Navigating Learning Differences and Diagnoses

By Mary Jane Bogle

Back-to-school season is upon us, and for some families, that might mean navigating the complex world of learning differences. Of course, not all children learn the same way, and the first few weeks of school are so full of changes that identifying a learning difference can be tricky.

If your child isn’t thriving academically, multiple reasons might be contributing to that issue. Everything from changes in sleep patterns and new and different diets, to the monumental shift in social interactions, all contribute to the challenges kids face as they enter a new school year.

For some kids, however, the inability to thrive in the classroom stems from a different source: a learning difference. Simply defined, a learning difference is a neurobiological and/or genetic issue that alters brain functioning and affects the learning process. In other words, a learning difference, sometimes called a “disability,” is when the brain absorbs and processes information in a way that isn’t typical. Learning differences present themselves in different ways and can include the following:

• Dyslexia. Impacts reading and language-based processing skills.

• ADHD. Results in difficulty staying focused and controlling behavior and hyperactivity.

• Dyscalculia. Affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts.

• Dysgraphia. Impacts handwriting ability and fine motor skills.

• Dyspraxia. Alters fine and gross motor skills, motor planning, and coordination.

Other learning differences include:

• Language disorders

• Written expression disorder

• Trouble with executive function

• Slow processing speed

• Sensory processing issues

These issues with processing information can obviously disrupt a child’s ability to learn basic skills and might impact performance in math, reading, and writing. The frustration most parents of kids with learning differences face is that these children are usually quite intelligent, so there’s a clear gap between that child’s expected abilities and their actual performance in the classroom.

If you are experiencing frustration with your child’s progress in school and think that he or she might have a learning difference, you’re not alone. Some experts believe that learning differences are more common than most people think. In fact, as many as one in five people experiencing a language-based learning disorder.

The first step in identifying a learning difference is to request an evaluation. Just remember that a misdiagnosis can have severe consequences on your child’s self-esteem and performance. It’s always important to understand developmental norms and be able to distinguish between highly active, kinesthetic learners and kids with ADHD, for instance.

While teachers and school administrators, and even medical doctors, can make recommendations, a proper diagnosis requires a specialist in learning differences, such as a psychiatrist.

If your child does receive a diagnosis, the good news is that help is available! That help might come in many forms and can include:

• Tutoring. Many times, your child can make real progress with the help of a reading specialist, a math tutor, or another trained professional who can teach your child new strategies for tackling schoolwork.

• Individualized education program (IEP). An IEP is a written plan that sets learning goals and identifies the special services your child needs.

• Classroom accommodations. This might include additional time to complete work or finish tests. Some kids might be able to do fewer math problems in a particular assignment, while others might need to sit closer to the teacher to help them pay attention.

• Therapy. Occupational therapy can help with writing issues, while a speech-language therapist can address language skills.

• Medicine. Some medicines for ADHD, for example, can help a child focus in school.

As you navigate your child’s learning differences, remember that you also need to manage your own feelings and expectations. With the proper di agnosis and help, your child can thrive in school and even ex ceed expectations theirs and yours! a y

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