Sandhills School: Learning Differences

What Are Learning Differences?

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological, language-based learning disorder that specifically impairs a person's ability to read. Students generally have difficulty with spelling, writing, and speaking. These individuals typically read at levels significantly lower than expected despite having normal intelligence. They may also show difficulty with word recall, sequencing, and the passage of time.

Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities

What are the signs of dyslexia?

Students with dyslexia generally have difficulty in the following areas:

Difficulty reading and spelling words
Poor short term memory
Difficulty with proofreading or identifying errors
Poor auditory comprehension
Problems with organizational skills
Poor handwriting
Short attention span when listening
Slow completion of school work
Poor concept of time
Poor reading comprehension

Does one outgrow dyslexia?

No. Because it is neurologically-based, dyslexia is a life-long condition, and many dyslexics are glad for that! Because they think differently, they are able to process information in creative ways, thereby giving them an edge on problem solving and reasoning. They often possess strong spatial ability, creativity, social skills, and other gifts that make them successful in life, though not perhaps in school. At Sandhills, we use that potential to address the struggles of the classroom and to promote strategies that increase their ability to read, write, and do math.

What is dyscalculia?

Since math disabilities are varied, the signs that a person may have a difficulty in this area can be just as varied. However, having difficulty learning math skills does not necessarily mean a person has a learning disability. All students learn at different paces, and particularly among young people, it takes time and practice for formal math procedures to make practical sense. Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities

If a person has trouble in any of the areas below, additional help may be beneficial.

Good at speaking, reading, and writing, but slow to develop counting and math problem-solving skills
Good memory for printed words, but difficulty reading numbers, or recalling numbers in sequence
Good with general math concepts, but frustrated when specific computation and organization skills need to be used
Trouble with the concept of time-chronically late, difficulty remembering schedules, trouble with approximating how long something will take
Poor sense of direction, easily disoriented and easily confused by changes in routine
Poor long term memory of concepts-can do math functions one day, but is unable to repeat them the next day
Poor mental math ability-trouble estimating grocery costs or counting days until vacation
Difficulty playing strategy games like chess, bridge or role-playing video games
Difficulty keeping score when playing board and card games.

What is dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and trouble putting thoughts on paper. Because writing requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills, saying a student has dysgraphia is not sufficient. A student with disorders in written expression will benefit from specific accommodations in the learning environment, as well as additional practice learning the skills required to be an accomplished writer. Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities