Education/Counseling Models for Parents of LD Children

Abstract

Four parent education/counseling models that will help teachers to guide parents to programs based on their specific needs Many approaches are available to educate or counsel parents of learning disabled children. A recognized problem is that parents seeking help in dealing with their LD child are often referred to an available parent education program or counseling service without determining their needs. Parents who are experiencing difficulties coping with the problems associated with learning disabilities often turn to teachers for guidance about what to do or what education and counseling services to use. If teachers are familiar with basic types of parent education/counseling programs, they can more effectively aid parents in selecting a program directed toward their needs and those of their LD children.

Learning Disabilities and Behavior Problems

“…Several sources mention the importance of assisting the parents through a mourning process in order to accept the diagnosis of LD (Dane, 1990;Palombo, 2001a;Zieglar & Holden, 1988). It is also considered important to educate parents about the LD and its implications for the child's functioning (Dane, 1990;Osman, 1997;Palombo, 2001a;Palombo & Berenberg, 1999;Roth & Weller, 1985;Silver, 1989Silver, , 1992Trimble, 2001). Palombo (2001a) comments that parents usually experience considerable relief when they finally obtain the information that allows them to make connections between problem situations and the child's specific cognitive deficits.…”