There are many types of learning differences that educational therapy can help assess, informally diagnose and remediate. To learn more about more about your child's unique brain, please visit understood.org or consult with your pediatrician.
ADHD & ADD
ADHD is a highly genetic, brain-based syndrome that has to do with the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and related behaviors.
These brain operations are collectively referred to as “executive functioning skills” and include:
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attention
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concentration
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memory
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motivation and effort
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learning from mistakes
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impulsivity
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hyperactivity
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organization
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social skills.
Auditory & Language Processing Disorders
Individuals with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) do not recognize subtle differences between sounds in words, even when the sounds are loud and clear enough to be heard. They can also find it difficult to tell where sounds are coming from, to make sense of the order of sounds, or to block out competing background noises.
While an APD affects the interpretation of all sounds coming into the brain, a Language Processing Disorder (LPD) relates only to the processing of language. LPD can affect expressive language (what you say) and/or receptive language (how you understand what others say).
The following symptoms might be displayed:
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"Ignores" directions
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Misspells and mispronounces similar sounding words
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Distracted by background noises
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Poor verbal comprehension
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Unable to retain lecture information
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Poor expressive and receptive language
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Poor written output
Dyscalculia
A specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. Individuals with this type of LD may also have poor comprehension of math symbols.
The following symptoms might be displayed:
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Memorizing
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Organizing numbers
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Poor math-fact fluency
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Difficulty telling time
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Trouble counting
Dysgraphia
A specific learning disability that affects a person’s handwriting ability, fine motor skills, and written expression.
The following symptoms might be displayed:
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Trouble holding pencil
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Difficulty writing on page and messy handwriting
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Has trouble reading maps, drawing or reproducing a shape
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Is unable to use scissors well or to color inside the lines
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Loses train of thought
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Has a hard time putting ideas on paper
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Better verbal expression
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Grammar, spelling and punctuation errors
Dyslexia
A specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. Individuals with this type of LD may also have poor comprehension of math symbols.
The following symptoms might be displayed:
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Memorizing
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Organizing numbers
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Poor math-fact fluency
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Difficulty telling time
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Trouble counting
Non-Verbal Learning Disability
Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVD or NVLD), is a disorder which is usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial and social skills.
The following symptoms might be displayed:
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Trouble recognizing facial expressions and non verbal cues
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Difficulty using fine motor skills
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Difficulty following directions and changing routines
Resources