In today’s competitive educational landscape, many parents feel apprehensive about subjecting their children to diagnostic assessments. Concerns about potential stigma, the impact on a child’s self-esteem and fears of not meeting school admission criteria often overshadow the potential benefits of getting their child diagnosed accurately. However, these assessments provide detailed insights to a child’s strengths and weaknesses across various academic and developmental areas, which can significantly enhance a child’s learning experience.

Identifying learning needs like dyslexia or ADHD at an early stage is crucial in helping your child in their academic and personal development. Students with learning challenges often struggle with reading, writing, or concentration, which can hinder their ability to perform well in a mainstream school environment. Early diagnosis allows for tailored interventions such as individualised education plans and additional support. 

Individualised education plans can greatly help students overcome their specific learning difficulties, and develop skills that better align with their learning style. Without early diagnosis, students may face frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which can lead to behavioural outbursts, social isolation, or disengagement from learning.

Understanding a child’s learning profile also enables parents to communicate more effectively with educators. It empowers them to advocate for accommodations, resources and teaching strategies that align with their child’s needs. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive learning environment, addressing any issues that arise and regular adjustment of strategies to best support the child’s development. 

Overall, early identification and timely intervention can help enhance a child’s engagement and motivation in academic performance. Not only that, it can boost the child’s well-being, reduce anxiety and build confidence. Knowing that their struggles are recognised and addressed can be a significant relief for children. It helps them understand that the challenges they face do not stem from lack of effort or intelligence, but specific areas that need targeted support. This can boost their confidence and encourage a more positive attitude towards learning. It also helps redefine success for each child, ensuring they achieve their full potential in a supportive environment and ultimately helps them enjoy coming to school. Children who receive support are more likely to develop resilience and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges, skills that are invaluable throughout life.

At the Integrated International School, we provide various support services such as child counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, play therapy and many other services that can help in the student’s development, while addressing common emotional and behavioural issues encountered by special needs students.  

For example, play therapy can help children deal with emotional or behavioural issues. It provides them with a safe and natural outlet to express themselves through play, allowing them to develop a sense of control and work through difficult situations. Play therapy also helps children learn important social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and negotiation. By engaging in play, children can acquire new coping mechanisms and learn how to redirect inappropriate behaviours.

Play Therapy may help in a variety of conditions:

• Aggressive or angry behaviour
• Anxiety, depression, grief
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Developmental delay or learning disabilities
• Eating and toileting disorders
• Family issues, like divorce, separation, or death of a close family member
• Problem behaviours in school

Play therapy can be used alone or in combination with other therapies to help your child manage their condition more effectively. Aside from play therapy, other services such as cognitive behavioural therapy, will be pivotal in supporting your child's emotional well-being, equipping them with essential life skills and also helping in their academic performance. If you want to learn more about how our support services can help your child, please read here. 

At IIS, we utilise diagnostic assessments to create individualised education plans that address each child’s unique learning style, cognitive abilities and specific needs. This allows your child to transform potential obstacles into opportunities for growth, setting them on a path to a brighter and more successful future while redefining their own success.

Through personalised counselling approaches by our dedicated team of educators and supportive staff, we are committed to facilitating a safe and inclusive learning school environment for students with various types of learning disabilities where they can feel confident and motivated to achieve their best. Want to learn more about the Integrated International School? Contact us today for a school tour. See you soon!