classified as Learning Disabled?
Both my daughters are AD/HD. I never considered them learning disabled and would not allow them to be classified as such. They faced certain challenges outside of the norm, I didn't consider them disabled in anyway.
My step-granddaughter has just been diagnosed as AD/HD and her mother can't wait to get her into a LD program.
Just curious how others have handled this and how things worked out.

MonaLisaVito · 11-20-2007, 07:10 PM

I think if your daughters were in need of any type of LD program you would know it already, you would of noticed serious problems already and would not have felt any need to even ask this question.

If your daughters are performing well in school and not having any problems I would leave things just the way they are.

Best of luck to you

nicolepsy · 11-20-2007, 07:11 PM

i would think that such a label would promote low self esteem.

MonaLisaVito · 11-20-2007, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicolepsy

i would think that such a label would promote low self esteem.

I'm not sure about this.

My son, who is mentally challenged and has a pretty severe speech problem has very high self-esteem. I wonder where he got it from sometimes, but I sure am glad he has it!

ggluvbug · 11-20-2007, 08:16 PM

Well, it depends on if the ruling fits. Some kids with ADD are LD and some are not. Some people assume that just because a child gets an LD ruling they can receive a disability check. This is not true.
If the child has a genuine learning disability, then the school needs to evaluate. However, ADD does not automatically mean that a child will have trouble learning in school.

ggluvbug · 11-20-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicolepsy

i would think that such a label would promote low self esteem.

Not necessarily. My son is gifted and has an IEP (EMD ruling) and he knows that he has these things. He doesn't seem any more down on himself now than before he had the paperwork.

nicolepsy · 11-20-2007, 08:35 PM

i should have said it could promote low esteem in "some" children. i think it also depends on the age. i think pre-teens and teens may not care for such a label as opposed to a five year old who doesnt really understand. i just dont think any type of label that is normally deemed negatively is good for a kid's psyche. it seems to sink in deep and remain forever. i am happy that any of your kids have great self esteem though. it is so important.

stock66 · 11-20-2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjb68

I think if your daughters were in need of any type of LD program you would know it already, you would of noticed serious problems already and would not have felt any need to even ask this question.

If your daughters are performing well in school and not having any problems I would leave things just the way they are.

Best of luck to you

My daughter's are in college now so hopefully I have made it through the toughest learning years

The oldest is heavy towards the Attention Deficit and still struggles and gets lost. The younger is way towards the Hyperactive side and has been able to gain more control and does pretty well as long as all the energy stays channeled.

My concern is based on my granddaughter and if it is best to put her in LD classes. She is bright girl and I don't see her having problems with learning so I question how being "LD" will benefit her.

stock66 · 11-20-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ggluvbug

Some people assume that just because a child gets an LD ruling they can receive a disability check. This is not true.

You can get a check?? Ahhhhh.....that may explain things. When we were discussing the situation I expressed surprise at the choice to go with the LD designation. I got a very terse reply that they paid their taxes and were entitled to the benefits. See how naive I am? I had no idea

I can only hope I am wrong

nicolepsy · 11-21-2007, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stock66

You can get a check?? Ahhhhh.....that may explain things. When we were discussing the situation I expressed surprise at the choice to go with the LD designation. I got a very terse reply that they paid their taxes and were entitled to the benefits. See how naive I am? I had no idea

I can only hope I am wrong

maybe the school also receives more $ for each ld child?