Learning Disabilities
Executive Functioning & Brain Training for those with Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are brain based- neurological problems affecting how a person receives and processes information. Children and adults with learning disabilities have average to above average intelligence, but are not achieving to their full potential. It’s confusing because their struggles are ‘invisible’ as they look and act like everyone else. In spite of their obvious intelligence, they’re unable to acquire the knowledge and skills to the level of those expected of the same age. The term ‘Learning disability’ is an umbrella covering specific types, as noted from the Learning Disabilities Association of America.
Dyscalculia
A specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. Individuals with this type of LD may also have poor comprehension of math symbols, may struggle with memorizing and organizing numbers, have difficulty telling time, or have trouble with counting.
Dysgraphia
A specific learning disability that affects a person’s handwriting ability and fine motor skills. Problems may include illegible handwriting, inconsistent spacing, poor spatial planning on paper, poor spelling, and difficulty composing writing as well as thinking and writing at the same time.
Dyslexia
A specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. The severity can differ in each individual but can affect reading fluency, decoding, reading comprehension, recall, writing, spelling, and sometimes speech and can exist along with other related disorders. Dyslexia is sometimes referred to as a Language-Based Learning Disability.
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
A disorder which is usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial and social skills. Typically, an individual with NLD (or NVLD) has trouble interpreting nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language, and may have poor coordination.
Dyspraxia
Although it’s not a learning disability, it can occur with learning disabilities.
Decreased ability to carry out new or unfamiliar actions. It’s a disorder that is characterized by difficulty in muscle control, which causes problems with movement and coordination, language and speech, and can affect learning.
