Learning Disability Resources
We designed these learning disability resources to help parents and educators gain a better understanding of common neurological differences. With the right information and support, we believe that parents and educators can help every child reach his or her highest potential.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect a person’s ability to sit still, pay attention, and focus on details. These symptoms can create issues at school and at home.
What is Auditory Processing Disorder?
Auditory processing disorder (APD) affects the way the brain processes or interprets sound. Individuals with APD may have trouble making sense of sounds, recognizing subtle differences in sounds, or blocking out background noises.
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a term for specific learning disabilities related to math. Students may have trouble understanding the real-world meaning of numbers, forget basic math facts, or struggle with simple problem-solving skills.
What is Dysgraphia?
More commonly known as “written expression learning disorder,” dysgraphia is a learning disability that involves difficulty with written expression. Dysgraphia can cause issues with spelling, handwriting, and translating thoughts to paper.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
Explaining Learning Disabilities to Your Child
Explaining a learning disability diagnosis to your child isn’t easy, but it's important to take this opportunity to create an open and honest dialogue. While every student is different, there are steps you can take to make this conversation more comfortable and helpful for both parent and child.
What is a Language Disorder?
A language disorder can cause issues with the comprehension and/or use of spoken, written, and other forms of language. Students with a language disorder may struggle with the form, content, or function of language.
Self-Advocacy & Learning Disabilities
Self-advocacy gives students with learning disabilities the confidence to ask for the tools they need to be successful in the real world. The strategy not only benefits children at school, but in explaining their learning disability to friends and family members.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) affects the way a person responds to information that comes in through the senses. A person with SPD can be oversensitive or unresponsive to sound, touch, taste, sight, and/or smell.
What is Social Communication Disorder?
Social communication disorder (SCD) creates difficulty with the use of language and communication skills. Students with SCD may have trouble following social communication norms, using verbal and nonverbal signals, or altering language for different situations and audiences.
What is a Specific Learning Disability?
A specific learning disability is a disorder that interferes with a student’s ability to listen, think, speak, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. Students with a specific learning disability may struggle with reading, writing, or math.
What is Visual Processing Disorder?
Visual processing disorder can cause issues with the way the brain processes visual information. There are many different types of processing difficulties and many different symptoms, which can include trouble drawing or copying, inability to detect differences in shapes or letters, and letter reversals.