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Tip of the Day ~ Homeschooling the LD Child

1:43 AM, Aug. 27, 2007

TO LABEL OR NOT TO LABEL?

THAT IS THE QUESTION.

Let me begin this tip with a disclaimer: I DEFINITELY do NOT consider myself an expert on this subject . Well, I’m not really an expert in any of the subjects that I have been writing about, but I feel especially compelled to emphasize that point today!

My oldest son (who just turned 13 last week) was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome just last year (a form of autism) and there are many clues that point to a similar issue with our third son (turning 9 this week) so we are definitely STILL LEARNING, but here are a few things that have helped me in developing a unique strategy to fit this situation! Maybe some of it will apply to your situation as well.

To Label or NOT to Label: I can’t really advise anyone else what is best for their child, but one of the reasons it took us 11 years to get a diagnosis is that I am not a big fan of LABELING children! Labels are for pre-packaged foods, CDs, DVDs, Video Games and seed packets.

Putting a label on my son does NOT define his content or even his potential.

Putting a label on my son does NOT give him or ME excuses to use as a crutch.

Putting a label on my son does NOT quantify what he has to offer the world.

Putting a label on my son does NOT set borders and limitations for him that are finite.

BUT…

Putting a label on the way my son’s mind learns DOES encourage me that I have not necessarily put the wrong ingredients into this child.

Putting a label on the way my son’s mind learns DOES give me access to information and support on typical behaviors and strategies for success.

Putting a label on the way my son’s mind learns DOES give me guidelines that can lead to creating an organized, but flexible plan for his development.

Putting a label on the way my son’s mind learns DOES give me a way to share with others what my child needs and why his mind works in an way that may seem unfamiliar to them.

Putting a label on the way my son’s mind learns DOES give me opportunities to tap into resources that are designed for unique situations.

Putting a label on the way my son’s mind learns DOES give you a clearer picture of what to avoid, or what may be more detrimental to your child.

Putting a label on the way my son’s mind learns DOES help me as a parent be more consistent as we develop an understanding of the how, when, where, and why of our own life with this wonderful child!

SIMPLY PUT…

Just as in packaging that you will find on the things you buy… labels CAN be a valuable help to you.

If the label puts your child into a little box or gives him license to get away with more than is justified,

THEN, you may be dangling from an extreme. Move on down the spectrum to find a balancing point!

BUT, if the label empowers your family to better help your child be all that God created him to be… then, prayerfully consider the evaluation processes that will lead you to this place.

j easter

Lovingly and Prayerfully,

Christina

Christina and her family are in their 11th year of homeschooling. They believe that it CAN be done despite the many challenges of life! Every member of a family brings its own unique needs and blessings. Maybe some of what they have learned can be a blessing to YOU!

Posted in Tipoftheday, 5 comments, Link
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Untitled Comment

10:51 AM, Aug. 27, 2007, posted by SchooloFaith

Hi,
Your post really helped me a lot. Our son is 13, was born a little early, had to be on a venilator for a couple of weeks. I've always known something was different, but have been told "boys are slower than girls," or something like that. Finally had him tested at public school, in 3rd grade. They said he has learning disabilities, gave him special speech/learning classes, but still it felt wrong.
He's supposed to be tested for and autism spectrum soon (1st asked the Dr. in Jan, it's almost Sept. now). I was wondering if it's too late to help, but I guess just knowing will be a help.
Thank you for writing about this. We still want him to be all he can, but maybe there are ways of reaching him we don't know about, that we can find after it's made "official."

Awesome!

2:22 PM, Aug. 27, 2007, posted by hlawrence

I thought your entry was perfectly awesome and insightful! I've often wondered, now that we're homeschooling, if we should even bother with the labels that have been assigned to my daughter. I had always thought of them as a necessary evil in order get her special education services through the public school system.
I’ve really only wanted the labels in order to know more about my child. So I can give her the best education, therapies and help that she deserves and is entitled to in order to get as far as she’s able to go in life. And if it takes a couple of labels to get her there, then so be it. We’ve always accepted her for all that God has graced her with (and without). She doesn’t know what her labels or limits are – we’ve seen no reason to tell her. She knows that math is harder for her than reading. She’s ok with that and so are we. She even told me last week (with a big grin on her face) that she didn’t need a new math workbook because she would rather “read about math next year or the year after”. Nice try, kiddo, LOL! ~ Heather

Labelling the "LD" child

5:54 PM, Aug. 27, 2007, posted by AnamcaraAcademy

I've only recently joined the Homeschool blogging site, but have been homeschooling for a while now. I truly enjoyed your comments on labelling...particularly considering I have four children with various neurodiversities: daughters with dyslexia, Asperger's (yes it does happen to girls!), and ADHD, and a son with autism. Perhaps it would be easier to open others' perspectives of our children's abilities if the label "learning disabled" were changed to "learning differently-abled" or even "learning dissimilar." Labels are not meant, to me, to define my children, but to help me define how to best provide them the tools they need to learn and grow. Kudos to you for commenting in a similar vein!

Edited by AnamcaraAcademy on Aug. 27, 2007 at 4:56 PM

Untitled Comment

9:20 AM, Aug. 28, 2007, posted by Anonymous

I agree! I agree! I was on a parent's panel for people raising children diagnosed under the umbrella term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. One of the women on that panel said something I have used ever since... A diagnoses or label isn't like a brand name. A brand name tells us about quality or worth of a garment. A label doesn't define the worth or value of our kids. It is more like the care label tucked inside of the garment. It tells us what kind of care we have to give our kids in order to help them learn and develop. It keeps their spirit from being washed out by an inappropriate environment."

My daughter's diagnosis has helped me understand how her brain works ~ and what I can do to support and mentor her as she grows into an adult.

Great post!

11:09 AM, Aug. 29, 2007, posted by Vanderclan

I have always thought that the label isn't the problem, it is what is read on the label. I have labeled myself several times, Christian, Mother, Daughter, homeschooler, etc.

Any label can be given a twist to sound like they are less than ideal if said or thought of in a poor light. Think of how many times you've heard "ohhhhh, you're a homeschooler?" with that less than admiring tone and one eyebrow raised. When really that label is fine if said "Oh! You're a homeschooler?!" minus the eyebrow and add a smile.

So, I think you are right on with your post. :)

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