What Are Treatments for Learning Disabilities?

What Are Treatments for Learning Disabilities?
Statistics say that 1 in every 59 children has one or several learning disabilities. These are disorders that can make it difficult for an individual to receive, process, and memorize information.

While there is no known cure for learning disorders to date, their effects can still be treated or minimized. Let us look at some treatments for learning disabilities.

Intervention for Specific Learning Disabilities

For Dyslexia
Children with dyslexia find it difficult to read, write, and spell accurately. Intervention methods for this condition include:

1. Specialized Teaching Techniques

• The Orton-Gillingham Method
  The Orlington-Gillingham method is one of the oldest approaches to teaching students with reading problems. It employs multisensory learning (a combination of visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and kinesthetic activities). This approach allows students to learn through their other senses aside from sight.
• Structured Literacy Approach
  The structured literacy approach emphasizes explicit and systematic teaching of the skills needed for reading and spelling. It usually starts with the most basic of skills and then gradually builds upon them.

2. Using Technology

For Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia affects a person’s ability to understand and process number-related concepts such as arithmetic and mathematics. Here are some usual intervention methods for this disorder:

• Use of Digital Devices
  By using computers or mobile devices with special software or applications, children with dyscalculia can better visualize mathematical concepts and operations. There are also computer games designed to improve mathematical abilities.
• Use of Visual Aids
  Using visual aids and concrete materials can make it simpler for students who find mathematics challenging. For instance, the concept of division can be taught by using a toy pizza.
• Use of Mnemonics or Memory Aids
  Using memory aids like rhymes, songs, and acrostics can help children memorize math concepts and operations better. One classic example is the song “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe.”

For Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia makes it difficult for a child to produce legible handwriting. Learning with this condition can be helped by:

• Minimizing Writing Activities
  The teachers can provide pre-written notes or study sheets for the students. This can help the learners take notes even with little handwriting involved.
• Using Technology
  Students can use digital means to record information. They can use word processing software, audio recordings, and videos, for example.

Special Education Services
Special education refers to specially designed instruction intended to meet the needs of children/students with disabilities or disorders. It may include specialized services in the following fields:

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Behavioral Health
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

When learning disabilities are diagnosed early, a child gets a better chance at reaching their potential. If you need to consult a professional regarding your child’s learning abilities, contact our behavioral health clinic at Sioux Center Health. Our behavioral health professionals work closely with children and their families to achieve their learning goals.