Reading, writing and math are the basic building blocks of learning. Understanding these subjects early on sets a child up for a successful future. However, many children and young adults struggle to learn these skills. Repeated and long-lasting difficulties could be the sign of a learning disability. Therapy for learning disabilities is available at Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team of learning disability counselors can help people living in Andover and the surrounding communities deal with the stress associated with these conditions and find ways to overcome.
Symptoms of a Learning Disability
A learning disability can impact many areas of your life — school, work, future success and even your physical, mental and emotional health. It doesn’t reflect how smart you are — it’s a difference in the brain that presents at birth or shortly after. The earlier you identify and address a learning disability, the better. That’s why it’s important to recognize the symptoms associated with learning disabilities. Each learning disability has its own signs. To diagnose it, the affected skills must be noticeably below what is expected for an individual’s age, and their difficulties must significantly impact their performance or daily activities. Depending on the learning disability, some symptoms could include:
- Struggling to follow directions.
- Problems with focusing or paying attention.
- Poor spelling.
- Trouble reading quickly.
- Difficulty recognizing common words.
- Writing very slowly.
- Poor handwriting.
- Trouble expressing ideas in writing.
- Difficulty organizing text.
- Problems understanding numbers or calculations.
- Issues with basic math concepts, such as multiplication.
- Trouble handling change in cash transactions.
- Difficulty with math-related word problems.
Find Ways to Cope With a Learning Disability
6 Types of Learning Disabilities
Nearly 10% of children in the United States struggle with learning disabilities. Some people have one type, while others have multiple learning disabilities that overlap. The most common types include:
- Dyslexia. Difficulty recognizing, spelling or comprehending words
- Dysgraphia. Impaired handwriting, spelling or both
- Dyscalculia. Little ability to learn arithmetic and mathematic concepts
- Apraxia of speech. Difficulty saying what you intend to say
- Nonverbal learning disorder. Trouble receiving and interpreting nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions or body language
- Central auditory processing disorder. Difficulty recognizing and interpreting sounds
How ADHD Impacts Learning
Strictly speaking, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is not a learning disability. Yet, this highly common condition can severely impact learning and is something our learning disabilities therapists frequently treat at Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates. Many adults and young people struggle with ADHD in conjunction with a learning disability. There are two main types of ADHD:
- Hyperactivity: Having a difficult time sitting or holding still, become disruptive or defiant and being constantly on the go.
- Inattentive: Getting bored with assignments easily at school or work, frequently daydreaming, having problems completing tasks on time or by the deadline, and losing focus easily. However, there tends to be few, if any, behavioral issues present as it relates to ADHD diagnosis.
If you or your child struggles with ADHD, we encourage you to seek help. Our counselors can coach you on how to manage the symptoms of this condition so that you can renew your confidence and lead a more productive life.
Treatment Options in the Merrimack Valley for Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities can be lifelong conditions that impact a child’s school and social life and can have far-reaching effects on their future opportunities. That’s why early treatment is critical. Because of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools and other institutes of learning in the U.S. are required to give those with learning disabilities free access to educational opportunities. These are special programs designed to help those with learning disabilities. However, these classes do not address the emotional and mental toll of learning disabilities, including frustration, poor self-image, anxiety and depression. Psychologists for learning disabilities partner with families to provide compassionate counseling and advice so that young people can develop coping skills to help manage their condition.
Speak with a Licensed Counselor for Learning Disabilities at (978) 482–7351
Find Therapists for Learning Disabilities in Andover
If you or your child struggle with learning disabilities, the highly trained therapists at Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates in Andover can help. We want to work with your care team, including teachers, family members and tutors, so that you or your child can be successful at school, work and in their personal lives. Contact us online today or give us a call at (978) 482–7351 to discuss how our learning disability therapists can help you develop an effective treatment plan.
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Reviewed By
Dr. David Rainen, PsyD.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with an extensive background treating a variety of different ages, situations, emotional and mental health disorders in individuals and their families. As part of my 10 year professional and training career in psychology, I have developed and refined my skills and approaches through my work in a variety of diverse settings including: hospitals, community outpatient facilities, college counseling centers, secure and unsecure inpatient/residential treatment programs, and therapeutic day schools.