What are learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities are genetic or neurodevelopmental conditions that affect brain function, making it harder to process information related to learning. These brain malfunctions may affect basic skills like reading or writing or higher learning needs like abstract reasoning or attention.

Types of learning disabilities include:

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that makes it harder to read.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia affects fine-motor skills, making it harder to write.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects a child’s ability to understand and process numbers. 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The emotional and behavioral symptoms that affect children with ADHD may also cause learning disabilities. 

What are the symptoms of learning disabilities?

Symptoms of learning disabilities vary and may depend on the underlying disorder. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty knowing left from right
• Reversing letters or numbers after second grade
• Difficulty recognizing or sorting shapes
• Challenges in following directions
• Poor coordination
• Problems remembering verbal instructions
• Problems recalling what was recently read
• Difficulty with writing, cutting, or drawing

Children with learning disabilities often have average or above-average intelligence. 

How are learning disabilities diagnosed?

Debra N Brosius, Psy.D., LLC is an integrated mental health practice that offers comprehensive testing for learning disabilities. To diagnose a learning disability, Dr. Brosius may conduct an intelligence quotient (IQ) test and standardized achievement tests in math, reading, and writing as well as other tests that are aimed at understanding the clinical question.

A child with a learning disability may have a normal or above-normal IQ but score poorly on achievement tests. 

Dr. Brosius also offers psychology consultations for educators and parents with concerns about school assessments that indicate a possible learning disability. She reviews the previous assessment and answers your questions. 

She may recommend additional testing to better understand your child’s learning difficulties.

Undiagnosed learning disabilities in children may affect emotional and psychological well-being. It may also lead to behavioral problems. Many children struggling with emotional or behavioral problems have an underlying learning disability. 

How are learning disabilities treated?

Children with learning disabilities need specialized instruction. Dr. Brosius completes a formal report after her comprehensive assessment to help your child get the special education services they need. 

To find out more about testing for learning disabilities at Debra N Brosius, Psy.D., LLC, call the office or book an appointment online today.