Learning Disorders

What are learning disorders?

Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterized by a persistent difficulty in learning and using academic skills, even when overall intelligence or motivation to learn is not affected. SLDs typically start during the early school years and may persist into adulthood. Three different presentations of SLD include: impairment in reading, impairment in written expression, and impairment in mathematics. These disrupt the normal pattern of learning, and in turn negatively impact the child’s academic performance or the adult’s vocational performance. Neurodevelopmental learning difficulties cannot be attributed to chronic absenteeism, economic or environmental disadvantage, or lack of education (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

What are the signs of a learning disorder?

An individual with an SLD with impairment in reading may experience and display:

• Reading single words slowly, hesitantly, and/or inaccurately,
• Frequently guessing words while reading,
• Difficulty sounding out words while reading, or
• Struggling to understand the meaning of what is read.

An individual with an SLD with impairment in written expression may experience and display:

• Spelling difficulties, such as adding, omitting, and substituting vowels or consonants,
• Making multiple grammatical and punctuation errors within sentences,
• Poor paragraph organization, or
• Lack of clarity and organization in written work.

An individual with an SLD with impairment in mathematics may experience and display:

• Poor understanding of numbers and their relationship and magnitude,
• Difficulty recalling math facts,
• Counting on fingers when adding single-digit numbers,
• Switching procedures and/or mixing up mathematical signs,
• Getting lost during mathematical computation, or
• Significant difficulty applying mathematical concepts, procedures, or facts.

An individual with an SLD may show only some of these signs and it is not unusual to show signs of more than one SLD. Based on clinical interview and test data gathered during your neuropsychological evaluation, Thomson’s neuropsychologists can determine which clinical presentation is a better fit for your particular case.

What is the treatment for a learning disorder?

If you or your child are diagnosed with an SLD, it is important to obtain the recommended services and interventions discussed with a neuropsychologist. Obtaining appropriate interventions are crucial to avoid further decline in academic or occupational performance. Thomson’s neuropsychologists can help you better understand you or your child’s learning needs and refer you to appropriate services.

Thomson’s cognitive rehabilitation therapists can partner with you and/or your child to teach academic strategies (e.g., organization, memory). Our therapists are skilled in addressing the impact of SLD on both your and your child’s psychological health so that feelings of frustration, depression, or anxious worry do not worsen. Our neuropsychologists can discuss how to obtain an individualized classroom education plan for your child to get specific accommodations at school as a means to maximize your child’s ability to benefit from education and demonstrate his/her skill set.We are ready to provide you referrals to outside providers who may help facilitate your or your child’s academic and work performance.