Dyslexia

The most common learning disorder diagnosed in children, dyslexia affects a child’s ability to read, write and spell. It is characterized by difficulties with word recognition, decoding and reading fluency. Children with dyslexia are sometimes still miscategorized as simply having below normal intelligence, although this is less common today than it was in the past. In actuality, people with dyslexia can have completely normal intelligence.

Dyscalculia

The math equivalent of dyslexia, dyscalculia affects a child’s ability to understand and perform mathematical operations. They may struggle with number sense, calculations and understanding mathematical concepts. This differs from general math struggles and is considered a diagnosable learning disorder.

Dysgraphia

Children diagnosed with dysgraphia will have difficulty writing, spelling and putting their thoughts into written form. Children with dysgraphia typically have messy or illegible handwriting and difficulty organizing their thoughts on paper, which can significantly hinder academic performance.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

This disorder is characterized by an inherent difficulty in the processing of auditory information, particularly similar sounds. People with APD often struggle to understand speech, especially in noisy environments, and may not always be capable of following verbal instructions. This can pose a host of issues both at home and in academic settings.

Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)

NVLD affects visual-spatial, motor and social skills. Children with NVLD may have difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues, understanding abstract concepts or completing tasks that require motor coordination. Although inconvenient, NVLD is less impactful on core academic abilities and learning compared to some of the other common learning disorders.

Diagnosing Learning Disorders

Parents and teachers are typically the first people to recognize a child may be struggling academically in a specific subject, such as reading comprehension or math. Standardized school exams often provide an early indicator that a child is falling below average in a specific academic area.

A licensed psychologist or educational specialist can then perform a formalized evaluation that includes an IQ test and academic achievement test. Both tests are important because they can identify significant discrepancies between a child’s IQ and their academic abilities in a specific area.

One common evaluation is the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), which measures intellectual ability, memory and problem solving. There are also specific academic skills tests that may be administered, like the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement.

Evaluators use both observations and test results to rule out other factors such as inadequate instruction, intellectual disabilities, emotional issues, or physical issues like hearing or vision impairment.

In some cases, below-average academic performance may turn out to be due to environmental factors or other physical issues, like poor hearing or vision.

Psychologists use standardized Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose learning disorders. Some schools may also use what’s known as the Response to Intervention (RIT) approach to determine whether a child’s performance can be improved prior to making a diagnosis.

Interventions, Accommodations and IEP/504 Plans

Psychologists and educational specialists can help families adopt customized plans to help children overcome these challenges through specific intervention and accommodations in formalized Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plans.

IEP plans are intended for students who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), while 504 plans are intended for students who have disabilities that are not severe enough to justify special education but do necessitate some accommodations to ensure equal access to education.

A 504 plan can help students with learning disorders succeed in a regular classroom environment but does not include the individualized instruction of an IEP. Accommodations may include extended time on tests, seating arrangements that are more conducive to learning, modified assignments, or behavioral accommodations.

Dyslexia Interventions and Accommodations

A child diagnosed with dyslexia may benefit from the Orton-Gillingham Approach, a multisensory, phonics-based teaching strategy. The program is designed to help children break down and understand the sound structure of language. This is combined with one-on-one support with a reading specialist who focuses on reading fluency and comprehension.

Text-to-speech software, audiobooks, extra time on reading and writing exams, and being given the option to provide oral responses rather than written answers to projects and assignments can help students with dyslexia maintain academic parity with their classmates.

Dyscalculia Interventions and Accommodations

Number Sense Programs, like Number Worlds, can help a child grasp foundational math skills through the use of visual aids and concrete, real-world examples.

Visual-spatial aids like charts and diagrams can also be used to allow children to more easily grasp math concepts. Students with dyscalculia may be allowed to use calculators more often, and be given additional time to complete math exams or projects.

Dysgraphia Interventions and Accommodations

Children with difficulty writing are often given customized occupational therapy plans to improve the fine motor skills that are needed for handwriting. There’s also a program, Handwriting Without Tears, that has been effective for many children who struggle with letter formation and writing fluency.

Students may benefit from the use of speech-to-text software to reduce the need to write by hand and be allowed to type assignments instead of handwriting them.

APD Interventions and Accommodations

Children with APD can benefit from specialized auditory processing programs and speech-language therapy, which can help them develop auditory discrimination and comprehension skills.

Children with APD may be seated closer to the teacher to reduce background noise or be prescribed assistive listening devices such as FM systems. They should also be given written instructions in addition to oral instructions for tasks or projects.

NVLD Interventions and Accommodations

Social skills training can help students improve nonverbal communication, their ability to properly interpret social cues, and enhance the success of interactions. They may also participate in occupational therapy to improve motor coordination and spatial awareness.

Students with NVLD typically require extra time on tests, particularly those that require visual-spatial reasoning, and may be allowed to provide oral presentations instead of written assignments. They may also require additional instructions on tests or assignments, including step-by-step written directions for complex tasks.

Ensuring Children With Learning Disorders in Houston Receive an Accurate Diagnosis and a Comprehensive Learning Plan

The behavioral health and pediatric professionals at St. Hope Healthcare excel at providing compassionate and attentive care to children and parents navigating the difficulties of learning disorders. You can schedule an assessment or exam with our skilled team by calling (713) 778-1300.