If your child is struggling with learning or behavior, and these issues are impeding their ability to function optimally in school, you may have to consider the possibility of a learning disability. The good news is that there are a ton of services available to your child, and theyre free to access. These are called special education and related services.

First of all, you neednt be upset. As a school psychologist, I see approximately 20% of the student population for one reason or another. Services range from In-Class Support to Out-of-District Placement, and the range in between is significant. There are Resource Center placements that place your child in a smaller class environment for an extra period each day; there are replacement classes that offer a full class period of instruction in the Resource Center instead of the mainstream environment; there are self-contained classes for students with more significant learning difficulties.

If you suspect your child has a learning disability, your first course of action is to request an evaluation. Youll write a letter to your districts IEP Team and theyll have a short time period (usually 20 days) to get hold an Identification meeting with you. At that meeting, youll discuss your childs difficulties with the Team, which consists of (at a minimum) a School Psychologist, Social Worker, Regular Education teacher, Special Education teacher, and district representative, which may or may not be one of the aforementioned members. At this meeting it will be decided whether or not to evaluate your child.

If your child is deemed to necessitate an evaluation, then a three-pronged evaluation will begin. Your childs IQ will be assessed, as will be their learning profile. A background interview will be conducted during which youll provide all pertinent information on your child. Youll receive copies of these reports within a 90-day period.

Youll reconvene to discuss the results of the assessments within three months. At that meeting it will be decided whether or not your child qualifies for services, and placement will be discussed when the Individualized Education Program is devised. Youll have plenty of opportunities to interject and offer your opinion after all, its your child! If you disagree with the findings, there are procedures you can take. You can refuse services altogether. Remember, though, that if your child is found to be learning disabled your Team may initiate a Due Process hearing to implement services if you refuse. There are legal protections for you, and for your Team.

Whatever the outcome, at the very least youll have a detailed learning profile of your child. Youll be able to get them the help they need. And theyll be better off after the process is complete.