Children with diagnosed learning disabilities are not as uncommon in today’s society as they were twenty years ago.  Having a learning disability is nothing to be ashamed or scared of, it requires education and understanding.   Many parents are often thrown back when they realize that their children may not learn the way an “average child” learns.  All children with or without learning disabilities may exhibit difficulty in any given subject.   Some children that have special needs, may for example, have poor memory skills, difficulty following directions, poor motor skills, trouble differentiating between letters, numbers, sounds etc.  However, a learning disability does not mean that a child is necessarily delayed or intellectually impaired.

 
The most recognized and commonly diagnosed learning disability is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) .  ADHD is a fairly new name, it was once called hyperactivity, and the American Psychiatric Association changed its name to ADHD in 1987.  This developmental disorder is a neurological condition that relates to the chemistry and the anatomy of the brain.  Doctors seem to diagnose boys with ADHD more than girls.  Children with ADHD may exhibit signs or restlessness, anxiety, short attention spans, and impulsiveness.  The hyperactive component of ADHD is diagnosed by signs of the children constantly in motion, difficulty remaining seated, excessive talk, easily distracted, difficulty with social relationships, and not listening (well).

Strategies for helping children with ADHD

•    Establish regular and consistent routines.
•    Set attainable and realistic expectations.
•    Establish rules and remain consistent with enforcing them.
•    Recognize congratulate and/or reward all accomplishments.
•    Always make eye contact when giving directions and remember to make sure they are clear and simple.
•    Make time for transitions and give plans for the next step in the process.

Masha Allah, I have met and taught many children with ADHD and ADD.  The one thing that I noticed was our lack of information on the disorder.  As with all learning disabilities, we have to take the time out to educate ourselves and understand the diagnosis.   After all that is said and done, a learning disability is only an additional obstacle which can be treated and overcome.  Alhamdulillah Islaam has provided us with the tools to deal with all of life’s ups and downs.

 Allah says in His noble Qur’an,

لاَ يُكَلِّفُ اللّهُ نَفْسًا إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا

“Allah does not burden a soul greater than it can bear” [Suratul Baqarah: 286]

And

فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا (5) إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا (6)

“For verily, with every difficulty comes relief, verily, with every difficulty comes relief.” [Suratush Sharh: 5-6]