Understanding The Top Five Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities present multiple challenges to students, parents and teachers. According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, the majority of people with a learning disability have average or above average intelligence. A learning disability simply builds a roadblock that prevents a child from processing and retaining information.
Children diagnosed with disabilities related to learning face lifelong challenges. There is no cure or fix, but the proper support and guidance can result in successful learning. The key is understanding the specific learning disability and how it affects each child.
Dyslexia
A commonly known learning disability, Dyslexia affects a student's ability to read and understand written words. This language-based learning disability can take many forms. Common signs include delays in reading, struggling with math and difficulty with handwriting.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a writing-based disability. A student with dysgraphia often tires easily when writing, holds a pencil incorrectly and simply cannot put words to paper. This disability also causes issues with organization of thoughts, the ability to take notes during class and spatial awareness.
Dyscalculia
While other learning disabilities can also affect a student's math abilities, dyscalculia is specifically a math-based disability. Students with dyscalculia have difficulty organizing numbers, working word problems and telling time. They often cannot recognize patterns or properly sequence events.