Understanding Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Disorders

Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) are a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a person’s ability to learn or use specific academic skills, which are the foundation for other learning. Individual’s with an SLD may have no other difficulties with their learning, understanding or ‘intelligence’ outside of their specific SLD. The three primary SLD’s that are diagnosed include:

Reading Disorder (Dyslexia): Difficulty with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and poor spelling abilities.
Writing Disorder (Dysgraphia): Challenges with writing, including handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
Mathematics Disorder (Dyscalculia): Difficulty with number sense, memorization of arithmetic facts, and accurate or fluent calculation.

SLDs are typically diagnosed during school years when learning demands increase. They are often addressed through tailored educational strategies and interventions, and with the right supports in place can lead to individuals with an SLD managing their life demands effectively.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading and spelling. It’s a common condition that does not reflect a lack of intelligence or effort, but rather how the brain processes written and spoken language differently. Dyslexia can occur in individuals across the intellectual spectrum and is not indicative of one’s overall capabilities.

How does Dyslexia affect people?

People with dyslexia may experience a variety of challenges, which can vary widely in severity. Common issues include difficulty with:

Reading fluently and accurately
Decoding words and recognizing sight words
Spelling and writing
Comprehending written text

These challenges can impact academic performance, self-esteem, and day-to-day activities. However, many individuals with dyslexia possess unique strengths, such as problem-solving skills, creativity, and exceptional reasoning abilities.

How is Dyslexia diagnosed?

Diagnosing dyslexia involves a comprehensive assessment that typically includes:

Educational and Family History: Gathering information about the individual’s learning and developmental history, as well as any family history of learning difficulties.
Cognitive Assessments: Evaluating the individual’s cognitive abilities, such as memory, processing speed, and phonological processing.
Academic Assessments: Measuring reading, writing, and spelling skills to identify specific areas of difficulty.
Behavioural Observations: Observing the individual’s behaviour in different settings to understand the impact of dyslexia on their daily life.
A multidisciplinary team, including educational psychologists, special education teachers, and speech-language therapists, often collaborates to make an accurate diagnosis.

How do you treat Dyslexia?

While dyslexia is a lifelong condition, there are effective strategies and interventions to support individuals with dyslexia:

Specialized Instruction: Tailored, multisensory teaching approaches that focus on phonics, decoding, and reading fluency can be highly beneficial.
Assistive Technology: Tools such as text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and speech recognition programs can help individuals access written material more easily.
Accommodations: Providing extra time on tests, alternative assessment methods, and modified classroom instruction can level the playing field.
Support Networks: Encouraging participation in support groups or seeking guidance from professionals who specialize in dyslexia can provide valuable emotional and practical support.

With the right interventions and support, individuals with dyslexia can achieve their full potential and thrive in various aspects of life.

What is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects writing abilities. It can manifest as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting, and trouble putting thoughts on paper. This condition is neurological in origin and can significantly impact a person’s ability to express themselves through written language.

How does Dysgraphia affect people?

Individuals with dysgraphia may experience a variety of challenges, including:

Illegible Handwriting: Difficulty writing legibly, with letters and words often appearing jumbled or incomplete.
Slow Writing Speed: Taking longer to write than their peers, which can affect academic performance and self-esteem.
Spelling Issues: Struggling with spelling, even simple or frequently used words.
Expressive Writing Difficulties: Finding it hard to organize thoughts and ideas on paper, leading to incomplete or poorly structured written work.

These challenges can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a reluctance to engage in activities that require writing. However, many individuals with dysgraphia have strengths in other areas, such as verbal communication, creativity, and problem-solving.

How is Dysgraphia diagnosed?

Diagnosing dysgraphia involves a comprehensive evaluation process, typically including:

Developmental and Educational History: Collecting information about the individual’s learning, developmental milestones, and any family history of learning disabilities.
Cognitive Assessments: Evaluating cognitive abilities such as memory, processing speed, and motor skills.
Academic Assessments: Measuring writing abilities, spelling, and overall literacy skills.
Behavioral Observations: Observing the individual’s writing process and behavior in different settings to understand the impact of dysgraphia on their daily life.
A multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, special education professionals, and occupational therapists, often collaborates to make an accurate diagnosis.

How do you treat Dysgraphia?

