How to Get Your Child's Learning Difficulties Officially Recognized at School

When something doesn’t feel right—but no one at school sees it

You know your child. You see how hard they try. And you’ve sensed, for a while now, that their struggles with reading, writing, focus, or math go beyond the average classroom challenge. But every time you’ve tried to bring it up with their teacher or the school...you’re met with vague reassurances. “They’ll catch up.” “Lots of kids struggle with focus.”

Still, something inside you insists: this is more than just a phase. Navigating this situation—between doubt, frustration, and a fierce desire to advocate for your child—can feel exhausting. You're not alone. And yes, there is a path forward to help your child’s learning differences be seen, understood, and supported by the school.

Step 1: Start by documenting what you observe—consistently

Before anything formal can happen, start collecting details. Note when your child becomes frustrated, when homework takes hours, when they break down crying over spelling words, or forget instructions moments after hearing them. These are not just "bad days"—they are signals. The more concrete examples you can share later on, the easier it will be to build a compelling case.

Include academic struggles, but don’t overlook emotional reactions, fatigue after school, headaches, or refusal to attend class—these are often part of the same puzzle.

Step 2: Request a meeting—and persist if you have to

Book a meeting with your child’s teacher. Not just during parent-teacher conferences, but a dedicated conversation to talk about your child’s challenges. Prepare ahead. Come in with two or three specific examples that highlight your concerns.

It's not uncommon for teachers, especially in inclusive classrooms, to downplay early signs. If that happens, don't let the conversation end there. Ask for a follow-up meeting with the school’s special needs coordinator, inclusion advisor, or psychologist. It’s okay to push gently—but firmly—on behalf of your child.

This article on why schools sometimes don’t recognize what your child is experiencing might help you understand their perspective and be better prepared.

Step 3: Pursue an evaluation—inside or outside the school

Every child who may have a learning disability—be it dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, or executive function disorder—is legally entitled (in most school systems) to a proper assessment. These evaluations can happen through the school, or externally through psychologists or specialists. Each option has its pros and cons:

• School-based evaluations are usually free, but may take months due to long waiting lists.
• Private assessments are faster and often more thorough, but expensive. However, some insurance plans cover part of the cost.

Once you have a diagnosis or even just a formal observation from a professional, you’re in a stronger position to request accommodations and modifications within the classroom.

Learn more about special needs supports even before the school officially recognizes the issue.

Don’t wait for a label to start supporting your child

Maybe you’re still weeks or months away from an official diagnosis, but your child is struggling now. The good news is, you don’t need to wait to start helping. One parent I spoke with—Claire, mother to an 8-year-old with suspected dyslexia—began using simple tools to cater to her child's learning style early on. For example, instead of fighting through lengthy bedtime reading, she turned spelling lists and science lessons into audio stories her son could listen to in the car or while falling asleep. It worked. He started retaining more, and dreaded school less.

Claire used an app—Skuli—which transformed handwritten class notes into personalized audio adventures, featuring her son as the main character. It wasn’t magic, but it re-engaged him in learning. When school felt discouraging, this gave him agency—and joy.

Step 4: Build your child’s support circle—at and beyond school

You shouldn't have to do this alone. Sometimes the school steps up with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or learning support, but sometimes...it doesn’t. In those cases, surrounding your child with other experts—occupational therapists, tutors, counselors—can make an enormous difference.

This guide on which professionals can support your child outside of school might help you explore your options. Support can take many forms—and emotional well-being is just as vital as academic progress.

Step 5: Find your own support, too

Advocating for your child when the school system doesn’t quite "see" them is emotionally taxing. Find other parents. Join online communities. Speak to a counselor if you need to. You’re carrying a big emotional load—full of decisions, fears, and guilt. But know this: You are doing something important. Something loving. Something brave.

This reflection piece on supporting your child in an inclusive—but imperfect—system may be a reassuring read on harder days.

This is not a path you walk alone

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to helping children with learning difficulties, and getting a school to acknowledge what you see is often the hardest part. But trust your instincts. Continue gathering evidence, asking questions, and seeking professional input. Most importantly, remind your child every day—through your words and actions—that they are not broken, not behind, not less. They simply learn differently. That truth, once embraced by both home and school, is the beginning of a whole new chapter.