Learning disabilities in reading (dyslexia)

There are two types of learning disabilities in reading. Basic reading problems occur when there is difficulty understanding the relationship between sounds, letters and words. Reading comprehension problems occur when there is an inability to grasp the meaning of words, phrases, and paragraphs.

Signs of reading difficulty include problems with:

• letter and word recognition
• understanding words and ideas
• reading speed and fluency
• general vocabulary skills

Learning disabilities in math (dyscalculia)

Learning disabilities in math vary greatly depending on the child’s other strengths and weaknesses. A child’s ability to do math will be affected differently by a language learning disability, or a visual disorder or a difficulty with sequencing, memory or organization.

A child with a math-based learning disorder may struggle with memorization and organization of numbers, operation signs, and number “facts” (like 5+5=10 or 5×5=25). Children with math learning disorders might also have trouble with counting principles (such as counting by twos or counting by fives) or have difficulty telling time.

Learning disabilities in writing (dysgraphia)

Learning disabilities in writing can involve the physical act of writing or the mental activity of comprehending and synthesizing information. Basic writing disorder refers to physical difficulty forming words and letters. Expressive writing disability indicates a struggle to organize thoughts on paper.

Symptoms of a written language learning disability revolve around the act of writing. They include problems with:

• neatness and consistency of writing
• accurately copying letters and words
• spelling consistency
• writing organization and coherence

References

1. ↑ Authors: Gina Kemp, M.A., , « Problems »

References

1. ↑ By The Understood Team, « Understanding Dyscalculia »

References

1. ↑ Excerpted from the LDA of California and UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute “Q.U.I.L.T.S.” Calendar 2001-2002, « Dysgraphia »

People with dyslexia have normal intelligence and usually have normal vision. Most children with dyslexia can succeed in school with tutoring or a specialized education program. Emotional support also plays an important role.

Though there’s no cure for dyslexia, early assessment and intervention result in the best outcome. Sometimes dyslexia goes undiagnosed for years and isn’t recognized until adulthood, but it’s never too late to seek help.

References

1. ↑ By Mayo Clinic Staff, « Dyslexia »

Trouble with executive skills are fairly common in kids with learning issues. It also produces the hallmark symptoms of ADHD. That’s because ADHD is an impairment of executive function.

If your child struggles with executive function skills, she may show certain behaviors at home and in school. But you may not recognize them as signs of executive functioning issues.

In part, that’s because executive skills develop over time, and at different rates. So in young kids in particular, it can be hard to pinpoint where there are lasting problems. And sometimes, the behaviors may be common for a child’s age group.

For example, it’s common for middle-schoolers to be overly dramatic. Or for high-schoolers to have trouble managing their time when there’s so much on their plate. Much depends on whether these behaviors persist.

It’s also important to know that other conditions can produce some of the same behaviors, and often co-occur. These conditions include anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and autism.

References

1. ↑ By The Understood Team , « Signs of Executive Functioning Issues at Different Ages »

Learning disabilities, or learning disorders, are an umbrella term for a wide variety of learning problems. A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence or motivation. Kids with learning disabilities aren’t lazy or dumb. In fact, most are just as smart as everyone else. Their brains are simply wired differently. This difference affects how they receive and process information.

Simply put, children and adults with learning disabilities see, hear, and understand things differently. This can lead to trouble with learning new information and skills, and putting them to use. The most common types of learning disabilities involve problems with reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking.

References

1. ↑ Authors: Gina Kemp, M.A., Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Last updated: January 2019. , « What are learning disabilities? »

Your child’s self-esteem is how much she values herself and how important she believes she is in her world. It’s tied to how capable she feels. Positive self-esteem can make a big difference for children with learning and attention issues.

When children value themselves, they’re more likely to stand up for themselves and ask for the help they believe they deserve. When they’re confident and secure about who they are, they’re better able to face and manage their learning challenges.

Underachievement among children with learning disabilities occurs when they do not perform to their potential in areas where they are not disabled. For example, an underachieving student may have a diagnosed learning disability in reading.

References

1. ↑ By Bob Cunningham, Ed.M. , « The Importance of Self-Esteem for Kids With Learning and Attention Issues »

References

1. ↑ By Amanda Morin , « 7 Myths About Twice-Exceptional (2E) Students »