Language Based Learning Disability

Your child’s smart but has unexpected struggles.  There is a subset of children who have language based learning disabilities which interfere with learning.  Language infiltrates all areas of life from our thinking to our talking. When a child has difficulty processing language, they often struggle in reading, spelling, writing, or with math word problems since these all require language.

Language Based Learning Disability

A language-based learning disability refers to a spectrum of difficulties related to the understanding and use of spoken and written language.  A language-based learning disability is often the root cause of a child’s academic struggles since weak language skills impede comprehension, oral and written communication.  It can also interfere with your child’s attention, memory, social skills, perseverance, and self-regulation. A child can have a general language-based learning disability or a specific type such as dyslexia or dysgraphia.

Warning Signs

Warning signs of a language-based learning disability in young children include: a history of a speech and language impairment (remediated or ongoing), poor phonics, slow choppy reading, poor reading comprehension, difficulty following multi-step verbal directions, difficulty putting thoughts into writing, forgetting small sight words, knowing what to say but difficulty getting it out, difficulty getting to the point when speaking, and poor test performance despite having studied.

Some students with language-based learning disabilities are diagnosed young while other children perform well in early elementary school and are diagnosed later when the demands of language in middle or high school increase.  In addition, adolescents with a language-based learning disability have difficulty managing the heavy reading load from multiple classes.

Instruction

Most individuals with a language-based learning disability need instruction that is specialized, explicit, structured, and multisensory, as well as ongoing, guided practice aimed at helping their specific areas of weakness.  School is often a struggle for kids with a language-based learning disability but once you get them through school, these smart kids inherit a world of opportunities.

If you need help with your child call as we test children ages 5.5 through college for language based learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other processing disorders.  Call (561) 625 4125