Learning Disorders, which are sometimes referred to as learning disabilities, are traditionally characterized by a significant discrepancy between an individual’s measured intelligence and the individual’s measured academic achievement in one or more areas, such as reading, writing, or arithmetic. Essentially, a Learning Disorder is when an individual’s academic performance is far the expected levels given his or her intellectual abilities. Learning Disorders occur within approximately five percent of all school age children.[1]
Learning Disorders sometimes go undetected for many years, which can have substantial repercussions, such as academic failures, being held back in school, adjustment difficulties, disrupted peer and family relations, and poor self-esteem. These repercussions can also persist into later life, so not only is identifying a Learning Disorder important, but early detection is essential.
Learning Disorders can often be confused with other childhood disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Given this, careful and comprehensive assessment of intellectual, neurocognitive, and academic abilities is important for both diagnosis and treatment. For instance, a child may have undue difficulties writing an adequate passage even when prompted sufficiently. A subsequent, comprehensive assessment of the child’s abilities may reveal that, while the child can verbally express ideas articulately, the child cannot do so through writing; thus, in such a case, the child’s coordination and fine motor skills (i.e., the ability to write) are the culprit, not overall expressive ability. Treatment in such a case could then be geared toward the correct intervention, such as improving coordination and accommodations in the classroom.
Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC routinely provides the following services:
- Psychological assessment for early identification and follow-up of Learning Disorders
- Functional behavior assessment of any behavioral problems associated with learning disabilities
- Creation and implementation of behavioral plans for the home and school
- School advocacy/Individualized Education Plan (IEP) assistance
- Assistance in creating an individualized tutoring program
[1] National Center for Learning Disabilities
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