Brain Balance

Where every child learns what it feels like to succeed

Learning Disabilities

Although learning disabilities occur in very young

children, the disorders are usually not recognized

until the child reaches school age. This is because

learning disabilities are usually identified by school

teachers and psychologists through testing of intelli-

gence, academics and processes of learning.

 

Learning disabilities, until now, have been believed to be lifelong conditions. In some people, several overlapping disabilities may be apparent. Other people may have a single, isolated learning problem that has little impact on their lives.

 

Types of Learning Disabilities

 

In the United States and Canada, the term learning disability is used to refer to psychological and neurological conditions that affect a person's communicative capacities and potential to be taught effectively. The term includes such conditions as:

 

· Dysgraphia a neurological condition characterized by distorted and incorrect handwriting. 

· Dyslexia (reading disorder)

· Dyscalculia a neurological condition characterized by a problem with learning fundamentals and one or more of the basic numerical skills. Often people with this condition can understand very complex mathematical concepts and principles but have difficulty processing formulas and even basic addition and subtraction.

· Verbal Dyspraxia is a neurological condition characterized by marked difficulty in the use of speech sounds, which may be the result of a delay in the normal development of the speech production area of the brain.

· Dyspraxia is a neurological condition characterized by a marked difficulty in carrying out routine tasks involving balance, fine-motor control, and kinesthetic coordination.

· Developmental aphasia a loss or impairment of the ability to produce and/or comprehend language, due to brain dysfunction or damage.

 

LD or ADHD

 

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often studied in connection with learning disabilities, but it is not actually included in the standard definitions of learning disabilities. An individual with ADHD may struggle with learning, but he or she can often learn adequately once successfully treated for the ADHD. A person can have ADHD but not learning disabilities or have learning disabilities without having ADHD. Some believe the conditions can co-occur, however their etiologies, and true presentation are very different.

 

Children with learning disabilities tend to avoid tasks which are difficult for them and they are often said to ‘lack attention’ while their behavior is actually ‘task avoidance’. 

 

Someone with a learning disability does not necessarily have low or high intelligence, nor any deficit in their innate ability to learn. It simply means this individual has an impairment in their learning ability due to a processing disorder such as auditory processing or visual processing that may be detrimental to mainstream teaching methods.

 

The most common treatments for learning disabilities are special education, medication (for attention and concentration) and psychological services (behavioral). These treatments are directed towards compensating for disabilities and weaknesses while trying to increase ability.

 

What are Learning Disabilities?

 

Research has shown that specific areas of the brain are under active with these disorders. Our program is directed towards making a change in those specific areas of brain function thereby addressing the underlying cause of the disability, thus allowing your child to learn in a typical manner.

 

Learning disabilities are in fact a dysfunction within several areas of the brain and body. Dysfunction however doesn’t mean damage or disease just that some areas and systems may not be functioning as they should be.

 

Behavioral and/or academic problems may be the result of the underlying  dysfunction not a cause of it.

 

Our program addresses your child’s underlying brain dysfunction  through our unique protocols which target sensory/motor deficits,    neuro cognitive/academic concerns, and bio-nutritional needs.   Your child’s individualized program will address the cause of his disorder rather than focusing on it’s symptoms, only one component of the disorder, or it’s resultant behaviors.

 

Brain Balance Centers hold periodic parent lectures where parents and professionals alike can gain a unique window into a child’s brain function. Our lectures offer insight into how the brain normally develops and what may interfere with  the stages of typical development. Most importantly we will show you how with proper intervention your child’s problems may be corrected. Contact a local center for specific  information regarding upcoming lectures.