Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities can affect a person at any age. They are neurological problem that affects the ability to process information, which can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing and/or math.

They can also interfere with higher level skills such as organization, time management, abstract reasoning, long or short-term memory, and attention.

Below are the different types learning disabilities and the signs associated with them:

Dyslexia, also known as Reading Disorder, signs:
• Difficulty learning letters, names, and sounds
• Struggling with Phonemic Awareness (rhyme, blend, manipulate)
• Letter/Number reversal
• Trouble decoding
• Makes many spelling errors
• Frequently has to re-read sentences and passages
• Reads at a lower academic level than how she speaks
• Difficulty understanding questions and following directions
• Difficulty recalling numbers in sequence (for example, telephone numbers and addresses

Dysgraphia, also known as Disorder of Written Expression, signs:
• Tense and awkward Fine Motor (pen or pencil grip)
• Very poor handwriting
• Difficulty with Visual Spatial writing (discrimination and spacing)
• Problems with grammar
• Trouble writing down ideas
• A quick loss of energy and interest while writing
• Trouble writing down thoughts in a logical sequence
• Leaving words unfinished or omitting them when writing sentences

Dyscalculia also known as Mathematics Disorder, signs:
• Impaired number sense
• Inability to estimate or compare
• Difficulty with Spatial Relations (maps, routes, or graphs)
• Problems understanding basic arithmetic concepts, such as fractions, number lines, and math-related word problems
• Messiness in putting math problems on paper
• Trouble recognizing logical information sequences (for example, steps in math problems)

I can diagnose learning disabilities by conducting cognitive and achievement tests that will identify your areas of strengths and weaknesses. These tests will provide a list of interventions and accommodations should there show a need.

Learning disabilities can be diagnosed at any age. There are no medications or medical treatments for learning disabilities, therefore individualized support is necessary for success in education, career, and life.