Wednesday, September 26, 2012

BOBBEE BEE: LEARNING ABOUT LEARNING DISABILITIES

Some Types of Learning Disabilities
– The First Step is Understanding
 
Some types of learning disabilities can be “treated” through proper testing and training. The key is to identify the specific cognitive weaknesses causing the “disorder” and strengthen those cognitive skills through dynamic, one-on-one training and practice.

For the parent, the first step is to understand the types of learning disabilities that may be affecting your child.
Some Types of Learning Disabilities – General Processing Issues

Some types of learning disabilities are categorized by the cognitive processing problem. This means your child may have issues with one of the following:

If there are significant dysfunctions in any of these seven cognitive processes, then your child probably has some type of learning disability. For instance, if “working memory” is deficient, your child may have a problem remembering instructions.

If “auditory processing” is deficient, your child may have difficulty with reading and spelling. If “visual processing” is poor, your child may experience issues with reading maps, word math problems, and comprehension.

If “logic and reasoning” are weak, difficulties may arise in problem solving, working with abstractions, or interpreting information.

If the issue is poor “long-term memory,” it may be difficult for your child to recall dates, names, and facts on tests. Of course, some children may experience problems in more than one process category.

 
Some Types of Learning Disabilities – Specific Learning Disorders
In addition to the cognitive processing categories, some types of learning disabilities are more specifically defined by education-based labels such as reading, writing, language, and math.

These more specified types of learning disabilities are categorized as follows:
Dyslexia – A reading disability (the student has trouble reading written words fluently, out loud).

Dysgraphia – A writing disability (the student has difficulty with forming letters and legibility).

Dyscalculia – A math disability (the student struggles with math problems and concepts).

Dyspraxia – A motor coordination disability (also known as Sensory Integration Disorder).

Dysphasia – A language disability (the student has difficulty with reading comprehension).

Aphasia – A language disability (the student has difficulty understanding spoken language). Central

Auditory Processing Disorder – A sensory disability related to processing sounds.