Learning Problems, Dyslexia, or Learning Disability?

Typically parents and teachers wonder if one of their kids has a learning disability or dyslexia if they have difficulties with letter reversals. But, letter reversals alone do not constitute a learning disability or dyslexia.

What is a Learning Difficulty?

Learning difficulties occur when a student struggles with spoken or written language, mathematical calculations, coordination, self-control, or attention.

What is a Learning Disability?

The National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke concur that learning disabilities are a disorder that affects one’s ability to either interpret what is seen and heard or to link information coming from different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up in many ways: as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control, or attention. Such difficulties extend to schoolwork and can impede learning to read, write, or do math. Although learning disabilities occur in very young children, the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age.

What is Dyslexia?

The National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke concur that dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. These individuals typically read at levels significantly lower than expected despite having normal intelligence. Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia are difficulty with phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds) and/or rapid visual-verbal responding.

What is the difference between a Learning Difficulty, Learning Disability, and Dyslexia?

The difference between a learning disability, dyslexia, and a learning difficulty is the degree to which the difficulty exists.

Bonnie Terry, M. Ed., BCET