The Learning Disability Association of Ontario reported that 4.9% of school-age children have learning disabilities. However, many children go undiagnosed because few people are aware of the common learning disorders in children and teens. If you believe you have a teen who may be struggling with a learning disorder, contact Venture Academy by calling 866.762.2211 today to discuss our academic-support programs.
Common Learning Disabilities in Teens
Some of the most common learning disabilities in teens include:
- Dyslexia – Dyslexia is often called a reading disorder because it impacts a person’s reading skills. The disorder impedes a person’s ability to read and interpret words, letters, and symbols, making it difficult to learn to read.
- Dyscalculia – This disorder is similar to dyslexia, except it impacts a person’s ability to develop math skills. Dyscalculia limits a person’s ability to understand numbers, solve math problems or perform calculations.
- Dysgraphia – This written language disorder affects a person’s fine motor skills. Individuals with this written language disorder have difficulty mastering writing skills like handwriting, typing, and spelling.
- Processing disorder – Processing disorders occur when an individual is overwhelmed by the data coming from the senses. A person struggling with a processing disorder does not process all the incoming sensory data, resulting in an incomplete understanding of the environment.
- Auditory processing disorder (APD) – This oral language disorder affects how students hear and process sounds. They may not hear in the same way as others making it difficult to recognize and interpret sounds.
- Language processing disorder (LPD) – Language processing disorder impedes a person’s ability to understand and process speech. This oral language disorder is a specific type of APD and is restricted to one’s ability to process oral language and to express themselves using speech.
- Visual processing disorder – Individuals with a visual processing disorder have difficulty interpreting visual data. The eyes are not compromised, but the person cannot understand the information coming through the eyes. The brain fails to interpret the visual information properly.
- Non-verbal learning disabilities (NLD or NVLD) – Individuals with NVLD have trouble interpreting facial expressions or body language. They do not understand nonverbal cues and may have poor coordination.
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Experts may argue about whether ADHD is a learning disability, but there is no doubt for anyone struggling with the disorder. ADHD has a significant impact on a student’s ability to function in a learning environment.
- Dyspraxia – Children and teens suffering from dyspraxia are often considered clumsy because of poor coordination, including hand-eye coordination. Individuals suffering from this condition have delayed development of motor skills.
- Specific reading comprehension deficits – Anyone with a specific reading comprehension deficit can pronounce words but has no understanding of what the words mean. It is like reading a series of nonsense words aloud. People can pronounce the words because they follow an established language pattern, but they have no meaning.
- Memory deficits – Memory deficit disorders impact long- and short-term memory. The brain uses these memory tools to learn, store and retrieve information. When memory is impacted, people may lose the ability to store and retrieve data reliably. The degree to which memory deficits interfere with the brain’s ability determines how well an individual can process verbal and non-verbal information.
Benefits of Treatment for Learning Disabilities
There is support available for teens with learning disabilities at Venture Academy. As teens progress through our program, our outstanding team provides the compassionate care your teen deserves. There are numerous benefits for students who receive treatment for learning disabilities at Venture Academy, including:
- Boosted self-esteem and self-confidence
- Improved literacy and math skills
- Enhanced social interactions with peers
- Lessened behavioural issues
Help Your Teen Overcome Learning Disabilities at Venture Academy
We recognize that learning disorders have nothing to do with intelligence—students with learning disabilities experience life differently because their brains function differently. What is needed are alternative methods of acquiring knowledge and processing information. At Venture Academy, we have experienced staff that can help your teen find ways to overcome the challenges of a learning disability. Our residential approach ensures your child is focused on learning adaptive skills. If your child is struggling with learning disabilities, contact us today by calling 866.762.2211 to discuss our academic support options.
