What are Specific Learning Disabilities?
At the broadest level, learning disabilities are a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to understand or use written language, perform mathematical calculations, or coordinate movements. Although there are a lot of variations and subtypes, there are seven main types of learning disabilities, which include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, auditory or language processing disorder, non-verbal learning disability, and visual perceptual deficit. Dyslexia, the mixing or transposing of letters and numbers, accounts for about 80% of all learning disabilities. Boys make up about two-thirds of all children with learning disabilities. Researchers are still exploring origins and causes, but it seems differences in brain structure and neurological functioning impact one’s ability to interpret, store, retrieve or process information.
What Are the Warning Signs of Learning Disabilities?
Often, it is teachers and preschool providers who are most adept at picking up on those kids who are struggling academically, as they know the norms and standards and can tell when a child is lagging relative to those norms. Those kids struggling with reading, writing, or math can be a clear sign of a possible issue. Less obvious warning signs may include clumsiness, poor memory, difficulty paying attention or following directions, trouble telling time, not getting homework done, or problems with organization. Evidence of a few of these symptoms may warrant further exploration.
How are Learning Disabilities Evaluated and Diagnosed?
Like most evaluations, a psychologist specializing in learning disabilities will start with a comprehensive intake appointment. Here, they will screen for possible alternatives that may be causing problems. This would include a medical history, medication assessment, familial or social stressors, substance abuse, or other mental health problems. Once other possible causes have been ruled out, the psychologist will schedule a block of time to conduct the actual testing.
Broadly speaking, the main component of a learning disability evaluation is to determine if there is a significant discrepancy between intelligence and achievement. Most kids with learning disabilities have average or above-average IQs. Nonetheless, they often perform much lower on achievement tests, which is a strong indicator of learning disabilities. From there, more specialized tests are administered to narrow down the specific learning disabilities. Most evaluations and reports come with very specific recommendations for aid and accommodation in the school. The sooner you get your child tested, the sooner teachers and special education providers can tailor a program based on these recommendations to put the child on track for success.
If you would like to get evaluated for learning disabilities by our neuropsychologist, Dr. Christina Franklin, Ph.D., LP, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment for a more thorough assessment. Please call us now at 763-416-4167 or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a comprehensive evaluation and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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