Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia – What Are They? Specific Learning Disorders
What is a Specific Learning Disorder?
You may have heard these terms before:
Dyslexia (challenges with reading)
Dysgraphia (challenges with writing)
Dyscalculia (challenges with mathematics)
But you may not know that these terms fall under what we now call Specific Learning Disorders. While dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia are still commonly used to describe academic challenges, they do not always capture what the newer terminology includes. So, if you’re interested in learning more about specific learning disorders, this might be a helpful read for you!
One keyword to notice when talking about specific learning disorders is the first word — specific. Our current understanding is that a person can have one or more specific challenges in particular academic skills.
Learning Disorders and Intelligence
A common misconception is that learning disorders affect overall intelligence. This is simply not true. Learning disorders affect particular academic skills. These skills might include reading fluency (reading longer texts such as sentences), spelling (a writing skill related to spelling words), or a certain mathematics skill. It does not mean that a person with a learning disorder will have difficulties with all reading skills, all writing skills, or all mathematics skills. However, it is common for someone to have a specific learning disorder that involves several specific challenges. Regardless of which skills are affected, a learning disorder is not, on its own, a sign of low intelligence.
Intelligence is measured using an IQ test, which is commonly called a cognitive assessment. When exploring whether a person may have a specific learning disorder, psychologists often complete both a cognitive assessment and an academic achievement test. A cognitive assessment may show that a person with a learning disorder processes information more slowly or has other specific differences in thinking functioning. Importantly, cognitive assessments help show that despite these differences in how the brain processes information, overall intelligence can still be intact for a person with a specific learning disorder.
Living with a Specific Learning Disorder
A specific learning disorder is lifelong and cannot be fully “treated”, but we have come a long way in designing tools and accommodations to support people so that they are able to do just as much as those without a learning difference.
This information is important for people to know, especially if they are living with a specific learning disorder or have a loved one who does. This knowledge prevents the misconception that people with learning differences have any less potential than those without.
If you suspect a Specific Learning Disorder
Signs that it might be time to explore a Specific Learning Disorder could be:
Persistent challenges achieving in an academic skill like spelling, grammar, reading, arithmetic etc.
You have tried extra supports, tutoring, or more attention on the academic skill but still cannot catch up
Avoiding certain tasks that require that academic skill, or feeling down and hard on yourself when you try
If you or a loved one want to explore the possibility of a specific learning disorder, feel free to reach out to the Better Together Therapy team. We would love to get to know you better and we are here to help.
