What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is a permanent handicap that affects the manner in which an individual with an average or above average intelligence takes in information, retains it, and expresses the knowledge and understanding they posses. The hallmark sign of a learning disability is a distinct and unexplained gap between a person's level of expected achievement and their performance.
What are the different types of learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities affect every person differently and they present differently at various stages of development. It is not
uncommon for people to have more than one learning disability, along with other disorders such as ADHD.
Dyslexia
(dys-lek-see-uh)
LANGUAGE - Dyslexia is often characterized by difficulties with accurate word recognition, decoding and spelling. It can hinder reading, writing, spelling and sometimes even speaking.
Dyscalculia
(dys-kal-kyoo-lee-uh)
MATH - Dyscalculia can make learning math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) very difficult. Some children may even avoid games that require strategy.
Dysgraphia
(dys-graf-ee-uh)
WRITING - It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting, putting thoughts on paper, trouble organizing letters, numbers and words on a line or page.
Dyspraxia
(dys-prak-see-uh)
FINE MOTOR SKILLS - Dyspraxia can make doing activities that require fine motor skills, like holding a pencil, buttoning, cutting with scissors. It can also effect pronunciation, volume, and rate of speech.
