Dyslexia & Dyscalculia

Over 2 million students in the United States have learning disabilities or differences, and supporting these students requires understanding and implementing various strategies both at home and in school. Let’s explore some of the most common learning disabilities and effective ways to help children overcome these challenges and thrive in their educational journey.

Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disability that primarily affects reading and language processing. It can make it difficult for children to decode written words, understand their meaning, and make connections between sounds and letters. While commonly known as a reading disorder, dyslexia can also impact other skills such as writing, spelling, and even verbal communication. It can further influence social interactions, listening comprehension, time management, memory, and navigation skills.

The exact cause of dyslexia is still not fully understood, but researchers believe it may be linked to genetic factors, brain structure, and the way the brain processes language. Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, and children do not outgrow it. It is important to dispel the myth that dyslexia is related to laziness or a lack of intelligence. Children with dyslexia have unique ways of processing information and require specific support to help them succeed.

How to Support a Child with Dyslexia
There are many effective strategies to help children with dyslexia thrive. For example, targeted instruction in phonemic awareness can help children learn to recognize and manipulate sounds in language. Reading programs that use a multisensory approach—engaging multiple senses like sight, sound, and touch—are particularly beneficial for children with dyslexia. It’s important to note that vision therapies and eye exercises have not been proven to treat dyslexia or other learning disabilities effectively.

Schools can offer accommodations such as one-on-one or small-group instruction, additional time for reading and writing assignments, simplified directions, access to audiobooks, and shortened assignments. At home, parents can support their child by reading aloud together, listening to audiobooks, and engaging in activities like reciting nursery rhymes or singing memorable songs to build language skills.

Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia affects a child’s ability to write, making it difficult to form letters, spell words, or write sentences coherently. This learning disability is not about a lack of ideas or understanding, but rather the physical act of writing. It can cause significant frustration, as children may struggle to put their thoughts on paper. Dysgraphia can be related to motor skill issues, spatial awareness challenges, or coexisting conditions like dyslexia.

How to Support a Child with Dysgraphia
Occupational therapy is often recommended to help children improve their fine motor skills and coordination. In a school setting, accommodations such as extra time for writing tasks, allowing oral responses instead of written ones, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and providing graphic organizers like charts and diagrams can be very helpful. Assistive technology tools like talk-to-text programs can also alleviate the burden of writing for children with dysgraphia.

At home, practicing keyboarding skills can be beneficial, as it may be easier for children with dysgraphia to type their thoughts rather than write them by hand. Parents can make writing fun by using unconventional materials like writing in the air, tracing letters in sand, or using shaving cream to form letters. These activities can help build muscle memory and make learning more enjoyable.

Disorder of Written Expression
Writing is a complex skill that involves language, organization, attention, and motor coordination. A disorder of written expression occurs when a child has difficulty expressing their ideas clearly in writing, despite having the necessary cognitive and language skills. This condition can exist alongside dysgraphia, dyslexia, or neurodevelopmental disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Research suggests that about 60% of children with ADHD also have a written language disorder, compared to approximately 12% of children without ADHD. This highlights the importance of early identification and intervention for children struggling with written expression.

How to Support a Child with Disorder of Written Expression
Supporting children with disorders of written expression involves a combination of classroom accommodations and specific instructional strategies. Extended time on tests and assignments, clear and concise instructions, and pre-writing activities like brainstorming or using mind maps can help these children organize their thoughts. Mnemonics, or memory aids, can assist with retaining key information, and assistive technology like grammar and spelling checkers or talk-to-text software can reduce the stress of writing.

Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a lesser-known learning disability that affects a child’s ability to understand and work with numbers. It can manifest as difficulty grasping mathematical concepts, understanding quantities, or using symbols. Children with dyscalculia may struggle with basic arithmetic, telling time, or solving problems that require logical thinking.

Unlike dyslexia, there are no specific educational programs designed exclusively for dyscalculia. However, understanding that dyscalculia is not a result of a lack of effort or ability is crucial. It is a legitimate learning disability that requires targeted support.

How to Support a Child with Dyscalculia
While specialized teaching programs for dyscalculia are limited, multisensory learning techniques, where children use visual aids, hands-on activities, and auditory cues, can help make mathematical concepts more accessible. School accommodations like additional time for math tests, fewer math problems on assignments, and the use of calculators are common and effective strategies.

At home, parents can use everyday objects like cereal pieces to make counting and basic arithmetic more tangible. Engaging children in board games or computer games that incorporate math can also provide a fun and less pressured way to practice their skills.

Evaluating Your Child’s Learning Challenges and Strengths
A comprehensive learning disorder evaluation, conducted through the school system or privately, can help identify your child’s specific learning challenges as well as their strengths. This evaluation provides a roadmap for creating an effective support plan that includes recommendations for school accommodations, at-home strategies, and community resources. Understanding your child’s unique needs is the first step in helping them reach their full potential.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset
Struggling with learning challenges can impact a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Encouraging a growth mindset is essential in helping children with learning disabilities build resilience and confidence. At the Advanced Psychology Institute, we believe that every child has the potential to succeed with the right support and guidance. By focusing on progress and celebrating even small achievements, we can help children develop a positive self-image and the belief that they are capable of learning and growing. Together, we can create an environment where all children feel empowered to overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.