Special-Needs Resources

Q. I have a child who is struggling to learn. I may need to have him tested, but I don’t know where to begin. Can you help?

A. I know this can be a challenging situation for you and for your child who wants to learn, but is struggling for reasons he cannot understand. Here are some resources that I hope will help you find a solution.

On HEAV’s website, we have a list of counselors, testers, and tutors that can help you with testing and diagnosis of your child’s learning difficulties. It is organized by geographic areas in Virginia so you can work with someone local. These are people who have contacted HEAV and expressed an interest in working with homeschool students. You can contact those in your area to determine the best choice for your child’s needs.

Diane Craft’s website has very helpful information for struggling learners. She has spoken at our convention several times and addresses what she calls “learning glitches.” She has specific strategies that help the brain overcome these glitches.

Another helpful resource is NATHHAN, a website with excellent information about many learning challenges. The website is specifically for parents who teach their children at home. It is filled with practical information and links to many other resources.

HSLDA has links to other national organizations and a very encouraging e-mail newsletter with practical information from their specialists.

Every child’s learning needs are unique, but one-on-one tutoring from a loving parent is still one of the best options. The key is to discover the problem and then develop a plan that will work toward a solution. I hope this information will help you find resources that will work for your child.