Learning Disabilities

Learning about Learning Disabilities

Your chances of knowing someone with Learning Disabilities are very good.

Learning Disabilities Association of America info@LDAAmerica.org

2.3 million students are diagnosed with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and receive services under IDEA. This represents 35% of all students receiving special education services. 75% – 80% of special education students identified as LD have their basic deficits in language and reading. 60% of adults with severe literacy problems have undetected or untreated learning disabilities

Children with learning disabilities begin school expecting to learn and be successful. If your child is having difficulty in school, she may learn differently from other kids. Parents are often the first to notice that “something doesn’t seem right.” But sometimes knowing what to do and where to find help can be confusing.

Explaining ADHD to Teachers

Twelve Myths We Tend to Believe About Dyslexia

1. People with dyslexia see words backward, such as “dog” for “god” or “was” for “saw”.

This myth is incorrect. Dyslexia is not caused by a vision problem. Many people have a lifelong confusion over left and right. Plus, they have difficulty sounding out the words in the first place and may simply mix up the words. They do not see things backwards.

2. Dyslexia is a medical diagnosis.

Physicians do not test for dyslexia and it is not classified as a medical term. Physicians are not trained to test for reading, spelling, and writing difficulties and there is not a pill or medical procedure to help with those types of issues.

3. Dyslexia cannot be diagnosed until third grade.

False. Professionals conducting cognitive testing can accurately diagnose reading problems as early as five years old.