Your Child Doesn't Have to Struggle

Is your child struggling with reading, spelling, or math foundational skills? You’re not alone. Many families face these same challenges, especially when learning differences like dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, language disorders, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, or executive functioning struggles are involved. I am going to provide a brief overview of some of the common learning differences listed which your child may experience. Some common symptoms your child may encounter include:

• Phonics, decoding, and reading fluency
• Spelling and writing
• Foundational math concepts taught in ways that make sense to neurodivergent learners
• Building self-confidence and independent learning skills.
• Staying focused and on task.
• Understanding spoken expectations or certain concepts.

Dyslexia:

A neurological disorder that mainly affects the ability to read, write, and spell fluently. It is typically recognized as a specific learning disorder in children.


According to Sally Shaywitz, a professor at Yale University, and writer of Overcoming Dyslexia “Reading is complex. It requires our brains to connect letters to sounds, put those sounds in the right order, and pull the words together into sentences and paragraphs we can read and comprehend.

People with dyslexia have trouble matching the letters they see on the page with the sounds those letters and combinations of letters make. And when they have trouble with that step, all the other steps are harder.”

For more information regarding signs of dyslexia: Yale University-Signs of Dyslexia.

Dyscalculia:

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to understand number-based information and math, which makes calculations and problem-solving difficult for students.

Anneke Schreuder, dyscalculia specialist and founder and CEO of Math and Dyscalculia Services describes dyscalculia as “a specific learning difference that affects an individual's ability to understand, learn, and perform math and number-based operations. Often referred to as "math dyslexia," dyscalculia is a distinct neurological condition that impacts how the brain processes numerical information.

People with dyscalculia may find it challenging to grasp basic arithmetic concepts (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), recognize numerical patterns, or understand time and measurement.”  Dyscalculia is not a sign of a lack of intelligence or laziness. It’s a neurological condition affecting people with daily tasks related to mathematics.

For more information about dyscalculia: Dyscalculia Services.

ADHD:
ADHD or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is
a life-long condition including attention difficulty, impulsive behavior, with and without hyperactivity. ADHD often begins in childhood making it difficult for students to focus, complete tasks, stay organized. ADHD can persist into adulthood affecting work and relationships. ADHD may also contribute to low self-esteem and anxiety.

According to the Mayo Clinic people may experience:

Behavioral: aggression, excitability, fidgeting, hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability, lack of restraint, or persistent repetition of words or actions

Cognitive: absent-mindedness, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, problem paying attention, or short attention span

Mood: anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement, or mood swings

Also common: depression or learning disabilities. 

Executive Function Disorder:

Executive Function Disorder or Executive Dysfunction is a behavioral disorder affecting a person’s ability to manage their own thoughts and actions.

Colleen Beck, the author and creator of The OT Toolbox - Executive Function shares that...

“Executive functioning skills are mental skills that allow us to manage every aspect of our lives! Attention, problem solving, flexible thinking, working memory, self-control, and even emotional control are executive functioning skills that allow us to manage day-to-day tasks, stay safe, and get things done. When executive functioning is a challenge, you’ll see trouble with planning, prioritization, organization, and staying on a task. Behavioral inhibition or emotional inhibition are part of executive functioning too.”