Learning Disabilities: General Overview

In 2009, 42% of the student population in the United States had a learning disability of one form. Almost half of the children of our population are struggling to learn and understand what their peers are grasping with obviously much less effort. Multiple studies have been completed in an attempt to learn more about the different forms of learning disabilities in an attempt to help the students in the best possible way. Common learning disabilities are dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, auditory and visual processing disorders, non-verbal learning disabilities, and ADD/ADHD.

• Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. Common occurrences include difficulty or slowed performance of spoken instruction and difficulty with written comprehension.

• Dyscalculia describes an individual who has trouble solving arithmetic problems and grasping the concepts of math.

• Dysgraphia is associated with a student that struggles to form letters and/or write in a defined space.

• Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders are present in a person that has normal vision and hearing capabilities; however, they have difficulties understanding and using verbal and written language.

• Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities are specific disorders which originate in the right hemisphere of the brain and cause problems with visual-spatial, intuitive, organizational, evaluative and holistic processing functions.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is the most common diagnosed condition in school age children. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity. Although, it is not a learning disability itself, ADHD is commonly seen with other disabilities.

These common learning disabilities are usually seen as a combination and are rarely seen individually. They can lead to frustration and alienation by the student. Lack of participation and self motivation are commonly seen as a result of learning disabilities and then leads to lack of understanding of a concept and further frustration and alienation. Thus, the cycle continues. There are multiple forms of help for such individuals. Neurological rehabilitation, nutritional changes, and activity modification are starters.

Helping children and adults to overcome learning disabilities is a goal for the practitioners at The Hayden Institute. We frequently see changes in visual and auditory function, attention, and comprehension through the use of Quantum Neurology rehabilitation of the cranial nerves and brain balancing techniques. Additionally, we find that supporting the body’s fuel system is essential for maintaining successful results. Through specific nutritional support, herbs, and supplementation, we are able to support the nutritional deficiencies that are frequently found in individuals with learning disabilities. Removing inflammatory foods and food sensitivities is also beneficial. Meridian therapy has been researched with great success for ADD/ADHD individuals. We incorporate a wide variety of supportive techniques, and approaches to individuals with learning disabilities, as no two individuals are the same, even if they have the same learning disability.