Dyslexia & Dyscalculia New York

More than 2 million students across the country have been diagnosed with several learning disabilities such as Dyslexia & Dyscalculia. These conditions pose barriers to a child’s academic growth as well as development on a mental and emotional level. Families situated in New York need to be educated about these conditions and how to implement effective strategies both at home and at school so that children can succeed.

Dyslexia & Dyscalculia: An Explicated Understanding

A learning impairment that primarily affects one’s ability to read, write or understand language is called dyslexia. If a child suffers from this condition, it is normal for him/her to have difficulties in decoding written words, knowing their meanings and understanding the relation between sounds and letters. However, the scope of dyslexia is not only restricted to reading. Children having this disorder can have problems in other areas as well which include:

• Writing and Spelling: Meeting the required criteria while crafting a sentence and remembering the spelling of the words included within.
• Verbal Communication: Difficulty organizing and presenting ideas in an understandable manner for simple discussions.
• Memory and Time Management: Incorporating information in the brain or managing tasks at hand.
• Social Skills: Remembering and replying back to social cues which would help in getting along with others.

While the exact cause of dyslexia remains unknown, research points to genetic factors, brain structure, and how the brain processes language. Societal perceptions mistreat dyslexics by calling them bone idle and slow learners, which is not at all the case. On the contrary, the children possess astonishing creativity and impressive problem-solving skills.

Strategies to Assist a Child with Dyslexia & Dyscalculia

• Orton-Gillingham trained specialists: The proof is there, programs that focus on phonemic awareness and phonics greatly yield results. The multisensory approach incorporating sight-sound-touch also has an impact.
• Support Strategies or Modification in Class: The School can also offer audiobook formats of textbooks, provide additional time during examinations, provide simple language to test items, and provide instructions to teachers teaching in a small proportion of students or individually.
• Supervised at Home: Parents may participate in shared reading activities with children and encourage the use of speech, singing rhymes or songs and audiobooks to improve the love of language.

Dyslexia & Dyscalculia: Making Sense of Numbers

One of the least known amongst the Learning Disabilities, dyscalculia is a condition where a child has issues understanding numbers, the concepts of quantity, and most importantly the use of maths. Children who have dyscalculia experience the following difficulties: They may, however, encounter the following challenges:

• Find it difficult to add and subtract numbers and perform any kind of arithmetic operation.
• Be able to count but not comprehend quantity, measures and sequences which involve counting.
• Employ logic to solve mathematics related tasks.
• Count, and understand numbers, know the time and even do the math to fulfill a task.

Dyscalculia is inherent in a person just like any other condition, it is not a result of lack of ambition or hard work. Sadly, for children with dyslexia, there is a lack of directly related dyscalculia educational programs since this condition has nothing in common with ameliorating methods of literacy.

Ways to Assist a Child Struggling with Dyslexia & Dyscalculia

• Techniques Using All Senses: Use pictures, blocking or beading, and sound to provide a better grasp of mathematical concepts.
• School Modifications: Allowing students to have extra time on tests, fewer word problems, use of a calculator, and have images can assist children in succeeding.
• Support Around the House: Parents can try to incorporate mathematics into their day-to-day lives, such as counting while going out, doing math puzzles, and measuring ingredients while cooking.

Assessment of Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Difficulties

A thorough assessment, arranged via the educational framework or done independently, is important in determining a child’s difficulties and abilities. Such evaluations usually comprise of professionals in the practice, including educational and speech and occupational therapists. The outcomes offer insight into the child and serve to influence the preparation of individual education programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans in schools.

Building Confidence Through a Growth Mindset

The learning disabilities of dyslexia and dyscalculia affect a child’s self image and sense of self confidence. Children may be discouraged or feel they perform worse than their peers. This is where it is important to encourage change and look at their struggles as an opportunity to develop oneself. Looking at changing one’s attitude towards struggle or challenges to growth means focusing on trying hard, never giving up, and learning from one’s failures which ensures that the child has a positive image of self and more importantly a belief that they can succeed.

Some suggestions that could nurture the growth mindset include the following:

• Celebrating Small Wins: Regardless of how tiny the progress maybe, give it the attention and respect it deserves with regards to confidence building.
• Focusing on Effort: Individuals should learn to try and strive towards doing better rather than only expecting an end result.
• Modelling Resilience: Showing children what it means to strive and stay positive in the face of strife.

Creating a Supportive Community in New York

In the city of New York, families are able to avail themselves of an assortment of services and professionals that specifically deal with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. There is organizational support, educational support groups, and educational centers that help provide parents and teachers with resources such as clinics, workshops, and lobbying. These elements help guarantee that the child receives the necessary measures to further their progression both academically and socially.

The Advanced Psychology Institute in New York is dedicated to assisting children with learning disabilities, including dyslexia and dyscalculia. We believe that with proper early intervention, tailored strategies, and mental encouragement, all children can reach their full potential. Our goal is to create an environment where children are celebrated for their unique strengths while receiving the support they need to overcome challenges associated with dyslexia and dyscalculia.