Making Friends When You Have a Learning Disability

Disorders in which a person faces difficulty in comprehending, interpreting, and conveying several things and factors are called learning disabilities. Dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia are some of such disorders. These are not the result of any physical, mental, economic, or cultural factors, and in no way do they label the child as weak, lazy, or abnormal.

Have you Read? How to Overcome a Learning Disability?

People, usually kids, with a learning disability face many problems in their life, like :

Psychological problems - They are prone to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. They are usually in constant thoughts of self-doubt and low self-esteem. These are usually the result of the substance abuse that they face.

Socio-emotional problems - Whether intentionally or unintentionally, such people are usually made to feel left out and isolated, thus increasing their level of loneliness. This also adds to their deteriorating mental health. It makes it difficult for them to open up to people and make friends.

Behavioural problems - Things can be frustrating for them at times. They are more likely to quit, avoid or ignore the tasks they find difficult even at the slightest. This can also be the result of family and school stressors, lack of appreciation, and constant nudge to be perfect.

People with a learning disability, at some point in time, reflect these problems. We, as a society, need to understand that they are no different and help them overcome these problems.

The first thing is that we need to be self-aware and educate ourselves about the existence and impacts of these disabilities and understand that just because someone's way of comprehending things is different from ours doesn't make them abnormal or liable to exclusion.

We need to understand the importance of listening. These are invisible disabilities and usually, don't receive the attention they deserve. We must make the person comfortable enough to confront the issues they are facing and know if we could help anyhow.

Parents of such kids must understand that they are not dumb or inactive. Pressurizing them now and then to be perfect in something that is not in their control will only worsen their mental health and make them aggressive. Parents must make it easy for the child to cope.

School authorities and teachers must be trained enough to at least detect their symptoms and be known of their difficulty. They should try keeping their academic and other demands just inside the skill and ability circle of the child. This makes it easier for the child to excel and also makes the evaluation realistic and justified. If the teachers treat them justly, then it makes it obvious for other students to do the same.

But to make things easier it is also important for the person with learning disabilities to take a step and be vocal about their issues and problems. They should try befriending people they think they might go comfortable with. They should be open about their mental health and seek help if needed. And the most important thing is to not manifest negative things. Practically learning disability has no direct impact on making friends difficult. It is the problems that come along with it that make it difficult for everyone to co-exist. We must normalize having this disability and avoid isolating such people. Making friends for them will be simpler only when they are made to feel that way. And lastly, awareness is the key. The more we are aware of these, the easier it is for everyone to overcome these.

Also Read: Role Models for Children with Learning Disabilities