For a parent, there is no bigger fear than something being wrong with your child that you can’t fix. Unlike other childhood issues, there is no medical diagnosis for learning disabilities. There is no cure, but there are things that can be implemented such as instructional interventions, assistive technologies, and classroom accommodations.
The questions isn’t what can be done, but which learning disability does your child have. Read below or speak with someone today.
Dyslexia
In young children there are two types of learning disabilities: one with reading and one with reading comprehension. Dyslexia deals with reading and is common among young children. This learning disability covers problems with reading such as pronouncing sounds correctly, writing words in an acceptable order, spelling difficulties, and even with speaking.
Dyscalculia
A child with this learning disability will struggle with tasks such as word problems, telling time, and counting money.
Dysgraphia
This learning disability focuses on the written word. Children suffering from dysgraphia may have problems expressing themselves in writing, writing coherently, and hard to read penmanship.
Dyspraxia
Children suffering with this issue have problems with fine motor skill development. Putting together a puzzle, handling tweezers, and dealing with small objects all offer a challenge.
Dysphasia/Aphasia
This disability presents problems with language. A child will have reading comprehension issues and difficulty understanding spoken language.
Auditory Processing Disorder
Children with this learning disability have difficulty with understanding different sounds. This can lead to problems with reading, following directions, and even basic communication skills.
Visual Processing Disorders
This learning disability deals with the interpretation of visual material. Children with this disorder have problems dealing with any visual stimuli: maps, charts, worksheets, and books.
It can be more than a little overwhelming when faced with a learning disability. What you need to understand is that while it is overwhelming for you as a parent, your child is not only overwhelmed by it they are completely engulfed. There are a number of signs that you can watch for as your child develops. Knowing what to look for is as important as knowing what you are dealing with. The best advice is to stay positive. Children with learning disabilities are not dumb or lazy. They simply have unique challenges to meet and greater obstacles to overcome.