What is a Learning Disability?

A learning disability, such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), or dyscalculia (math), is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations.

When someone has a learning disability, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia, it means that he or she learns differently than most people, and that learning itself is usually more difficult. A learning disability is a condition that can affect anybody, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender.

What is done to diagnose a learning disability?

A psychoeducational testing, which is a form of neuropsychological assessment, is completed to evaluate academic functioning. This helps to identify different scholastic strengths and weaknesses as well as potential challenges.

To begin, a person’s overall intelligence – or cognitive ability – must be measured. All of the processing areas must also be assessed. These areas include visual/auditory memory and discrimination, executive functioning, and processing speed. Once these processing areas have been evaluated, the person’s achievement must be tested in various areas, such as speaking, listening, reading, writing and math. Before the diagnostic testing is complete, background information is examined, such as family history, medical history, school performance, emotional factors, motivational issues and his or her attention span. There has to be a significant discrepancy between an individual’s cognitive abilities and their achievement abilities for a learning disability to be diagnosed.

What Treatment is Available?

In addition to psychotherapy that is used to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, and personality disorders Chicago Mind Solutions offers work with a learning specialist.

Through a range of counseling services for children and adults, individuals have the ability to maximize their full potential through careful reflection on their actions and thought patterns. Research demonstrates that individuals with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), dyscalculia (math) and executive functioning challenges, tend to have higher levels of emotional concerns, such as depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem, than do their peers without disabilities. One-on-one or small group therapy has proven to help individuals with learning disabilities build skills to better manage their emotional functioning and lead happier lives. A few therapies may include, tutoring, educational therapy, executive functioning training through a learning specialist, and neurofeedback therapy.