PlusFour Solutions: Guidance through Assessment

When children struggle in school, it is for a reason. A bright, high-achieving student who struggles with organization skills or in another specific area, may have a learning disability. The National Institute of Health estimates that as many as 15% of children in the United States have a learning disability. Of the more than three million students in special education classes in the United States, most have trouble with reading.

Language-based learning disabilities can involve problems with writing and mathematics, as well as reading. A common language-based learning disability is dyslexia, which often involves reversing letters, numbers or words.

Some children have difficulty with receptive language (taking in what they hear or read). Other children have trouble with expressive language (saying or writing what they know). Children with learning disabilities are neither lazy nor dumb, although they sometimes are labeled as such. However, students with learning disabilities are at higher risk to develop low self-esteem and may also have difficulty with maintaining attention or controlling their emotions.

Families can learn more about language based learning disabilities at the following web sites:

• International Dyslexia Association
• Schwab Learning
• LD Online
• National Conference for Learning Disabilities
• Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic
• Educational Testing Service