Psychoeducational Assessment
A learning disorder, also known as a learning disability, is a neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to process information and acquire certain academic skills.
This condition is not related to intelligence, but instead causes difficulties in specific areas of learning. These difficulties can interfere with a person's ability to read, write, spell, calculate math, or understand and use spoken language. There are various types of learning disorders, and each one has its own distinct set of challenges.
Early detection and intervention for a learning disorder is vital to unlocking a child’s potential and preventing lifelong academic and personal challenges. With appropriate support, children struggling with a learning disorder can boost their confidence while developing essential skills, enabling them to overcome these challenges.
Education functions like a set of blocks, without a strong grasp of the foundational skills like reading, writing, and math, children will not have the necessary base on which to build their further academic growth.
The formal assessment process can determine the root cause(s) of a child’s struggles which are then treated with unique interventions. Designing a plan that is targeted to the exact needs of each person is critical to improving their outcomes.
Learning Disorders
Learning Disorder in Reading/Dyslexia
A learning disorder in reading can be identified as early as preschool or Kindergarten. Some reading difficulties might be linked to specific learning disabilities like dyslexia or visual processing issues. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and spelling. It is a neurological condition that is characterized by difficulties in processing language. Individuals with dyslexia often have average or above-average intelligence but experience challenges in reading and spelling.
Learning Disorder in Written Expression/Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to write coherently and legibly. It is characterized by difficulties in producing written text, both in terms of fine motor skills and the organization of thoughts onto paper. People with dysgraphia may have illegible or poorly formed handwriting which makes it hard for others to read their work. Dysgraphia can lead to spelling difficulties with individuals making frequent spelling errors, even with common words. People with Dysgraphia might struggle with organizing their thoughts and ideas into a logical sequence, leading to difficulty clearly expressing themselves in written form. When it affects fine motor skills, it can make it hard to control the pencil or pen, resulting in slow and laborious writing. Individuals with dysgraphia may also have difficulty understanding and applying grammar rules, leading to errors in sentence construction.
Learning Disorder in Math/Dyscalculia
A learning disability in Math, also known as dyscalculia, affects an individual's ability to comprehend and work with numbers and mathematical concepts. Dyscalculia is a neurological condition that impacts the brain’s ability to process and manipulate numerical information. Individuals with Dyscalculia may have difficulty with various aspects of mathematics, including difficulty understanding and recognizing numerical symbols, such as digits and written numbers. They have challenges with performing basic arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Individuals with Dyscalculia may also have difficulty with counting and understanding the concept of numbers in sequence. Understanding other mathematical concepts and solving word problems can also be a challenge.