All children are “neurologically unique” and certain brain-based difficulties can often play a key role in affecting a child’s ability to achieve.
Learning disorders are typically identified during the early school years, as teachers and parents may recognize that a child is having difficulty with reading, writing, or math-based skills. Learning disorders can also interfere with executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, attention, short and long-term memory, initiating tasks, and self-monitoring behaviors. Generally speaking, comprehensive psychoeducational assessments tend to find that many children with learning disabilities are of average to above average intelligence; although discrepancies in aptitude vs. achievement are often found. Therefore, success in learning may require additional accommodations to support areas of strengths and weaknesses, especially if a more specific learning disorder is diagnosed. Some specific learning disabilities include dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, non-verbal learning disabilities, language processing disorder and visual perceptual/motor deficits.
If your child is presenting with a potential learning disorder, some presenting symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
Language and Literacy Skills – difficulty with grasping foundational concepts in literacy, pronunciation problems, difficulties with understanding questions or expressing words/thoughts
Cognitive Skills – memory challenges, forgetfulness, difficulty following through with assigned tasks
Motor Skills – delays in fine or gross motor skills; poor coordination; challenges with copying or writing
Social/Emotional Skills – consistent emotional episodes while completing homework, difficulty engaging with peers, easily frustrated or irritated
Metta Psychology Group offers neuropsychological and psychological testing services for children as young as kindergarten through high school. Tests are designed to assess specific problems, such as symptoms related to ADHD, learning disabilities, and emotional and/or behavioral problems.
Our psychologists and counselors at Metta Psychology Group work directly with parents, caregivers, school staff, and other health care providers to offer each child the resources needed to develop into well-rounded, successful, and happy young adults. Our therapists strive to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of professionals in effort to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your child’s overall functioning and to support your child’s emotional, behavioral, and academic success.