Handling a Possible Learning Disability

What should parents do if they're concerned their preschooler might have a disability or developmental delay of some kind? - Worried
Answer: Parents are often the first to discover that their child has delayed development. If you have any worries, discuss them with your child's doctor, who should be able to determine if your child does have a problem. If so, it is very important to seek early intervention, because it can make a world of difference.
Fortunately, federal law provides a free and appropriate education for children, starting at birth. There are agencies and organizations in every state that can provide you with local sources of help. To find out what resources are available in your state, visit the Web site of the National Dissemination Center for Children With Disabilities at www.nichcy.org/states.htm.
The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center's coordinating office Web site - www.nectas.org - will provide you with information about the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and programs and projects funded under IDEA for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with disabilities.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities provides information on evaluating preschool children's skills and has a list of some common characteristics of preschoolers at risk of possibly being identified later as having learning disabilities. The list can be used to determine whether professional help is needed. Look at facts under LD Basics to find a Learning Disabilities checklist online at www.ncld.org.