Learning Disabilities: Math, Reading, Writing
What is it?
- Inability to learn, perform, or produce work equal to potential/intelligence
- Below average IQ + below average performance = no LD
- Above average IQ + below average performance = possible LD
- Neurological disorders, lifetime issues
- Global or specific in math, reading, or writing
Math Disability
What does it look like?
- Unreliable written computations
- Inconsistent calculations
- Persistent trouble memorizing basic number facts
- Unreliable attention to operational signs
- Inability to sequence steps in complex operations
- Inability to grasp language aspects of math
Reading Disability/Dyslexia
What does it look like?
- Unaware of sounds in words, sound order, rhymes, or sequence of syllables
- Difficulty decoding (single word identification) or encoding (spelling) words
- Poor sequencing of numbers or letters (b-d, sing-sign, soiled-solid, 12-21, 6-9)
- Imprecise/incomplete interpretation of auditory language
- Poor reading comprehension
- Difficulty expressing thoughts orally or written
- Confusion about directions in space/time (right/left, up/down, yesterday/tomorrow)
- Struggles with handwriting
- Problems sequencing steps, directionality, or language of mathematics
- Confusion with right or left handedness
Writing Disability/Dysgraphia
What does it look like?
- Tight, awkward pencil grip and body position
- Produced illegible handwriting
- Avoids writing or drawing tasks
- Tires quickly when writing
- Speaks words out loud while writing
- Uses unfinished words in sentences
- Omits words in sentences
- Unorganized thoughts on paper
- Unorganized syntax, structure, grammar
Also see Academic Tips for Learning Disabilities