Settings > General > Keyboard and tap “Add New Shortcut…” Put the word you want to add to the dictionary in the Phrase field and leave the Shortcut field blank.
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Janice, try tapping on the "shortcut" button/link. Does what you want appear?
If not, try resetting your iPad. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button (on the far side from the other button) and the Home button (button next to the screen that you use to get around your iPad) at the same time for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
Then see if you then see what you need to.
If you don't I would call Apple next. Done that many times, mostly due to iCloud issues with my PC : )
