Learning disabilities refer to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect the acquisition, organization, retention, and use of information. These conditions impact how individuals process and understand information, resulting in difficulties with reading, writing, math, reasoning, memory, and other cognitive skills. Common types of learning disabilities include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and specific learning disorder (SLD).

Dyslexia

Developmental dyslexia is a specific learning disorder affecting the ability to read that is not better accounted for by intellectual disabilities, uncorrected visual or auditory acuity, other mental or neurological disorders, or inadequate educational instruction.
Although it primarily affects reading and writing skills, it is actually about information processing and may affect processing of information that is seen or heard.
People with dyslexia show difficulties in accurate and/or fluent word recognition, decoding, spelling, and/or reading comprehension.
Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities.
Boys are diagnosed with dyslexia much more often than girls (Arnott, 2017).
The prevalence of DD is reported to be around 10% among school-aged children.

Note: dyslexia is contained within the umbrella diagnosis of ˜specific learning disorders within the DSM-5. This is a broad diagnosis which includes all cases of impaired academic skill acquisition (for words and numbers) not due to reduced intelligence or insufficient education.

Symptoms of Learning Disabilities

Reading (Dyslexia): Difficulty with reading fluency, decoding words, recognizing sight words, and understanding written text.

Writing (Dysgraphia): Challenges with handwriting, spelling, organizing ideas, and expressing thoughts coherently in writing.

Mathematics (Dyscalculia): Difficulty with understanding mathematical concepts, performing calculations, and solving mathematical problems.

Attention and Memory: Problems with attention, concentration, working memory, and retaining information presented orally or visually.

Signs of dyslexia

• confusing the order of letters in words
• poor or inconsistent spelling
• understand information when told verbally, but have difficulty with information that’s written down
• put letters the wrong way round (such as writing ‘b’ instead of ‘d’)
• pronouncing long words incorrectly and ‘jumbling’ up phrases (for example, saying ‘hecilopter’ instead of ‘helicopter’, or ‘beddy tear’ instead of ‘teddy bear’)
• poor handwriting

ADHD, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder are increasingly associated with individuals with dyslexia. ADHD seems

At ABC, we recognize the importance of collaboration between clinicians, schools, and educators to support students with learning disabilities. We offer consultation services, professional development workshops, and collaboration with school teams to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs), accommodations, and instructional strategies tailored to each student’s needs.

Our mission at ABC is to empower individuals with learning disabilities to reach their full potential academically, socially, and personally. Through comprehensive assessment, evidence-based interventions, and ongoing support, we strive to equip our clients with the tools and strategies they need to succeed in school, work, and life

Assessments

At ABC, we offer comprehensive assessments to accurately diagnose learning disabilities and identify individual strengths and challenges. Our assessments may include:

1. Psychoeducational Evaluation: Assessments of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, language skills, attention, memory, and executive functioning to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses.
2. Neuropsychological Testing: Evaluation of brain functioning, including attention, memory, language, and visual-spatial skills, to identify underlying cognitive processes contributing to learning difficulties
3. Behavioral Observations: Observation of behaviors and learning styles in various settings to gain insights into how individuals process information and navigate learning tasks.

Treatment Options

• Educational Therapy: Individualized instruction and support to address specific learning difficulties and develop compensatory strategies for academic success.
• Executive Function Coaching: Coaching and support to improve executive function skills, such as organization, planning, time management, task initiation, and self-regulation.
• Parent Training and Support: Education, guidance, and resources for parents to support their child’s learning needs, advocate for appropriate accommodations, and foster a positive learning environment at home.
• Neurofeedback: play a significant role in addressing various challenges associated with cognitive functions and academic performance. Here are some key aspects of the role of neurofeedback in learning disabilities :
  • Attention and Focus: Neurofeedback can target specific brainwave patterns associated with attention and focus. Training individuals to regulate these patterns may lead to improvements in sustained attention, reducing difficulties in focusing on learning tasks.
  • Memory and Processing Speed: By addressing brainwave activity related to memory and processing speed, neurofeedback may enhance cognitive functions crucial for effective learning and information retention.
  • Working Memory: Neurofeedback can target brain areas associated with working memory, which is essential for tasks like problem-solving and following instructions in a learning environment.
  • Decision-Making: Training specific brain regions involved in executive functions may lead to improvements in decision-making processes, allowing individuals with learning disabilities to navigate academic challenges more effectively.