What is a Learning Difference?
Caused by variations in how the brain processes information, learning differences are challenges that impact students’ ability to read, write, practice math, and focus. Students with language-based learning differences require well-organized, focused and consistent, multisensory phonics instruction. We specialize in helping students who are struggling readers (dyslexia), have ADHD (executive function challenges), writing challenges (dysgraphia) and math challenges (dyscalculia).
We believe students have learning differences not learning disabilities. Cambridge School was founded on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity for an excellent education. We are committed to providing that education in a warm, nurturing and individualized learning environment for children who learn differently. Our mission is to prepare each student with the necessary academic, personal and social skills to succeed.
How do I know if my child has a learning difference?
Common learning differences include: dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Let’s break down each of these so you can better understand the signs that will help identify if your child has a learning difference.
Dyslexia / Struggling Reader
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.” (International Dyslexia Association)
Hard to remember letter names
Visual Letter confusion
p/q or b/d
Substituting words when reading
“house” for “home”
Struggling to decode familiar
words without a picture
Spelling challenges
Avoids reading aloud
While dyslexia is the most common type of reading difference there are also other types of reading challenges that fall under the category of “struggling readers”. They often show these same symptoms. A neuropsychologist, through testing, can formally diagnose a student with dyslexia.
Is your child struggling with reading? Don’t Wait.
Precious intervention time can be lost while waiting for a formal diagnosis. Don’t wait, we can help your child now. The best intervention for reading challenges of all types is a structured reading program. At Cambridge we use the Wilson® Reading System, an Orton-Gillingham-based, explicit, phonics program.
Dysgraphia
“Dysgraphia is a learning difference that impacts a student’s ability to write.” (Child Mind Institute)
This learning difference can present in multiple ways. Some writing challenges you might see:
A tight pencil grip
Trouble with letter formation
Difficulty keeping writing between lines
A marked discrepancy between how a student expresses ideas verbally vs. how they express them in writing
Limited written output as a result of challenges planning and organizing writing
Dyscalculia
“A specific learning disability with an impairment in mathematics, which can affect calculations, problem solving, or both”. (ldamerica.org)
What you will see if your child has a math learning difference:
Trouble with number recognition and formation
Challenged to recall math facts
Challenged by the vocabulary of math
Weak number sense, lack of understanding of how numbers relate to each other
ADHD
“ADHD is a long-term (chronic) brain condition that causes executive dysfunction which means it disrupts a person’s ability to manage their own emotions, thoughts and actions.” (Clevelandclinic.org)
Learning challenges you will see in a student with ADHD:
Impulse control challenges, like fidgeting or calling out
Difficulty with sustained, goal directed attention
Challenges with executive function skills, such as time management organization, prioritization and execution
Discrepancy between student’s high ability and lower than expected performance
What should I do if I think my child has a learning difference?
If you think your child may have a learning difference, give us a call (609-730-9553) or fill out an inquiry form and we can help you with next steps!