Learning Support
What is Special Education?
What is Special Education?
Special Education is designing instruction to meet the individualized needs of the child to reach his/her utmost potential.
What is the role of a Special Educator/ Learning Support Specialist?
A Special Educator is a teacher specialized in supporting students with diverse needs. A special educator targets the individualized academic needs of the child, adapts teaching methods, resources, strategies, collaborates with parents, teachers and other therapists to help the child achieve his/ her utmost potential.
What difficulties do special educators work with?
- Specific Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dyslexia & Dysgraphia)
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Developmental Delay
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Mental health challenges that are interfering with learning (anxiety, depression…)
- Students with learning gaps
- Students with poor study habits
When does my child need special education?
A child, whether diagnosed or not, would benefit from special education when he/she has consistent learning gaps or is experiencing difficulties in reading, writing or math.
How can it help?
A special educator can help your child by building foundational skills like reading, writing and mathematics through effective strategies, reducing the academic gap to help the child thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Common Questions:
What should I tell my child before coming?
Explain to your child that they will be visiting a special teacher who can help them become better at reading, writing and math through fun activities.
How long does the intervention last?
The length of the intervention depends on the needs of the child, the frequency of sessions per week and consistency. Progress is evaluated every 3 months to decide on the next objectives/ steps.
How can parents help?
Parents can help by being consistent, reinforcing/ reviewing a task given by the specialist, following recommendations and generalizing/ transferring the acquired skills to real life.
SPECIALIST
Special Education
FAQs
Questions patients ask us
Short answers first. Open any question for the full detail, or browse the complete FAQ list.
Special education means designing instruction around a child’s individual needs rather than a standard curriculum. A learning support specialist adapts teaching methods, materials, and pacing so a child can build skills in reading, writing, and math at a workable pace.
Read the full answerA tutor generally reinforces schoolwork through extra practice, while a special educator addresses the root cause of a learning gap. A special educator evaluates how a child processes information and builds an individualized plan, often collaborating with teachers and parents.
Read the full answerA child needs special education support when reading, writing, or math skills consistently lag behind expectations, whether or not a formal diagnosis exists. Warning signs include slow progress despite effort, avoidance of schoolwork, or frustration around homework.
Read the full answerA first learning support session typically involves a conversation with parents about concerns and a review of the child’s academic history. The specialist may conduct a learning assessment to pinpoint specific gaps, then build an individualized plan focused on reading, writing, or…
Read the full answerLina Hajar works as Learning Support Advisor at The Valens Clinic in Dubai. Her services include learning assessments, individualized education plans, and reading decoding support for children facing dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and related developmental differences.
Read the full answer