October 29, 2025
Have you ever tried teaching your child something simple like tying shoelaces or reading a short word only to find they don’t understand it or they understand it in a completely different way?
That’s because no two brains learn the same way. For children with Autism, ADHD, or Dyslexia, learning isn’t just about sitting still or following instructions. It’s about finding the right pathways into their world of understanding. When parents learn how their child learns, it makes learning and education easier.
Many children on the autism spectrum are visual learners, they understand the world better through what they see rather than what they hear. Abstract or verbal instructions can feel confusing, but a picture, symbol, or visual cue can make things click instantly.
Practical Tips:
– Use visual schedules: Create a simple chart showing daily activities using pictures or icons.
– Keep instructions simple and consistent.
– Reduce sensory overload: Create a calm, structured learning corner at home.
Example:
Meet Tola, a 6-year-old with autism, he often resisted bath time until his mother created a “bath time board” with step-by-step instructions. Within weeks, he began following the routine independently.
Children with ADHD are often full of energy and creativity but long lessons or repetitive tasks can quickly lead to frustration or distraction. The key isn’t to fight their energy but to channel it into learning.
Practical Tips:
– Break lessons into short bursts.
– Incorporate motion into learning.
– Use visual and tactile tools.
– Set clear, achievable goals.
Example:
When David, an 8-year-old with ADHD, struggled to read, his mother turned it into a game. She placed sight words around the room, and every time he read one correctly, he runs down to the next word wearing his super hero costume.
Dyslexia affects how the brain processes written language, but it doesn’t affect intelligence or creativity. Many children with dyslexia are highly visual, intuitive, and imaginative.
Practical Tips:
– Try multi-sensory reading.
– Use technology.
– Focus on strengths.
– Be patient with reading fluency.
Example:
Amaka, age 9, hated reading aloud until her parents introduced audiobooks. Listening first helped her understand the story before seeing the text.
There’s no single formula for success. Each child’s learning style may mix visual, auditory, and hands-on preferences, and these can evolve with time. Parents who observe, ask questions, and try different methods often discover what truly works.
Ask yourself:
– Does my child remember better by seeing, hearing, or doing?
– What triggers frustration and what brings joy during learning?
– How can I make learning moments feel like play, not pressure?
Keeping a short learning journal can help track what works best, making it easier to communicate with teachers and therapists.
Learning differences are not limitations they’re simply different ways of processing the world and learning at the children’s pace. When you tailor your support to your child’s unique learning style, you help them feel understood, confident, and capable.
Remember: you are your child’s first and most consistent teacher. With patience, creativity, and love, you can help them discover their potential one milestone at a time.