While there is no cure for dysgraphia, several strategies and interventions can help individuals manage the condition effectively:

Specialized Instruction: Targeted teaching methods that focus on improving writing skills, such as using multisensory approaches to reinforce learning.
Occupational Therapy: Exercises and activities designed to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which can enhance handwriting abilities.
Assistive Technology: Tools such as word processors, speech-to-text software, and spell checkers that can help individuals bypass writing challenges.
Accommodations: Providing extended time on written assignments, allowing oral presentations instead of written reports, and using graphic organizers to help structure written work.

With appropriate support and resources, individuals with dysgraphia can develop effective coping strategies and achieve success in various aspects of their lives.

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand and manipulate numbers. It is often referred to as “math dyslexia” due to its similarity to dyslexia but with a focus on numerical and arithmetic skills. Individuals with dyscalculia may struggle with basic math concepts, number sense, and spatial reasoning.

How does Dyscalculia affect people?

People with dyscalculia experience various challenges that can impact their academic and daily lives:

Difficulty with Basic Math: Problems with understanding simple arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Number Sense: Struggling to understand quantities, number sequences, and the relationship between numbers.
Time Management: Difficulty understanding time-related concepts such as days, weeks, months, and reading clocks.
Spatial Reasoning: Challenges with understanding spatial relationships, which can affect geometry and navigating spaces.
Memory: Trouble recalling math facts and retaining mathematical concepts, which can lead to frustration and anxiety.

These difficulties can affect self-esteem and academic performance. However, individuals with dyscalculia often excel in other areas and can develop compensatory strategies to manage their challenges.

How is Dyscalculia diagnosed?

Diagnosing dyscalculia involves a comprehensive evaluation that typically includes:

Developmental and Educational History: Gathering information about the individual’s learning history, developmental milestones, and any family history of learning disabilities.
Cognitive Assessments: Evaluating cognitive abilities such as working memory, processing speed, and visual-spatial skills.
Academic Assessments: Measuring math skills, including basic arithmetic, number sense, and problem-solving abilities.
Behavioral Observations: Observing the individual’s behavior in different settings to understand the impact of dyscalculia on their daily life.
A multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, special education teachers, and math specialists, often collaborates to make an accurate diagnosis.

How do you treat Dyscalculia?

While there is no cure for dyscalculia, various strategies and interventions can help individuals manage the condition:

Specialized Instruction: Targeted teaching methods that focus on visual and hands-on approaches to reinforce math concepts.
Assistive Technology: Tools such as calculators, math software, and educational apps that can assist with learning and performing math tasks.
Accommodations: Providing extra time on tests, using visual aids, and allowing alternative methods for demonstrating math knowledge.
Support Networks: Engaging with support groups, tutors, and professionals who specialize in learning disabilities can provide valuable emotional and practical support.

With the right interventions and support, individuals with dyscalculia can develop effective coping strategies and achieve success in various aspects of their lives.

References – Dyscalculia

Learning Disabilities Association of America – “Dyscalculia: Definition and Symptoms.” (2022)
org – “Understanding Dyscalculia.” (2023)
International Dyslexia Association – “Dyscalculia.” (2021)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – “Dyscalculia Information Page.” (2023)
Journal of Learning Disabilities – “The Role of Educational Technology in Treating Dyscalculia.” (2020)
American Psychological Association – “Learning Disabilities.” (2022)

References – Dyslexia

Dear Dyslexic Foundation – “Helping people with dyslexia: A national agenda.” (2010)
Department for Children, Schools and Families – “Identifying and teaching children and young people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.” (2009)
Dyslexia Action – “Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties.” (2015)
British Dyslexia Association – “What is Dyslexia?” (2015)
Australian Dyslexia Association – “How is dyslexia assessed?”
Frontiers in Psychiatry – “The 100 Top-Cited Studies on Dyslexia Research: A Comprehensive Review.” (2021)
ERIC – “Literature Review of Current Approaches to the Provision of Education for Students with Dyslexia.” (2023)

References – Dysgraphia

Learning Disabilities Association of America – “Dysgraphia: Definition and Symptoms.” (2022)
org – “Understanding Dysgraphia.” (2023)
International Dyslexia Association – “Dysgraphia.” (2021)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – “Dysgraphia Information Page.” (2023)
Journal of Learning Disabilities – “The Role of Occupational Therapy in Treating Dysgraphia.” (2020)
American Psychological Association – “Learning Disabilities.” (2022)