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.

• Building self-confidence and independent learning skills

• Time management

• Organization

• Self-control

• Emotional control

• Planning

• Working memory

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.”

It can be confusing and challenging to understand the many learning differences your child may experience and how best to help them be successful, especially when there are more than one diagnoses of learning disabilities.

It is important to seek assistance in order for your child to receive the help s/he may need. If you suspect a learning disability talk to your child’s teacher and pediatrician. They can provide you with information needed to obtain an evaluation and diagnosis (if one is needed). Students requiring assistance (as well as typically developing children) typically need remediation services/ instruction that is:

•   Sequential

•   Structured

•   Incremental

•   Cumulative

•   Flexible

•   Multi-sensory

•   Language-Based

•   Individualized

Recharging Young Minds - Sensory, Cognitive, and Movement Breaks:

In today's demanding world, children often need moments to reset and re-engage. Specialized sensory, cognitive, and movement breaks are designed to support their emotional state, enhance cognitive function, foster social development, and build resilience. Short, targeted breaks can make a world of difference in a child's learning and well-being. They can help to reduce hyperactivity, alleviate sensory overload, and allow minds to settle and refocus. Children find their calm, supporting a healthier emotional state throughout their day returning to tasks with renewed attention and improved cognitive function. By learning to self-regulate and manage sensory input, children develop stronger social skills and a greater sense of resilience in various environments.

In a school environment, whether public, private, or homeschool settings effective multimodal approaches include interactive whiteboards that combine visual, auditory, and physical engagement. Project based learning that allows students to research and present topics using learning methods aligned with their strengths, can provide a positive and constructive experience. Assistive technology like screen readers, graphic organizers, or digital notebooks can be tailored to individual needs. These strategies engage multiple sensory systems, allowing neurodivergent learners to process information through their preferred channels while developing skills in other areas.

At home, key strategies for families include strengths-based to help to reframe behaviors as capacities rather than deficits. Flexible routine structures can balance predictability with adaptability, and explicit tasks through visual charts can provide clear expectations. These approaches help create family environments that honor neurodivergent traits while supporting effective functioning for all members.

According to Reading Rockets, "students who learn and think differently sometimes get tired easily or have a low tolerance for frustration. Our breaks help break those patterns. We want parents and teachers to feel empowered and relieved, seeing their child transition from overwhelmed to composed, ready to re engage. We want children to feel understood, calm, and knowing they have tools to manage their energy and focus."