Learning Disabilities

Dyscalculia

Affects a person's ability to understand numbers and learn math facts.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Affects how sound is processed or interpreted by the brain

Dyslexia

Affects reading and related language-based processing skills

Dysgraphia

Affects a person's handwriting ability and fine-motor skills.

Non-verbal Learning Disabilities

Discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial & social skills

Related Disorders

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behaviour and hyperactivity.

Dyspraxia

Difficulty with muscle control which causes problems with movement and coordination, language and speech, and can affect learning.

Executive Functioning

Inefficiency in brain processes such as planning, organization, strategizing, paying attention to and remembering details, and managing time and space.

Conduct meetings with those who can best support your needs and create policies, programs or services to do so.

Write effective letters and emails

Self-advocacy - help the student learn to speak up for themselves

Executive Function Deficit

Have a routine of putting & keeping things in place

Use of a colour-coding scheme to prioritize tasks

Relocate seating away from visual distractions

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Checklist of assignments to complete

Dividing assignments into smaller tasks

Set a timer and allow ample time to complete task

Dyslexia

Use books on tape

Use books with large print and big spaces between lines

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Show rather than explain

Vary pitch and tone of voice, alter pace of instruction and stress "key" words

"I may be misunderstanding" - gives the school a chance to explain its position when there is disagreement about how to interpret laws or test results.

"How can we work together to make this happen" - helps make conversation about collaborating to provide a certain service less frustrating when your school tells you it doesn't do so.

"How does that look in the classroom?" - when making conversation about accommodations, behaviour plans & instructional strategies, you can redirect by asking how things will actually work.