Parental perspectives on learning disabilities: Challenges, strategies and aspirations

This report explores the multifaceted experiences of parents raising children with learning disabilities (LD), offering insights into their challenges, strategies, and aspirations. Drawing from qualitative data collected through interviews, the study highlights key themes, including the early identification of LD, the impact on academic and social development, and the psychological and emotional well-being of both children and families. Parents reported various diagnoses for their children, such as Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and mild autism, often identified through early signs like communication delays and social withdrawal. In inclusive classroom settings, children with LD face barriers such as limited communication skills and difficulties engaging with peers, which can lead to isolation and frustration. Effective strategies identified by parents include therapeutic interventions, individualized educational adjustments, and fostering confidence through positive reinforcement. Parents emphasize the importance of maintaining a supportive home environment and nurturing emotional resilience in their children. The report also examines how LD influences family dynamics, with siblings playing an active role in fostering inclusiveness. Parents expressed aspirations for their children's independence and societal integration, highlighting the value of leveraging unique skills for future opportunities. This study underscores the critical importance of early intervention, tailored strategies, and holistic support systems in addressing the complexities of learning disabilities.