 |
|---|
Home About Us About Specific Learning DisabilitiesAnswer Series Program Upcoming Community EventsDiagnostic Assessments Student Learning Centre Computer Resource CentreUseful LinksShop Membership SPELD LibraryContact Us Email us
Tel.+61 3 94894344 |
About Specific Learning DisabilitiesWhen trying to understand learning disabilities or difficulties that children at school or adults in everyday life may be having, it can be difficult to put your finger on exactly what is happening. Below we try to provide an insight into the main behaviours to look for. It is worth noting that many of these do overlap which is why they are referred to under the Specific Learning Disabilities category. DyslexiaDyslexia is basically a Phonological Processing issue. A person with this disability is unable to hear the individual sounds that make words. They are also unable to process sounds as individual units. Basically, if you cannot hear each sound in a word you will be unable to spell correctly. Visual Processing DisorderThe inability to easily process visual information such as letters or numbers. For example, a person with this disability may reverse letters and numbers or lose their place when they are reading. Auditory Processing DisorderThe inability to easily process auditory information. For example, a person with this disability would have difficulty understanding things – such as instructions - when presented verbally. They may also mishear one word for another. Fact: A large percentage of persons with Autism and ADD/ADHD have Auditory Processing Disorder. However, NOT all people with Auditory Processing Disorder are Autistic or have ADD/ADHD. Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder)Consists of oral, verbal and motor dyspraxia Oral dyspraxia is having difficulty with making non-speech (words) sounds. For example, they may have difficulty whistling or sucking. Verbal dyspraxia is a speech disorder that makes it difficult for a person to coordinate their lips and tongue when speaking. Motor dyspraxia is a gross and fine motor skills deficit that affects a person’s coordination, making them appear clumsy. Dyscalculia (specific arthrimetic disorder)The inability to understanding or perform maths-related concepts and activities. For example word problems and mental arithmetic are difficult for those with this disability. DsygraphiaIs a gross motor disability that makes penmanship difficult as they have the inability to properly form letters. For example, a person with dsygraphia may have unreadable writing. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (add/ADHD)A developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to concentrate (uneven levels of concentration – not be able to concentrate to over-concentrating or hyper-focusing) Symptoms include:
The Specific Learning Difficulties (SPELD) of Victoria ABN: 51 178 974 489 |