Learning disabilities look very different from one child to another.
One child may struggle with reading and spelling, while another loves books but can’t understand math. Still another child may have difficulty understanding what others are saying or struggle with spelling or hand-writing. The problems are very different, but they are all learning disorders.
If you find yourself frustrated with your child for failing to complete homework, constantly struggling in school, not understanding basic concepts, as yourself– could my child have a learning disorder?
It’s not always easy to identify learning disabilities. Because of the wide variations, there is no single symptom or profile that you can look to as proof of a problem. However, some warning signs are more common than others at different ages. If you’re aware of what they are, you’ll be able to catch a learning disorder early and quickly take steps to get your child help.
What is Dyslexia?
It is diagnosed as a Specific Learning Disability with Impairment in Reading. It is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin and associated with word reading accuracy, reading fluency, and reading comprehension difficulties. Results from a deficits in the phonological sounds of language. Letter reversals have nothing to do with phonological processing of language!!!
Characteristics of Dyslexia:
- Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
- Difficulty sounding out words
- Difficulty recalling known or sight words— some kids have great memories, and other kids do not
- Guesses words
- Slow oral reading— very dysfluent unless given structured literacy because they can’t decode
- Poor spelling
- Poor handwriting— can indicate dysgraphia
- Difficulty with written language
- Difficulty with math computation— because it is language based
- Comprehension is better when listening rather than reading independently
- Reading difficulty is unexpected in light of other strengths
Learn more about Dyslexia here:
International Dyslexia Association
Dr. Kelly Sandman Hurley
Video on Dyslexia
Assistive Technology Solutions for Dyslexia
What is Dysgraphia?
It is diagnosed as a Specific Learning Disability with Impairment in Written Expression. It involves impaired motor skills particularly with letter writing . Impaired handwriting can interfere with learning to spell words in writing and speed of writing text. Someone can have only impaired writing without reading problems or both impaired writing and spelling.
What is Dyscalculia?
It is diagnosed as a Specific Learning Disability with Impairment in Mathematics. It is associated with difficulties with number sense, memorization of math facts, accurate or fluent calculation, and accurate math reasoning. These students have a difficult time making sense of numbers and math concepts. They may know what to do in math class but don’t understand why they are doing it.
Additional Resources:
Understood.org
Special Education Advocacy
*Unfortunately, we do not provide learning disability testing at Columbus Behavioral Health but there are many providers in the Central Ohio area that do. Please refer to our Resources for more information.
