Types of Learning Disabilities
People with learning differences may experience difficulty in one or more areas of learning. Some people have more than one type of difference. The following descriptions represent broad definitions, but the individual experience is unique.
Dyslexia
Reading. Challenges in reading, comprehension, connecting letters to sounds, decoding, and reading comprehension. Reading level may be well below the expected age-level, and the student may have difficulty in spelling or remembering the sequence of things or events.
Dyscalculia
Math. Challenges in understanding math concepts such as fractions or number lines, learning math facts, counting or organizing numbers, and word problems.
Dysgraphia
Writing. Challenges with writing legibly, holding a pencil or pen, use of fine motor skills, and spatial planning on the page.
Language Processing Disorder
Spoken Language. Challenges in the interpretation of spoken language, expressing thoughts verbally, difficulty in labeling objects.
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Non-verbal Cues and Signals. Challenges in interpreting facial expressions or body language, fine motor skills, coordination. Challenges in following multi-step instructions. May ask too many questions or interrupt the flow of a lesson.