Learning disabilities are disorders that impact one’s ability to:

• Understand or use spoken or written language.
• Complete mathematical calculations and equations.
• Coordinate movements.
• Direct attention.
• Engage in higher-level skills like time planning, abstract reasoning, organization, and long/short-term memory.

The term “learning disabilities” isn’t a singular issue or disorder, but rather a catch-all for more specific conditions, such as dysgraphia, dyslexia, ADHD, etc.

Because all this can have a negative impact not only in academics, but on social relationships, it’s important for parents and caregivers to reach out for help – the sooner the better. This may include tutoring and other educational supports. In some cases, speech therapy and occupational therapy can help too.

As our Akron speech therapists can explain, a learning disability does not necessarily mean a child has a low intelligence quotient (IQ). In fact, most people with learning disabilities are either average or above-average intelligence. (This is part of what sets these kids apart from those with a global developmental delay.) conditions stem from genetic and/or neurobiological factors that impact brain functioning to the extent that one or more cognitive processes related to learning are impeded.

Kids with learning disabilities tend to have unexpected underachievement, despite receiving a lot of support. Their conditions are life-long, but the earlier we can intervene, the greater likelihood we can help redirect those neuro pathways in the brain.

Using evidence-based techniques, our speech therapists will identify the different language-based skill deficits (i.e., oral language, information processing, attention, memory, reading, and writing) and engage the child in various exercises (in the form of games) to help boost their performance in ways that carry over to the classroom.

Consistent, early intervention speech therapy can help kids with different learning abilities become more capable of receptive language (understood what’s being communicated with them) and expressive language (communicating with others).

Occupational therapy can help in these areas too, as well as practicing things like organization skills, attention and self-regulation, and handwriting. We also offer social groups for kids of all ages to provide more opportunities to practice social-emotional learning. Where it is beneficial, we may also recommend classroom adaptations to better accommodate the child’s learning style.

It’s long been the motto of our therapists and homeschool educators and tutors at Therapy & Wellness Connection that if kids aren’t learning the way we teach, we need to teach the way they learn.

Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – provides speech therapy to children in Akron, Cleveland, Brecksville-Broadview Heights and surrounding communities. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email.

Additional Resources:

Types of Learning Disabilities, Learning Disabilities Association of America

More Blog Entries:

Why Our Cleveland Speech Therapists Teach Kids How to Make Inferences, June 14, 2022, Akron Speech Therapy Clinic Blog