How should Christian parents respond if a child has a learning disability?

Answer

It appears that nowadays, an increasing number of parents in the Western world are expressing, “My child has a learning disability!” In Western society, more and more children are being recognized as having ADD, ADHD, or receiving a diagnosis of autism or some form of mental condition that hinders their ability to connect with others or develop in a “normal” manner. This is a concerning reality, and believers are not immune to these challenges. How should believers react when confronted with these issues?

The sole enduring approach to addressing the challenges of living in our fallen world is to opt to walk by faith. While this may sound cliché and overly simplistic for parents who are earnestly seeking solutions, for the believer, it is the sole solution. Indeed, for the believer, the assurance of God’s grace through faith is the singular true foundation upon which we can rely when our child is in turmoil and we are unable to mend things with just a kiss and a band-aid.

If a child fractures a leg or an arm, a visit to the hospital mends the fracture. It is not left to heal independently and become a lifelong issue that the child must contend with. It is our duty as parents to nurture our children in the Lord in every facet of their lives, not for our convenience, but for their spiritual well-being. Therefore, if a child has a learning disability or struggles to sustain attention or exhibit appropriate behavior due to autism or some mental impairment, we do not abandon that child to struggle. Instead, we do everything within our means with as much love as possible for as long as necessary, regardless of the cost. There are resources accessible through organizations devoted to researching and supporting each disability. There is now a wealth of knowledge about how children learn compared to the past, and a greater amount of assistance is currently available. For some, the only support and solace come from the church and family offering resources and practical aid. This means we extend a helping hand and provide.To isolate ourselves from God’s people is not ideal. The “one another” commands are a valuable resource in times of need (1 Corinthians 12:25; Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Peter 3:8).

Conditions such as autism do not reflect on us as parents or result from something we did or did not do, nor are they something we deserve. Just as no one “deserves” cancer, no child or parent deserves autism or mental retardation. The child with a disability is just as precious to the Lord as any other child (“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14). In this world, there is no rhyme or reason why one child is afflicted and another is not. We live in a fallen world, and the infirmity of the flesh can manifest itself in devastating ways. It is God’s amazing grace alone that overcomes the sad realities of a world tainted by sin. Indeed, one wonders how those who are not believers cope with these issues without the grace of God in their lives.

So the believer responds to their child’s learning disability with faith and puts that faith into action, showering that child with love and acceptance at every opportunity. We involve family, the church family, and every other available resource to help. We ask others to pray for us and assist us through this time, all the while understanding that none of this is beyond God’s control.

We may ask, “Why my child, Lord?” and “Why would a loving God allow this?” That is normal and natural, and the answer is that God uses the details of this earthly life to demonstrate His provisions and grace and, ultimately, to glorify Himself. As believers, we are given a higher calling and a greater resource (1 Corinthians 12:25; Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Peter 3:8).s+1%3A26-30″>(1 Corinthians 1:26-30). The Apostle Paul declares that God displays His might and power through men and there is no unrighteousness in His purpose (Romans 9:14-23). We may not understand, but He will use the details of our lives to build in us His goodness and His glory. Therefore, when undeserved suffering comes to our children, the appropriate response of believing parents is to utilize God’s resources to stand by faith and entrust the rest to His hands.