Learning Disorder
Evaluations for
Children & Teens
Learning Disorder Evaluations
Learning Disorders affect a number of children and teens, and early identification and intervention are key to experiencing success. Psychoeducational evaluations help explore learning differences that may affect reading, writing and/or math. Since learning disorders commonly co-occur with other conditions such as ADHD, a comprehensive evaluation helps accurately pinpoint any areas of challenge to provide proper support… fast!
What are symptoms of Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language.
Dyslexia is the most commonly identified learning disorder. Dyslexia affects approximately 5-10% of the population, though some estimates suggest that up to 15-20% of the population may have some symptoms of dyslexia.
Dyslexia is more frequently diagnosed in boys than in girls, although this may partly reflect referral bias rather than true differences in prevalence. Early identification and support is crucial to a child’s progress and ability to learn to read effectively.
Common Dyslexia Symptoms
Difficulty reading words in isolation
Slow and laborious reading
Problems with written expression
Poor spelling
Difficulty with reading comprehension
Treatment Options for Dyslexia:
- Phonological Training: Orton-Gillingham tutoring focuses on the relationship between letters and sounds.
- Multisensory Instruction: Engages multiple senses (sight, sound, touch) to help reinforce learning.
- Reading Interventions: Specific reading programs, such as Wilson Reading System or Lindamood-Bell, can provide structured practice.
- Accommodations: Extra time on tests, audiobooks, and note-taking assistance, among other supports
What are symptoms of Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that affects writing abilities. It can manifest as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting, and trouble putting thoughts on paper.
Dysgraphia is estimated to affect around 5-20% of children. This wide range in estimates reflects variability in diagnostic criteria and study methods.
Similar to dyslexia, dysgraphia appears to be more commonly diagnosed in boys, potentially due to differences in how symptoms are expressed and identified. Regardless, girls and boys should receive early identification and support to build upon skill development!
Dysgraphia Symptoms
Illegible handwriting
Difficulty with writing tasks, such as taking notes or writing essays
Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
Inconsistent spacing and poor spatial planning on paper
Poor spelling and grammar
Treatment Options for Dysgraphia:
- Occupational Therapy: Helps improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Writing Practice: Structured and repetitive practice focusing on letter formation, spacing, and writing fluency.
- Use of Technology: Typing instead of writing by hand, using speech-to-text software.
- Visual and Spatial Aids: Graph paper for spatial organization and lined paper for writing practice.
What are symptoms of Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects an individual’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. It can also affect mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
It is common for children to have more than one learning disorder or difference. For example, many children with dyslexia also have dysgraphia or dyscalculia.
Prevalence rates for dyscalculia can vary widely due to differences in diagnostic criteria, assessment tools, and reporting practices across studies and countries. A proper evaluation helps determine the right type of support and intervention.
Dyscalculia Symptoms
Difficulty understanding number concepts
Trouble with math word problems
Problems with remembering math facts and sequences
Struggles with basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
Difficulty with time management and spatial reasoning related to math
Treatment for Dyscalculia:
- Math-Specific Interventions: Programs such as Number Worlds, Making Math Real, or Math-U-See, which provide structured and sequential learning experiences.
- Use of Manipulatives: Physical objects like counting blocks or number lines to help visualize math concepts.
- Visual Aids: Charts, diagrams, and visual organizers to break down mathematical problems.
- Technology Support: Educational apps and software designed to enhance mathematical understanding.
- Individualized Instruction: Tailored tutoring focusing on specific areas of difficulty and using multisensory techniques.
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