My child is struggling at school. What is going on?

Every child's brain is unique and learns in its own way. Sometimes, very bright children struggle with reading, writing, or math. When these challenges continue even with good teaching, they are called learning differences or learning disabilities.
 
Let's look at the three most common learning differences: dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Future posts will talk about other factors that can make it hard to learn (e.g., attention, anxiety).
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Dyslexia: Challenges with Reading and Spelling
What is it?
Dyslexia makes it hard to read words smoothly and spell them correctly. It is a very common learning difference that affects how the brain processes language. Groups like Dyslexia Canada and the International Dyslexia Association explain that dyslexia does not mean a child is not smart. In fact, these children are often very clever and creative. It just means reading and spelling take a lot more effort and time.
What parents might notice:
·       Difficulty matching letters to the sounds they make.
·       Reading slowly or making many mistakes while reading.
·       Trouble spelling words, even after practicing them many times.
·       Guessing at words based only on the first letter.
·       Getting tired or frustrated when reading out loud.
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Dysgraphia: Challenges with Writing
What is it?
Dysgraphia is a learning difference that affects writing. This includes both the physical act of handwriting and the ability to put thoughts onto paper. For a child with dysgraphia, it takes a massive amount of energy to make letters, which leaves less brainpower for thinking about what to write.
What parents might notice:
·       Handwriting that is messy, uneven, or hard to read.
·       Holding a pencil in an awkward way or complaining that their hand hurts.
·       Mixing up capital and lowercase letters in the middle of words.
·       Struggling to write sentences down, even when they can say their ideas perfectly.
·       Taking a very long time to write just a few words.
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Dyscalculia: Challenges with Math
What is it?
Dyscalculia is a learning difference that makes it hard to understand numbers and math. Just like dyslexia is not about a lack of intelligence, dyscalculia has nothing to do with how smart a child is. Children with dyscalculia struggle with "number sense." This means they have trouble understanding quantities and how numbers work together.
What parents might notice:
·       Trouble understanding concepts like "more" or "less."
·       Counting on fingers for simple math, long after other kids have stopped.
·       Difficulty remembering basic math facts, like 5 + 5 = 10.
·       Trouble telling time on a clock with hands or understanding schedules.
·       Finding it hard to play games that require counting or keeping score.
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Every child can learn and thrive when they get the right support. A psychoeducational assessment will provide the roadmap to help understand your child's learning needs. If you notice your child struggling with any of these skills, reach out to Dr. Brooks (psychologist) for a no obligation free consultation call.
 
Sources:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC: Author. Note: This is the primary manual used for diagnosing Specific Learning Disorders in reading (dyslexia), written expression (dysgraphia), and mathematics (dyscalculia).
• Dyslexia Canada. (n.d.). What is Dyslexia? Retrieved from https://www.dyslexiacanada.org Note: This organization provides national advocacy and up-to-date resources for Canadian families and professionals.
• International Dyslexia Association. (2002). Definition of Dyslexia. Retrieved from https://dyslexiaida.org Note: This definition was adopted by the IDA Board of Directors and is the most widely cited definition of dyslexia globally.
• Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). (n.d.). Types of Learning Disabilities. Retrieved from https://ldaamerica.org Note: A key resource for detailed breakdowns of dysgraphia and dyscalculia symptoms and support strategies.