According to the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC), learning disabilities (LDs) refer “to a number of disorders which may affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information. These disorders affect learning in individuals who otherwise demonstrate at least average abilities essential for thinking and/or reasoning.”
Learning Disability Assessments
According to the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC), learning disabilities (LDs) refer “to a number of disorders which may affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information. These disorders affect learning in individuals who otherwise demonstrate at least average abilities essential for thinking and/or reasoning.”
Learning disabilities are commonly thought to be related to academic problems. However, challenges with organizational skills, language processing, and memory are examples of cognitive manifestations of learning disabilities. They can have a significant impact on social interactions within schools, the family, significant relationships, and recreational activities. In addition, oftentimes students may appear to be academically successful and passing their academic courses; however, the effort required to do this or the ‘just passing’ results may indicate the presence of learning disabilities.
LDs are identified along a continuum from mild to severe. LDAC suggests that “how an individual’s learning disabilities are classified relates to how significantly they interfere with current learning and with the individual’s ability to function in society.”
The range of severity and the variety of academic, interpersonal, and emotional areas in which learning disabilities are manifested will direct the intervention. It’s important to detect LDs as soon as they become apparent, whether in early development, through the school years, or even in adulthood (if previously undetected/unidentified), as they may impact on vocational success. Accessing intervention requires a timely and specialized assessment process. Referrals may be recommended when the students are having difficulties in any of the academic areas or when the performance is inconsistent or effortful.
Blossom Psychology offers comprehensive psychoeducational assessments, including ruling in (or out) the presence of an LD.
