Is your child struggling a bit in class? Do they usually take a longer time writing their name or have trouble working on sums? If they often have these challenges, there’s a good chance your child has a learning disability or difficulty. You may have heard of dyslexia, the condition which affects reading and spelling, but you may not know there are other kinds. Specifically, we will focus on dysgraphia and dyscalculia.
What is Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia?
What are their Symptoms?
For students with dysgraphia and dyscalculia, they generally use a lot of time to accomplish tasks – or they would avoid them entirely because of the difficulty. Symptoms of each LD are classified as a persistent difficulty or inability to perform certain skills.
Some symptoms of dysgraphia are:
- Difficulty taking notes quickly
- Spelling words with missing letters
- Irregular spacing between words, letters and punctuation
- Difficulty writing and thinking at the same time
- Improperly holding a writing tool
- Cramped or sore hands after writing
Some symptoms of dyscalculia are:
- Difficulty learning to count or do basic arithmetic
- Difficulty doing mental maths and problem-solving
- Not recalling patterns and sequences
- Easily losing track while counting
- Being slow with recognising numbers they hear or see
- Poor sense of direction
So what happens after Diagnosis?
People who have LDs like dysgraphia and dyscalculia often not only have academic difficulties but also an emotional strain. Knowing if your child has an LD is half the battle. It’s then crucial to create a supportive environment for them to grow and develop their strengths. This can be achieved with academic support and early intervention.
Practice at home
There are many simple ways to support your child’s writing and/or math skills. For instance, set up practice sessions using the keyboard or work on handwriting worksheets for your child with dysgraphia. For dyscalculia, mix in fun moments of daily math like counting pieces of cereal or playing board games. You can also use sensory play to make lessons more engaging, like drawing numbers or letters in sand or shaving cream.
Ask for accommodations
Your child’s school can accommodate their specific needs according to their individualised education plan. These supports range from extra time on tasks to aids like voice-to-text software, graphic organisers and calculators. There are also methods like the Orton-Gillingham model which offer a structured approach to teaching writing and spelling.Prioritise effort and process
It’s important to focus on how much effort your child puts in their work. Whether your child does well or badly on a task, praise them for trying hard. Your child also shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes and struggle. Encourage them to express their worries and ask for help whether at home or at school. By developing a growth mindset, your child will be more confident in their improving skills
The Importance of Early Intervention
Understanding your child’s learning difficulties is key to better prepare them for school and daily life. According to Kathleen Bree on BannerHealth, learning about your child’s needs would help you give optimal care and support in whatever they do. You can also look for guidance with your child’s teacher or healthcare provider if you have further concerns. At ONE Intervention, we can assess your child’s strengths and learning gaps, and provide the support for them to become confident learners.
If you’ve got any questions about dysgraphia, dyscalculia or other LDs, feel free to drop us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you 💬👇