Some parents and teachers in Nigeria may notice some children struggling with schoolwork but may not know why at times. Sometimes such challenges may be caused by learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, or other difficulties that affect how a child learns. Understanding these common conditions in simple, everyday language can help support a child or student better.

We will attempt a brief, simplified explanation of what Dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges look like in children, and practical steps you can take to help.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a common learning challenge that makes reading, spelling, and writing very difficult for children, even if they are intelligent and hardworking. Children with dyslexia often mix up letters, have trouble sounding words, or avoid reading altogether.

Suffers of dyslexia, may sometimes be unfairly labeled as careless, lazy or refusing to apply themselves because their difficulty with reading, writing or calculating etc. is misunderstood.

Signs of Dyslexia to Watch For

• Trouble recognizing letters and matching them to sounds.
• Slow reading or guessing words without understanding them.
• Mixing up similar-looking letters like ‘b’ and “d” or ‘P and b’.
• Difficulty spelling simple words.
• Avoidance of reading or writing tasks.

ADHD

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is another common condition that affects children’s ability to focus, sit still, and control impulses. This may be attributed to the neurological challenges they face. However, in a classroom, a child with ADHD may be termed as disruptive or inattentive and may be punished or, separated from other learners or may not be accommodated in a classroom.

Signs of ADHD to Watch For

• Difficulty paying attention during lessons.
• Fidgeting, moving around a lot, speaking excessively or speaking to oneself, spinning on the spot or hitting oneself repeatedly against a wall or surface.
• Interrupting others or impulsive actions.
• Struggling to complete tasks or follow instructions.
• Easily distracted by noises or ongoing activities within their vicinity.

Children may also experience:

• Dyscalculia: Difficulty understanding numbers, math facts, and calculations.
• Dysgraphia: Trouble with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas in writing.
• Auditory Processing Disorder: Difficulty understanding spoken instructions or distinguishing sounds.

Each of these challenges affects how a child learns and performs in school but can be mistaken for lack of effort or poor behaviour.

Why these challenges can go unnoticed in Nigeria

A significant number of schools in Nigeria operate sizable classrooms. Limited resources sometimes make it difficult for teachers to spot or pay attention to a child struggling with learning or who may have individual learning difficulties. Cultural beliefs and stigma or fear of stigma, are sometimes responsible for parents’ attempts to ignore or hide these challenges whilst putting pressure on the child to perform, without creating an enabling structure for them to do so. In addition, families may not know that professional help is available, accessible or affordable.

What Parents and Teachers Can Do to Help

Step 1: Recognize the Signs Early

Pay attention to the behaviours described above. Notice if a child or student consistently struggles in the above mentioned or certain of the above mentioned areas despite efforts made to support them.

Step 2: Escalate the issue to medical personnel or if in a school to the appropriate School Staff

Share your concerns with your child’s other parent, doctor or teacher and ask if they have noticed similar difficulties. Teachers can provide valuable insight and support.

Step 3: Seek Professional Help

In Nigeria, organizations such as The Dyslexia Foundation, The Centre for ADHD Awareness Nigeria, and speech therapy centers can help identify, accurately diagnose and manage these challenges.

Step 4: Support Your Child at Home

Create a structured routine, use visual aids, break tasks into smaller steps, and encourage positive reinforcement. Celebrate small victories and be patient.

Step 5: Advocate for Your Child

Work with your school to request accommodations like extra time on tests or modified teaching methods or frequent breaks to allow the child to calm down.

Practical Tips for Parents and Teachers in Nigeria

• Use simple, clear instructions when speaking to children with learning challenges.
• Limit distractions during homework or study time.
• Encourage reading aloud to improve fluency and confidence.
• Allow frequent short breaks to manage restlessness or attention difficulties.
• Celebrate your child’s unique strengths and talents outside academics.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Leads to Support

All learning challenges like dyslexia and ADHD can be confusing and frustrating for children and their families. But knowing the signs and what to do can open doors to support and success.

With patience, awareness, and the right help, children with learning disabilities can thrive academically and emotionally. Parents and teachers are key players in helping children in Nigeria overcome these hurdles and build a brighter future.