What are learning differences or learning disorders and what services are available to children with LD?
• (Adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) The term “learning difference” or “learning disability” (both may be shortened to LD) refers to a difficulty with the nervous system that affects receiving, processing, or communicating information. Parents should be aware of the most frequent signals of learning disabilities, when a child: – has difficulty understanding and following instructions. – has trouble remembering what someone just told him or her. – fails to master reading, spelling, writing, and/or math skills, and thus fails schoolwork. – has difficulty distinguishing right from left – difficulty identifying words or a tendency to reverse letters, words, or numbers – lacks coordination in walking, sports, or small activities such as holding a pencil or tying a shoelace. – easily loses or misplaces homework, schoolbooks, or other items. – cannot understand the concept of time; is confused by “yesterday,” “today,” “tomorrow.” If parents notice these pro
