The Truth About Learning Differences: What Miami Parents Need to Know

A father came to Open Mind Learning & Fine Arts last year because his son was failing third grade. He was frustrated, confused, and starting to blame himself.

"I do not understand," he told me. "He is smart. I know he is smart. But he cannot read. His teacher keeps saying he is not trying, but I watch him try every night. He sits there for an hour, and nothing sticks. What am I doing wrong?"

I asked him if anyone had ever tested his son for dyslexia.

He looked at me, surprised. "Dyslexia? Is that a real thing? I thought that was just an excuse people use when their kid is not good at school."

This conversation happens more often than you might think. Many parents, especially immigrant families or families new to the U.S. education system, have never heard of learning differences. And even families who have heard the terms do not always understand what they mean or how to get help.

At Open Mind, we work with many students who have learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing challenges. These children are not less intelligent. They are not lazy. Their brains simply process information differently, and they need teaching strategies that match the way they learn.

If your child is struggling in school despite putting in effort, this post is for you. Because understanding learning differences is the first step toward getting your child the support they need.

What Are Learning Differences?

A learning difference is not the same as low intelligence. Children with learning differences often have average or above-average IQ, but they struggle with specific skills like reading, writing, math, or paying attention.

These differences are neurological. They are not caused by laziness, poor parenting, or lack of effort. They are simply part of how a child's brain is wired.

Here are some of the most common learning differences we see in children.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia affects reading and language processing. Children with dyslexia may struggle to decode words, spell accurately, or read fluently. They may reverse letters, skip lines, or read very slowly.

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting about 1 in 5 children. But it often goes undiagnosed because people assume the child just needs to practice more.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD affects attention, impulse control, and executive function. Children with ADHD may have trouble sitting still, following directions, or completing tasks. They may lose their homework, forget instructions, or start projects but never finish them.

ADHD is not about being hyper or misbehaving. It is about the brain struggling to regulate attention and behavior.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia affects math skills. Children with dyscalculia may struggle to understand numbers, memorize math facts, or solve problems that require sequencing or logic.

They may do fine in other subjects but feel completely lost in math class.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia affects writing. Children with dysgraphia may have messy handwriting, struggle to organize their thoughts on paper, or take much longer than their peers to complete written assignments.

Auditory Processing Disorder

This affects how the brain processes sounds. Children with auditory processing disorder may have trouble following verbal directions, distinguishing between similar sounds, or filtering out background noise.

They may hear their teacher talking but struggle to make sense of the words.

Signs Your Child Might Have a Learning Difference

Not every child who struggles in school has a learning difference. But if you notice several of these signs, it is worth investigating further.

They Try Hard But Still Fall Behind

This is the biggest clue. If your child is putting in effort, spending time on homework, and still not making progress, something deeper is going on.

They Avoid Reading or Writing

Children with dyslexia or dysgraphia often avoid tasks that require reading or writing because these tasks are painful and frustrating for them.

They Have Trouble Staying Focused

If your child cannot sit still, loses focus easily, or seems distracted even when they are trying to pay attention, this could be a sign of ADHD.

They Struggle with Directions

If your child frequently forgets instructions, asks for directions to be repeated, or seems confused even when you explain things clearly, they may have an auditory processing issue.

Their Performance Is Inconsistent

Children with learning differences often have good days and bad days. One day they seem to understand a concept, and the next day it is like they never learned it.

They Have Low Self-Esteem

When children struggle in school, they start to believe they are not smart. They may say things like, "I am stupid," or "I hate school."

This is not about being dramatic. This is about feeling incapable, and it is heartbreaking.

What to Do If You Suspect a Learning Difference

If you think your child might have a learning difference, the first step is to get an evaluation. This will help you understand what is going on and what kind of support your child needs.

Request an Evaluation Through Your School

If your child attends public school in Miami Dade County, you have the right to request a psychoeducational evaluation. This is a formal assessment that looks at your child's cognitive abilities, academic skills, and any processing challenges.

To request an evaluation, put your request in writing and submit it to your child's school. The school is required to respond within a certain timeframe.

If your child qualifies for special education services, they will receive an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan, which outlines the accommodations and support they are entitled to.

Get a Private Evaluation

If you do not want to wait for the school, or if you want a second opinion, you can hire a private psychologist to conduct an evaluation. This usually costs between $1,500 and $3,000, but it gives you a detailed report that you can use to advocate for your child.

Talk to Your Pediatrician

If you suspect ADHD, your pediatrician can refer you to a specialist who can diagnose and treat ADHD. Treatment may include behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

How to Support a Child with a Learning Difference

Once you know what your child is dealing with, you can start providing the right kind of support. Here is what works.

Specialized Tutoring

Children with learning differences need tutors who understand how their brain works. A regular tutor who just helps with homework is not enough.

At Open Mind, our tutors are trained to work with students who have learning differences. We use multisensory teaching methods, break tasks into smaller steps, and provide the repetition and structure these students need.

For example, a student with dyslexia might need phonics-based reading instruction using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods. A student with ADHD might need frequent breaks, clear routines, and strategies for staying organized.

Accommodations at School

Make sure your child is receiving the accommodations they are entitled to. This might include extra time on tests, preferential seating, audiobooks, or a quiet space to work.

These accommodations do not give your child an unfair advantage. They level the playing field so your child can show what they know.

Emotional Support

Children with learning differences often feel frustrated, embarrassed, and defeated. They need to know that struggling does not mean they are not smart.

Talk to your child about their strengths. Celebrate their effort, not just their grades. Remind them that their brain works differently, and that is okay.

Consistency and Routine

Children with ADHD and other learning differences thrive on routine. Consistent schedules, clear expectations, and predictable environments help them feel more in control.

What We See at Open Mind

We have worked with hundreds of children who have learning differences, and we have seen the transformation that happens when they finally get the right support.

A child with dyslexia who could barely read in third grade is now reading chapter books in fifth grade.

A child with ADHD who could not sit still for five minutes is now completing full homework sessions with focus and confidence.

A child with dyscalculia who thought they were "bad at math" is now solving problems they never thought they could understand.

These changes do not happen overnight. They happen because someone took the time to understand how these children learn and provided the strategies, tools, and support they needed.

A Final Word

If your child is struggling, please do not assume they are lazy or unmotivated. Do not wait and hope they will grow out of it. Do not blame yourself.

Learning differences are real, and they affect millions of children. But with the right support, children with learning differences can succeed in school and in life.

At Open Mind Learning & Fine Arts, we are here to help. Whether your child has been formally diagnosed or you are just starting to realize something is different, we can provide the personalized tutoring and support they need.

Because every child deserves to feel capable. Every child deserves to be understood. And every child deserves a chance to succeed.

Does your child have a learning difference? Open Mind Learning & Fine Arts provides specialized tutoring and support for students with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning challenges in Miami.