General Processing Issues Some types of learning disabilities are categorized by a cognitive processing
problem. This means your child may have issues with one of the following:
In addition to the cognitive processing categories, some types of learning
disabilities are more specifically defined by education-based labels such as
reading, writing, language, and math. These more specified types of learning
disabilities are categorized as follows: Common
Types of Learning Disabilities Dyslexia
Difficulty
processing language Problems
reading, writing, spelling, speaking Dyscalculia
Difficulty
with math Problems
doing math problems, understanding time, using money Dysgraphia
Difficulty
with writing Problems
with handwriting, spelling, organizing ideas Dyspraxia
(Sensory Integration Disorder) Difficulty
with fine motor skills Problems
with hand–eye coordination, balance, manual dexterity Auditory
Processing Disorder Difficulty
hearing differences between sounds Problems
with reading, comprehension, language Visual
Processing Disorder Difficulty
interpreting visual information Problems
with reading, math, maps, charts, symbols, pictures Cognitive
Ability Definition Comprehension-Knowledge (Crystallized Intelligence) acquired knowledge, long-term memory which includes verbal communication and information; ability to reason using prior learning Long-Term Retrieval Storage and retention of information with ability to retrieve it at a later time Visual Processing (includes visual memory) perception, analysis and synthesis of visual stimuli; storage and memory of visually presented stimuli; mental manipulations of visual patterns Auditory Processing discrimination, analysis and synthesis of auditory stimuli; perception and discrimination of speech sounds despite interfering background noise Fluid Reasoning inductive and deductive reasoning, problem solving and concept formation on novel tasks that are nonverbal or limited in language demands Short-Term Memory processing and holding auditory information in awareness, then manipulating it within a few seconds Processing Speed rapid cognitive processing without higher order thinking; attentiveness and fluency of simple information processing From Sherry Mee Bell,
Ph.D. Based on
Mather, N. "Interpretation of the WJ-R Cognitive and Achievement
Batteries, Workshop presented to Knox County Schools, October 1999. Retrieved from http://ldlink.coe.utk.edu/understanding_report.htm
Click for PDF of Visual Processing Disorders Brochure
Click for PDF of Auditory Processing Disorders Brochure
Click for link to Cognitive Abilitity Deficits With Intervention Strategies
Click for PDF of Processing Disorders: Cognitive Abilities Brochure
If there are significant dysfunctions in any of these seven cognitive
processes, then your child probably has some type of learning disability. For
instance, if “working memory” is deficient, your child may have a problem
remembering instructions. If “auditory processing” is deficient, your child may
have difficulty with reading and spelling. If “visual processing” is poor, your
child may experience issues with reading maps, word math problems, and
comprehension. If “logic and reasoning” are weak, difficulties may arise in
problem solving, working with abstractions, or interpreting information. If the
issue is poor “long-term memory,” it may be difficult for your child to recall
dates, names, and facts on tests. Of course, some children may experience
problems in more than one process category.
Learning Disabilities - Specific Disorders
Phonemic Awareness
manipulation, analysis and synthesis for discrete sounds
Verbal Reasoning
reasoning and comprehension using language, verbal expression, vocabulary