Learning Disabilities What you need to know about SLDs and your child

What is a Specific Learning Disability? Specific Learning Disorder, SLD, is “disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language” (IDEA PL 108-446, 2004) According to the National Institutes of Health, 15% of the American population, or 1 in 7 people, has a learning disability of some kind Specific Learning Disabilities differ from comorbid learning disabilities Several different types of SLDs

Types of SLDs Dyslexia—a problem understanding written words Dyscalculia—trouble with solving math problems and understanding mathematical concepts Dysgraphia—difficulty forming letters or writing within a defined space Auditory/Visual Processing Disorder—sensory disabilities when people have a hard time understanding language although they have normal hearing and vision Nonverbal Learning Disabilities— a neurological disorder that usually causes issues with several different processing functions; often misunderstood (highly verbal in general, nonverbal in their areas of shortfall) Many more SLDs out there

Lifestyle Changes with SLDs Mental and emotional changes mainly occur Mood swings More negative attitudes Tend to be a bit more sensitive than others No noticeable physical changes Social changes occur as well Difficulty making or keeping friendships Lack of social skills in some people with SLDs

Family Concerns with SLDs Family Issues that may arise with SLDs Can be difficult at times raising a child with SLDs Mood swings and frustration can cause rocky relationships Above all, focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses Be positive and encouraging Practice good listening skills Find alternative solutions to problems Be a support family

Financial Concerns with SLDs Not as expensive as most other disabilities Majority of money is used for: Specific testing for SLDs Certain types of therapy sessions (ex. Occupational) Medication (ex. Psychostimulant for ADD/ADHD)

Types of Testing for SLDs Various forms of testing available for specific deficits Main types of testing: IQ test Observational No genetic testing unless the SLD is comorbid with another disability (ex. down syndrome) More research is being done on genetic testing for SLDs For more specific testing information, visit www.understood.org

How do you go about treating a child with SLDs? Mainly in school settings IEP – Individualized Education Plan Other forms of treatment or help Note takers Mental health specialist Forms of therapy, I.E. - occupational therapy for kids with coordination issues Recreational therapy a wonderful way to relieve the everyday stresses in the life of a child with a learning disability

Parents – You are NOT alone! Over 2.5 million people in U.S. population have some form of SLD If you, your child, or your family is looking for more support or encouragement, there are local and state support groups all around the country It is important that we encourage, protect, and advocate for people with learning disabilities everywhere The Learning Disabilities Association of Virginia (LDAV) Visit http://ldaamerica.org/lda-chapters/virginia/ or http://www.ldavirginia.org/ to find support near you

References  How are learning disabilities diagnosed? (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2015, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/pages/diagnos ed.aspx Learning & Attention Issues. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues Learning Disabilities and Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2015, from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and- disorders.htm#diagnosis Special Education (sped). (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2015, from http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_ldcriter The world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from http://www.ldonline.org/