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Why learning differences matter in our classrooms

The best gift you can give your child is early identification and intervention

Across Bermuda, there are bright, creative and capable children sitting in classrooms who feel lost, frustrated or “not good enough”. These students often have learning differences — such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — that affect how they process and express information. And too often, their needs go unrecognised.

Learning differences are not learning deficits. They simply mean a child’s brain works differently. But without support, children can internalise the belief that they are “slow” or “lazy”, when the truth is they just need to be taught in a way that suits how they learn.

The most important thing any parent can do is trust their instincts. If your child is consistently struggling with reading, writing, focus or self-esteem, don’t wait. Ask questions. Speak to your child’s teacher. Consider an assessment. The earlier a learning difference is identified, the better the outcome — academically, emotionally and socially.

Many families feel guilt, fear or even denial at first. That’s completely natural. But learning differences are not a reflection of parenting. In fact, the best gift you can give your child is early identification and intervention. It opens the door to targeted support, and, most importantly, restored confidence.

Some signs that your child may benefit from an assessment and interventions include:

• Ongoing struggles with reading, spelling or writing

• Trouble focusing or sitting still

• Avoidance of schoolwork or complaints of stomach aches or headaches

• Difficulty following multi-step instructions

• Frustration, anxiety or frequent meltdowns around homework

• A noticeable gap between your child’s intelligence and their school performance

The truth is, learning differences are common. According to the US National Centre for Learning Disabilities, 1 in 5 children has a learning or attention issue. In Britain, according to the Department of Education, as of June 2024, there are 1.7 million students in England with additional educational needs.

Supporting children with learning differences is not about lowering expectations — it’s about removing unnecessary barriers. It’s about helping every child understand how they learn best and giving them the tools to thrive. With the right help, they can succeed in school and beyond.

This new op-ed series, “Learning Differently”, will explore key topics such as dyslexia, ADHD, assessments, therapeutic interventions and more. It is meant is to give parents, educators and the wider community practical insights and encouragement as we build a more inclusive and compassionate Bermuda.

• Cindy Corday is Head of School at the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning

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Published June 23, 2025 at 8:00 am (Updated June 21, 2025 at 9:40 pm)

Why learning differences matter in our classrooms

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