Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs): Dyslexia, Dyscalculia & More

Categories:

A neurodevelopmental condition affecting academic skills despite normal intelligence

1. Definition (DSM-5 Criteria)

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is characterized by:

  • Persistent difficulties in reading, writing, or math
  • Skills significantly below age expectations (with normal IQ)
  • Onset during school years
  • Not caused by intellectual disability, vision/hearing problems, or inadequate teaching

Subtypes:

  1. Dyslexia (Reading disorder)
  2. Dyscalculia (Math disorder)
  3. Dysgraphia (Writing disorder)

2. Dyslexia (Reading SLD)

Core Symptoms:

  • Slow, inaccurate reading (e.g., skipping words)
  • Difficulty decoding words (“cat” read as “tac”)
  • Poor spelling (phonetic errors like “fone” for “phone”)

Brain Basis:

  • Reduced activity in left temporoparietal cortex (phonemic processing)

Support Strategies:

  • Structured literacy programs (Orton-Gillingham)
  • Audiobooks + text-to-speech tools
  • Multisensory learning (sand writing, letter blocks)

3. Dyscalculia (Math SLD)

Core Symptoms:

  • Trouble with number sense (e.g., judging quantities)
  • Errors in calculations (7+5=13)
  • Difficulty memorizing math facts (times tables)

Brain Basis:

  • Underactivation in intraparietal sulcus (number processing)

Support Strategies:

  • Concrete manipulatives (counting beads)
  • Graph paper for column alignment
  • Visual aids (number lines, fraction pies)

4. Dysgraphia (Writing SLD)

Core Symptoms:

  • Illegible handwriting
  • Slow, labored writing
  • Poor grammar/punctuation despite verbal skills

Support Strategies:

  • Keyboarding instead of handwriting
  • Speech-to-text software
  • Occupational therapy for fine motor skills

5. Diagnosis Process

  1. Cognitive Testing (IQ ≥85 with academic skill deficits)
  2. Standardized Assessments:
  • Reading: WIAT, Woodcock-Johnson
  • Math: KeyMath-3
  • Writing: TOWL-4
  1. Rule Out: ADHD, vision/hearing issues, anxiety

6. Evidence-Based Interventions

A. School Accommodations (IEP/504 Plan)

  • Extra time on tests
  • Oral exams for dyslexic students
  • Calculator use for dyscalculia

B. Therapies:

  • Phonological training (dyslexia)
  • Number sense games (dyscalculia)
  • Occupational therapy (dysgraphia)

C. Assistive Technology:

  • Grammarly (dysgraphia)
  • ModMath app (dyscalculia)
  • Learning Ally audiobooks (dyslexia)

7. Key Statistics

  • Prevalence: 5-15% of schoolchildren (NIH)
  • Dyslexia: Most common (80% of SLD cases)
  • Gender: Boys diagnosed 2-3x more often (likely due to referral bias)

8. Adult Implications

  • Dyslexia: Avoids reading-heavy jobs
  • Dyscalculia: Struggles with budgeting/tips
  • Strengths: Often excel in creativity, big-picture thinking

9. Neurodiversity Perspective

  • Reframe: Not a “disability” but a different learning style
  • Famous Figures:
  • Dyslexia: Agatha Christie, Steven Spielberg
  • Dyscalculia: Cher, Benjamin Franklin

10. Parent/Teacher Resources

  • International Dyslexia Association
  • Understood.org (SLD toolkits)
  • Dyscalculia.org (Math LD guides)