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What are learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities are problems that start in childhood and affect the way you process information. There are many different types of learning disabilities, including:
- Dyscalculia
- Dyslexia
- Hyperlexia
- Dysgraphia
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
- ADD (attention deficit disorder)
These conditions make it hard for children to keep up with their classmates, and they may struggle to manage exams, tests, homework, and classroom activities.
Learning disabilities are most often math-related (dyscalculia), or reading and writing-related (dyslexia, hyperlexia, and dysgraphia). Behavioral problems, including ADHD and ADD, make it difficult for children to focus.
Children can have one or a mixture of different learning disabilities, or may have some characteristics of several without meeting the criteria for a specific disorder.
How do I overcome the barriers learning disabilities create?
Learning disabilities create barriers to understanding. Helping children and adults who have these problems focuses on finding ways around these barriers.
The learning specialists at Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic balance the need for step-by-step, direct instruction with higher level and open-ended, creative thinking. For instance, rather than telling you how to solve a problem and then giving you a similar problem to solve, your learning specialist helps you discover the strategies that work for you.
The team embraces a systematic approach and adapts to the needs of an individual learner. Sessions are light-hearted and fun but provide the rigor needed for academic growth. Students are empowered to make decisions for themselves, recognize the value of learning from their mistakes, and become independent problem solvers.
What methods are used to help those with learning disabilities?
The team at Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic uses specially designed lessons that allow the learning specialists to improve students’ understanding of basic concepts in reading, writing, and math. At the same time, they’re working on improving the underlying processing challenges that affect students' ability to learn.
Writing lessons might involve:
- Penmanship
- Verbal expression
- Planning and organization
- Grammar
- Summarizing
- Elaborating
- Short answers
- Essays
- Word choice
Math lessons can include number sense, quantity sense, word problems, procedural and conceptual thinking, and visual-spatial skills.
Reading lessons could focus on aspects such as:
- Working memory
- Processing speed
- Phonemic awareness
- Phonics principles
- Visual memory
- Comprehension
- Imagery
- Note-taking
- Critical thinking
Every session includes holistic brain-based learning using a range of multisensory materials and methods. Learning specialists also use specialist cognitive improvement programs such as LearningRx® brain training.
To find out more about support for people who have learning disabilities, call Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic today to book an appointment.
