No one could have predicted the global impact that coronavirus would have on our children’s education. Still, for students who rely on special education due to ADD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, there are additional frustrating obstacles to overcome.

School leaders in Grand Rapids followed the advice of public health officials. They cautiously reopened many schools in accordance with CDC guidelines to minimize the risk of viral infection, but a move back to remote learning is still possible.

The 2020-2021 school year is now well underway. Still, parents fear that special education students will struggle unnecessarily due to the compounding stressors associated with the pandemic and the incompatibility of remote learning with IEPs and other programs for students with learning differences.

Alternative Strategies Work

There’s no denying that this year has been difficult for students at every stage of their academic careers. However, students with learning disabilities face specific challenges, and families are grappling with the reality that their children’s educators may be ill-equipped to handle teaching in these unprecedented times.

Whether your child is learning remotely or in a socially distanced classroom, if they have a learning disability, they are likely feeling overwhelmed by the changes and frustrated by the expectation to adapt under very surreal circumstances.

Dealing with Feelings of Guilt

Parents of students with learning disabilities are all too aware of the frustration that arises when a bright and intellectually motivated student finds themselves struggling academically, for seemingly no reason.

Students with ADD symptoms, for instance, often report feelings of guilt over their struggles with difficulties with executive functioning. They may sincerely wish to complete an assignment but find it unbelievably difficult to motivate themselves to take the first step—until it’s too late and they’ve already fallen behind.

Special education programs can be beneficial for students who are struggling to adjust during these strange and uncertain times. An alternative education plan can help your son or daughter succeed regardless of their previous academic history.