Help the parents obtain relevant information. For a young child this may be her pediatrician, possibly a specialized developmental pediatrician. Community resources, such as Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs, can be invaluable. New parents frequently do not know where to turn for this type of information.
Provide documentation to help parents fully understand the nature of the challenge that has been identified. Medical, developmental and academic test results offer concrete feedback to parents. Make certain this information is presented in a caring manner and with accompanying treatment recommendations which offer parents hope.
Help educate the parents. If a specific diagnosis has been made, provide the parents with a listing of valuable reading materials, diagnosis-specific organizations, support groups -- including play groups, and relevant professionals in the community. Encourage them to praise their child for his successes to help counteract the negatives the child will likely hear throughout the day.
Help challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. Encourage parents to realize we are all differently-abled and have different learning styles and strengths. Speak in terms of learning differences, not learning disabilities. Steer parents and their children to resources that foster this approach and build self-confidence in their children.
Identify the child's learning style and strengths. This will help the parents and school work together to create the most effective learning environment for the child. It also helps the older child know how best to approach her schoolwork.
Educate parents about other learning assistance opportunities. Perhaps there is access to relevant assistive learning technology in the school, community or online. Many inexpensive software programs for home use exist and are especially beneficial during summer months.
Ensure the parents have many supports. If a child requires an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at school, make certain the parents feel very much a part of the school team's decision-making. Some schools help connect parents with other parents within the school facing similar challenges.
Stay in touch with how the family is doing. Frequently parents of a child with learning differences are facing many struggles, time-wise, emotional and financial. Just being there to talk to, to bounce ideas off, can be a huge comfort.
Find ways to offer supports. Pediatricians, as well as parents' physicians, can offer comfort and referrals to parents by checking-in with them about how things are going. Places of worship and other organizations or clubs, can volunteer some assistance (babysitting, tutoring, a prepared meal) if parents are facing exhausting challenges.
Celebrate every child for the gift he is. And honor every parent for her hard work and many trials helping that child realize her gifts. The African proverb is so true: "It takes a village to raise a child."