Learning Disabilities – Understanding, Supporting, and Thriving

Learning disabilities are common – with the right support, people with learning differences can succeed academically, socially, and professionally.

Learning disabilities are neurologically-based differences that affect how people process information.

They are not a reflection of intelligence or effort. With early recognition, evidence-based interventions, and practical accommodations, learners with disabilities can build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills.

What are learning disabilities?

A learning disability (LD) is a specific difficulty with one or more cognitive processes involved in learning and using spoken or written language, math, or other academic skills.

Learning disabilities are lifelong and vary widely from person to person.

Many people with learning disabilities have average or above-average intelligence and unique strengths.

Common Types of Learning Disabilities

  • Dyslexia — difficulties with reading accuracy, fluency, spelling, and decoding words.
  • Dyscalculia — challenges understanding numbers, math concepts, and arithmetic procedures.
  • Dysgraphia — difficulty with handwriting, spelling, and organizing written expression.
  • ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) — affects attention, working memory, and executive function; often co-occurs with LDs.
  • Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD) — strong verbal skills but difficulties with spatial, social, and visual-motor tasks.
  • Processing disorders — such as auditory or visual processing disorders, which affect how sensory information is interpreted.

Symptoms of Learning Disabilities

Symptoms of Learning Disabilities in Children:

  • Struggle to learn letters, sounds, or simple words
  • Trouble following multi-step instructions
  • Difficulty remembering math facts or organizing homework
  • Frustration or avoidance around reading or writing tasks

Symptoms of Learning Disabilities Teens:

  • Slow or effortful reading, writing, or math work
  • Time management and organization problems
  • Difficulty learning new procedures or adapting to complex tasks
  • Strength in creative thinking, problem-solving, or oral skills

If you notice ongoing patterns of difficulty despite effort and good teaching, consider evaluation.

Diagnosis and Assessment

There are many different assessments that measure cognitive skills, academic achievement, language, and processing abilities.

Early assessment helps match interventions to a learner’s specific needs.

Note: A diagnosis is descriptive, not limiting. It guides supports and accommodations.

Bravo! Tutoring offers an affordable Learning Evaluation that will give you indications of learning disabilities.

Call 209.283.3114 to schedule a Learning Evaluation.

Practical School Support

Getting the right help from your child’s school or teacher can make a huge difference! It’s always important to keep communication open between you, your child, your child’s teacher, the school’s support team, and administrators.

If you suspect your child has a learning disability, the first step is to reach out to your child’s teacher and ask for guidance. From there, options will be discussed. Your child might be tested for qualification for an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 Plan.

Sometimes, further testing is necessary to refine specifics of a learning disability. For instance, it’s often difficult to get a

  • Multisensory instruction (visual + auditory + kinesthetic)
  • Structured, explicit teaching of reading, spelling, and math strategies
  • Extra time on tests and assignments
  • Quiet testing locations and reduced distractions
  • Assistive technology: text-to-speech, speech-to-text, audiobooks, math apps, graphic-organizer software
  • Chunking assignments and providing clear, written instructions
  • Preferential seating and visual schedules
  • Regular check-ins and scaffolded steps for projects

Home Strategies

  • Create predictable routines and a quiet homework space
  • Break tasks into smaller steps and use checklists
  • Encourage reading for pleasure with audiobooks or paired reading
  • Celebrate effort and strategy use, not just outcomes
  • Communicate regularly with teachers and therapists
  • Teach self-advocacy: how to request accommodations and explain needs

Evidence-based Interventions

  • Structured literacy programs for reading (explicit phonics, decoding, fluency practice)
  • Targeted math interventions focusing on conceptual understanding and number sense
  • Occupational therapy for fine motor and handwriting issues
  • Speech-language therapy for language-based learning difficulties
  • Executive function coaching to build planning, time management, and organization skills

Dispelling Common Myths

  • Myth: Learning disabilities mean low intelligence
    Fact: Many learners with LDs have average or above-average intelligence and unique strengths
  • Myth: LDs are caused by laziness or poor teaching
    Fact: LDs are neurologically based; quality instruction helps, but tailored approaches are often necessary
  • Myth: People outgrow learning disabilities
    Fact: LDs are lifelong, but skills, strategies, and supports can dramatically improve outcomes

Transition Planning for Teens

Plan early for high school-to-college or work transitions.

  • Learn how accommodations work in higher education and the workplace
  • Practice self-advocacy and independent study skills
  • Build a portfolio of assessments, IEPs/504 plans, and documentation for future accommodations
  • Explore vocational training, career counseling, and internships

Resources & where to get help

  • Start with your child’s school (teachers, special education coordinator, school psychologist)
  • Local clinics and private practitioners (educational psychologists, speech and occupational therapists)
  • National and local advocacy organizations (reading/literacy associations, LD foundations)
  • Libraries and community centers for tutoring, after-school programs, and assistive tech demos

How Bravo! Tutoring Supports Unique Learners

Bravo! Reading gives you a complete, affordable assessment that gives us a snapshot of how your child is learning. From there, a plan of learning success is designed to meet your child’s specific needs.

Bravo! Tutoring provides tutoring for your child that movement-based, multisensory approach, sensory activities, and fun activities that will take your child from struggling to thriving academically.