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According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have learning and attention issues. Contrary to what some may think, learning disabilities have nothing to do with IQ, and disorders like autism and ADHD are not learning differences. Here are three other myths about learning differences:
- Myth #1: Learning disabilities are easy to diagnose. In reality, there is no quick way to determine whether a child has a learning disorder. While limited vocabulary or difficulty rhyming could be an early warning sign for dyslexia, for example, diagnosing the disability is a process that unfolds over time. Specialists need to document assessment performance and take factors such as behavior, attention, and medical history into consideration.Â
- Myth #2: Learning disabilities go away with time. Just as certain conditions like asthma and eczema are lifelong, so are learning disabilities. But also in the same way that a person with asthma or eczema can lead a happy, successful life, so can those with learning differences. The key to living with a learning disability is understanding its specific challenges and finding ways to work around them. The more a person knows about their disability and how to get the help they need, the better off they will be. Â
- Myth #3: Learning different accommodations offer unfair advantages. A student with a learning disability might have more time to complete an assignment or be given specific tools to help with a task. While some people think this is unfair, it couldn’t be further from the truth. These accommodations mirror those of any other legal disability, such as hearing aids for students that are hearing impaired. They simply level the playing field and help ensure children with learning differences experience the same quality of education as their peers. Â
Lake Michigan Academy dispels learning difference myths and addresses them in a way that transforms the lives of students by empowering them to reach their full potential. Contact us today for more information.
