Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia

For individuals facing learning challenges, understanding the specifics of their diagnosis is a critical first step. Dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia are three distinct learning disabilities that impact reading, writing, and math, respectively. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate evaluations can make all the difference in addressing these challenges and providing targeted support.

Dyslexia: Symptoms, Evaluations, and Support

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects a person’s ability to read, decode, and process written words. Children with dyslexia often struggle with reading fluency, word recognition, and spelling, which can impact their ability to keep up with reading-based assignments and instructions in the classroom.

Goal Achieved: Reading with ease

Common Symptoms of Dyslexia:

• Difficulty with phonemic awareness  (the ability to identify, compare, and manipulate sounds within spoken words)

• Trouble decoding words, especially unfamiliar ones

• Slow, labored reading and poor reading fluency

• Frequent spelling errors and issues with written expression

• Challenges with reading comprehension due to the effort required for decoding

Evaluations to Seek for Dyslexia

To accurately identify dyslexia, a comprehensive assessment is essential. This evaluation must include:

• Phonological Processing Assessment: Measure the student’s ability to recognize and manipulate sounds.

• Rapid Automatic Naming: The ability to name letters, shapes and objects as quickly as possible.

• Reading Fluency and Comprehension Test: Evaluate the student’s reading speed, accuracy, and understanding.

• Spelling and Decoding Assessment: Identify any struggles with spelling patterns, decoding skills, and word recognition.

Support for Dyslexia at The Learning Lighthouse

The Learning Lighthouse offers expert evaluations that assess each child’s reading and language skills to determine the presence of dyslexia. With a thorough understanding of each student’s specific challenges, we develop targeted, personalized intervention plans.

Our 1-1 educational therapy for dyslexia focuses on building foundational reading skills using systematic, explicit, and cumulative multisensory programs selected to meet the needs of individual learners. Instruction includes the 5 Pillars of Reading:

• Phonemic Awareness: Ability to manipulate sounds in words showing number, sameness and difference

• Phonics: Strengthening phonemic awareness and decoding skills.

• Fluency: Helping students improve reading speed and accuracy.

• Vocabulary: Understanding of spoken vocabulary, word structure. 

• Comprehension:

These therapies are available both online and in person, providing flexibility for families and ensuring students have continuous access to effective support.

Dysgraphia: Symptoms, Evaluations, and Support

What is Dysgraphia? 

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing skills, including handwriting, spelling, and organizing written thoughts. Children with dysgraphia often struggle with fine motor skills, making it difficult for them to form letters and write legibly. This condition can affect everything from note-taking to written exams.

Common Symptoms of Dysgraphia:

• Poor handwriting and inconsistent letter formation

• Difficulty with spacing between words and letter alignment

• Slow or labored writing process

• Trouble organizing thoughts in written form

• Frequent spelling and punctuation errors

Evaluations to Seek for Dysgraphia

Diagnosing dysgraphia typically involves assessments that focus on fine motor skills, handwriting, and written expression:

• Handwriting Assessments: Examine letter formation, spacing, and fluency of writing.

• Fine Motor Skills Tests: Measure dexterity and control, which are essential for handwriting.

• Written Expression Tests: Assess the ability to structure sentences, spell accurately, and convey thoughts in writing.

Support for Dysgraphia at The Learning Lighthouse

At The Learning Lighthouse, our evaluation process includes detailed observations and testing to determine if dysgraphia is present and understand its impact on a student’s academic life.

We provide customized support for students with dysgraphia through programs that focus on:

• Handwriting Improvement: Rhythmic exercises that develop motor control, timing and fluidity with fine motor tasks, and specific letter formation instruction.

• Typing Skills: Introducing typing as an alternative means of expression, which can reduce frustration associated with handwriting.

• Writing Strategies: Teaching methods to help organize thoughts and structure writing.

• Spelling Support: Reinforcing spelling skills through targeted practice.

Our dysgraphia support is accessible both online and in person, ensuring each student receives consistent, focused assistance to develop their writing abilities.

Dyscalculia: Symptoms, Evaluations, and Support

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and math-related concepts. Often referred to as “math dyslexia,” dyscalculia makes it difficult for individuals to grasp number sense, perform calculations, and understand mathematical concepts.

Common Symptoms of Dyscalculia:

• Difficulty understanding and remembering numbers and math facts

• Struggling with basic calculations and mental math

• Trouble with sequencing numbers and following multi-step processes

• Anxiety or frustration around math activities

• Difficulty with time management and spatial awareness

Evaluations to Seek for Dyscalculia

Evaluating dyscalculia typically involves math-specific assessments that identify difficulties in numerical processing and problem-solving:

• Number Sense Assessments: Gauge understanding of basic number concepts and relationships.

• Calculation and Problem-Solving Tests: Assess the ability to perform basic and complex calculations.

• Working Memory and Sequencing Evaluations: Measure the ability to follow steps in problem-solving and retain information needed for math tasks.

Support for Dyscalculia at The Learning Lighthouse

At The Learning Lighthouse, we conduct thorough assessments to determine if dyscalculia is impacting a child’s learning, and we work to identify the specific math-related skills that need reinforcement.

Our targeted support for dyscalculia includes educational therapies that emphasize:

• Math Instruction with Multisensory Techniques: Using visual aids, physical objects, and interactive methods to reinforce math concepts.

• Memory-Building Exercises: Strengthening working memory, which is essential for solving math problems.

• Real-Life Math Application: Helping students understand how math is used in daily life to increase confidence and relevance.

• Step-by-Step Problem Solving: Teaching structured approaches to break down complex problems.

How The Learning Lighthouse Can Help

Call to schedule a free consultation about your child. Together, we will determine the right assessments and goals to help your child become a confident, competent learner.

Feel free to inquire here or give us a call at 619-915-5415!

Topic: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia