Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia

“Your child has a learning disability.”

Those are words no parent ever wants to hear. You want the very best for your child – of course. You want him or her to experience the world free of undue burden. You want him to have a happy and productive life.

Children who suffer from a learning disability are often at or above normal intelligence. With the proper intervention, they can have successful academic, social and professional lives. The first step in any treatment is to understand what your child may be up against.

Dyslexia Is The Most Common Type Of Learning Disability

Dyslexia centers in the brain’s language center and is caused by difficulty with a process called “decoding.” Decoding is the way in which the brain associates speech and sounds with letters and words.

Reading is a language that is written down and heard with our inner voice. It requires visual and auditory skills. Because Dyslexia is essentially an Auditory Processing Disorder (APB), at CTS, our focus is on APB.

Signs of Dyslexia Before School Age

Dyslexia can be difficult to identify before children reach school age but here are some potential signs:

• Delayed speech
• Difficulty listening & understanding
• Difficulty naming letters, colors, or numbers
• Trouble with word formation and the sounding-out of words
• Problems remembering simple phrases like nursery rhymes
• A family history of dyslexia or other learning disabilities
• Frequently misinterpreting words that are heard or read

Signs of Dyslexia In School

It is easier to spot signs of dyslexia once your child is in school. At that time you may notice some of the following:

• Difficulty finding words or answers to questions
• A reading level well below where he should be
• Trouble working through pronunciation of a new word
• Avoiding tasks that involve reading or spelling
• Becoming sleepy when listening or reading.

These are just some symptoms of dyslexia. Left untreated these problems can persist through adolescence and into adulthood, making them harder to treat and increasing the risk for other disorders like ADHD.

Why A Speech Pathologist Can Help Your Child With Learning Disabilities

There is strong evidence that dyslexia is frequently related to auditory processing (hearing) challenges. According to respected researcher Charles Shidlofsky, OD, FCOVD:

“Dyslexia is a result of problems occurring in the complex language processing system with approximately 75%-85% of the components being auditory/ language processing.”

The therapists are experts at creating treatment plans that address these complex issues.

We’re here to help

If you recognize symptoms of a learning disability in your child, you’re probably scared and upset. The thought of undertaking therapeutic interventions might seem intimidating.

But you know best that there is nothing that you wouldn’t do to see your child succeed. You can rest assured that you are taking the first steps toward your child receiving the very best therapy.