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As a parent, teacher, or administrator, it is essential to recognize and understand the different types of learning disabilities students may face.
Has your child been diagnosed with a learning disability? Or, do you suspect there is a learning disability behind challenges in school?
It is essential to recognize and understand the different types of learning disabilities that students may face so that educators and parents can provide appropriate support and accommodations to help students overcome these challenges.
In this post, I will describe some common types of learning disabilities and how they can impact students’ learning experiences.
A reading disorder may affect a child’s ability to decode words, read fluently, comprehend what they have read, or a combination of these issues. Students with reading challenges may begin to exhibit behaviors when tasked to read. For example, they may attempt to avoid reading by withdrawing, or acting out. While exhibiting behaviors, students are effectively limiting their exposure to grade level curriculum. Ensuring that a student is exposed to the appropriate curriculum may require specially designed instruction within an IEP, or possibly a 504 Plan to provide accommodations within their educational environment.
Providing multi-sensory teaching approaches and assistive technology can greatly benefit students who struggle with reading. Ensuring that directions are explained verbally (as well as written), giving a student extra time on tests and assignments, and text to speech technology, promotes student access to grade level curriculum.
For example, just because a 5th grader is reading at a 2nd grade level, does not mean they should be excluded from learning 5th grade science concepts. Lower reading skills should not limit a student’s educational success.
Similarly, students with challenges in writing may begin to exhibit behaviors when tasked to write. For example, they may attempt to avoid writing by withdrawing, or acting out. While exhibiting behaviors, students are effectively limiting their exposure to grade level curriculum. Ensuring that a student is exposed to the appropriate curriculum may require specially designed instruction within an IEP, or possibly a 504 Plan to provide accommodations within their educational environment.
Providing multi-sensory teaching approaches and assistive technology can greatly benefit students who struggle with writing skills. Making sure that assignment and test questions can be answered verbally (as opposed to written), including the use of a key board or speech-to-text technology, and giving a student extra time on tests and assignments, promotes student access to grade level curriculum.
For example, just because a 7th grader is writing at a 4th grade level, does not mean they should be excluded from excelling in 7th grade social studies class. Lower writing skills should not limit a student’s educational success. Utilizing alternative methods of expression, can enhance a student’s ability to communicate concepts effectively.
Students with specific learning disabilities in mathematics, have difficulties understanding and manipulating numbers. As with reading and writing, students with challenges in math may begin to exhibit behaviors when tasked to work with numbers. For example, they may attempt to avoid doing math work by withdrawing, or acting out. While exhibiting behaviors, students are effectively limiting their exposure to grade level curriculum. Ensuring that a student is exposed to the appropriate curriculum may require specially designed instruction within an IEP, or possibly a 504 Plan to provide accommodations within their educational environment.
Students with issues in math may struggle with counting, calculating, recognizing patterns, and solving mathematical problems. Using accommodations such as concrete objects (manipulatives), visual aids (number lines or multiplication charts), and calculators, a student can be assisted and supported in progressing their math skills.
Understanding the various types of learning disabilities that students may face is crucial for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. By recognizing these challenges, educators and parents can provide tailored interventions and accommodations to help students thrive academically and emotionally.
If I can be of further assistance in your child’s educational journey, please get in touch!
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