Learning disorders: How pediatricians can help

Learning disabilities are common and can negatively affect the individual and, ultimately, society. Pediatricians should be able to identify the risk factors for learning disabilities, recognize the early warning signs, and apply the appropriate diagnostic tools. Pediatricians also can play a crucial role by encouraging schools to provide accommodations for the child, requesting multifactorial evaluations from the school district, and referring patients for detailed neuropsychological evaluation outside the school district when appropriate. Information from the pediatrician can help the school formulate an individualized education plan for the child. Additionally, the primary care pediatrician can support families with referrals to appropriate healthcare specialists.