Returning to school can be an exciting and overwhelming time for many students and their families. However, for those with learning disabilities, this transition can come with additional challenges that may hinder their ability to reach their full potential. Let’s explore some common learning disabilities, their symptoms and how they can affect students academically and socially.
1. Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a language-based disability that involves challenges with reading, writing and understanding written text. Those with dyslexia have trouble recognizing and decoding words, as well as pinpointing distinct sounds in words, known as phonemic awareness. Many cases of dyslexia remain undiagnosed, leading to persistent trouble with reading fluency, comprehension, grammar and various other linguistic skills.
2. Dysgraphia
People living with dysgraphia find it hard to translate their thoughts to written or drawn forms. While messy handwriting is the leading symptom, dysgraphia encompasses a broader range of issues than penmanship. Students might find it taxing to convey their ideas accurately, grappling with spelling, grammar, vocabulary, critical reasoning or memory retention. Symptoms include inconsistent spacing between letters, compromised motor coordination and spatial perception and an inability to think and write simultaneously.
3. Dyscalculia
Symptoms of dyscalculia include challenges in understanding numbers, remembering math facts and performing mathematical calculations. Students with dyscalculia might have difficulty telling time, counting money and solving equations. As a result, they may struggle to keep up in math and advanced science courses.
Understanding the Challenges as Kids Return to School
Regardless of the learning disability your teenager deals with, these challenges can significantly affect academic performance and social interactions. Students may lag in school, potentially having to repeat grades or join remedial classes. Additionally, they might miss out on extracurricular opportunities due to the need for specialized attention. Though these supports are crucial for academic growth, they can sometimes result in feelings of isolation.
How The Forum Supports Teens With Learning Differences
While public schools offer specialized programming for students with learning differences, they often face constraints due to staffing limitations and challenges in entirely personalizing content. That’s where The Forum steps in, bridging the gaps to ensure every teen can flourish.
- Diagnosis and evaluation: Our in-depth diagnostic services offer clarity on the challenges at hand. We’re here to demystify any aspect of your child’s diagnosis, guiding you through each stage.
- Academic coaching: Tailored to individual learning needs, our sessions empower teens with the necessary skills and strategies to excel academically.
- Individual therapy: Our licensed therapists provide a space for teens to unpack the emotions linked to their learning disability, fostering resilience and coping mechanisms using diverse treatment models.
- Case management: We ensure that teens and their families have access to an array of essential services, drawing from our vast network of seasoned specialists in the San Diego area.
Comprehensive assessments are a crucial component of our approach. We paint a clear picture of a teen’s strengths and challenges through written tests and interviews with a neuropsychologist. This data-driven approach helps us tailor treatments to your teenager’s unique needs.
Empowering Teens With Learning Differences
The Forum proudly provides hope and guidance for parents and teens living with learning disorders. Our unwavering commitment is to make the process as seamless as possible for every teen and their family. To learn more about our specialized services for teens with learning differences, get in touch with our dedicated team of experts today.
