When you start to investigate concerns about your child’s learning the different terms used can be confusing. In Australia, Specific Learning Disorder, is the official diagnostic name for learning disabilities which are commonly known as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
What are learning difficulties?
When given effective instruction most children learn the fundamental skills required to learn to read, write, spell, and complete maths calculations. A child may be described as having a learning difficulty if they have problems acquiring academic skills due to a specific reason such as absenteeism, intellectual disability, physical or sensory deficits (e.g. vision loss), ineffective instruction, English as a Second Language, or emotional or behavioural difficulties. Most of these children have the potential to achieve at age-appropriate levels when they are provided with the correct support and intervention.
What are Specific Learning Disorders?
Children with a Specific Learning Disorder have unexpected and persistent difficulties in one or more areas of learning. Difficulties are often first seen in early years of primary school when the child is not progressing at the same rate as their classmates. The difficulty is specific to the child and is not due to the quality of teaching or ability to access teaching. These difficulties are unexpected in relation to the child’s other skills. They may be progressing appropriately, or excelling, in other learning areas. The defining feature of Specific Learning Disorders is that the child’s difficulties persist despite appropriate instruction and targeted intervention. They are on-going difficulties that will persist with the child throughout their life. There are three Specific Learning Disorders:
- Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading (commonly called dyslexia)
- Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in writing (commonly called dysgraphia)
- Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in maths (commonly called dyscalculia).
Can you ‘fix’ or ‘cure’ a Specific Learning Disorder?
Unfortunately, there is no simple solution or magic cure for Specific Learning Disorders. By their very definition they are an on-going difficulty that persists despite effective intervention. Early identification is important so that appropriate educational assistance may be provided. The impact of a Specific Learning Disorder can be reduced through the provision of appropriate accommodations and effective intervention. There are many intervention programs available, and it is important to ensure that your child is receiving a program that is based on research and has evidence of effectiveness. Follow this link to see a list of evidence-based programs recommended by Dyslexia SPELD Foundation. https://dsf.net.au/getattachment/11c25d69-8718-4c4c-9685-aebeb371c09f/.aspx
If you have concerns that your child may have a Specific Learning Disorder have a discussion with your child’s teacher. If you remain concerned an assessment for a Specific Learning Disorder can be completed at Lifeworks Psychology. We can also provide support and advice for parents as they process their child’s diagnosis and make plans to meet the needs of their child.
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Call or email Lifeworks psychology today – (08) 9382 3645 admin@lifeworkspsych.com.au