Contrary to what some people may believe, learning differences have nothing to do with IQ. In fact, those with learning differences often have average or above-average intelligence. Their neurological condition simply affects how they process, understand, and retain information, so they learn differently than most people. Common kinds of learning differences include:

1. Dyslexia. This well-known learning disorder affects reading and language processing. Those with dyslexia have problems identifying speech sounds and understanding how they relate to letters and words. Students who have trouble reading or spelling could be struggling with dyslexia. However, most children with dyslexia can succeed in school with certain accommodations. These include multi-sensory approaches to learning, electronic methods for writing and reading, and being allowed extra time to complete assignments.

1. Dysgraphia. Children with dysgraphia have difficulty writing, typically have messy handwriting, and usually have a difficult time physically jotting down their thoughts or writing anything on paper. For many, just holding a pencil and organizing letters on a line is difficult. Many also struggle with spelling and other writing tasks, such as putting ideas into language that is organized, stored, and then retrieved from memory. Children with dysgraphia can benefit from modified writing tasks, assistive technology, and graphic tools to help them stay organized.

1. Dyscalculia. This learning disorder impacts a person’s ability to understand and manipulate numbers. Those with dyscalculia usually struggle with time, directions, and recalling schedules and sequences of events. Their difficulties show up most significantly in math, as they have inconsistent results in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; are bad at financial planning and money management; and slow at mental math. Most students with severe dyscalculia need a personal math curriculum to help them through typical high school curriculum expectations. Working at a slower pace and using ample visuals and manipulatives can be helpful.

1. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) & Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). Students with APD or CAPD cannot process the information they hear in the same way as others because their ears and brain don’t fully coordinate. They can have difficulty with reading, spelling, writing, or other language-based activities. Students with APD often don’t recognize subtle differences between sounds in words, can be easily distracted or unusually bothered by loud or sudden noises, and have difficulty following spoken directions. Oftentimes, these children are misdiagnosed with ADHD. These students’ behaviors and performances often improve dramatically in quiet settings. The most important factor to consider when teaching students with APD is to use multiple methods of disseminating information. Talking alone should always be accompanied with various visuals.

At Lake Michigan Academy, we address each of these learning differences and transform the lives of our students by empowering them to reach their full potential. Contact us today for more information.