We must act now to support children with learning difficulties

Did you know….

10 – 16% of all children are affected by learning disabilities and difficulties.

17.7 % of all Australian children live in households in poverty.

There is a strong correlation between financial disadvantage and learning disabilities/difficulties.

Children with learning disabilities and difficulties are in increased risk of

• Poor memory (Hay et al., 2005)
• Disengagement from learning (Rowe, 2006)
• Depression (Sideridis, 2007)
• Loneliness (Carter et al., 2006)
• Bullying (Carter et al., 2006)
• Learned helplessness (Firth et al., 2007)
• Frustration (Watson, 2005)
• Low Self-Esteem (Nalavany & Carawan, 2011; Zarifiadis et al., 2005)
• Negative behaviours (Rowe, 2006)
• Decreased motivation (Watson, 2005)
• Avoidance of risk-taking (Twomey, 2006)
• Unemployment ((ABS 2006, Young & Browning, 2005)
• Fewer friends (Carter et al., 2006)

Learning disabilities & difficulties can impact multiple generations with a family, creating a cycle of disadvantage.

We must act now to break this cycle….

If left untreated, the short and long term impacts of a learning disability or difficulty are significant. The financial supports available to assist these children are minimal. This means that many never receive the help and intervention they require to stop them from falling behind.

Learning Links works directly with children and families and in partnerships with schools and early childhood centres to intervene and help the children get the specialised intervention they need to overcome these significant barriers to educational success. We offer the children hope now and for the future and contribute to sustainable change through our capacity building partnerships across the community. We offer children who have difficulties learning the opportunity to realise their potential and live a fulfilling life.