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Important Notice: The health and wellness of our clients, staff and community is of utmost importance. Therefore, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face services at Behavioral Health Associates of Broward, Counseling Centers of Goodman JFS are postponed until further notice. However, our staff is working remotely and are accessible by phone and email. We are excited to announce that we will be launching Telemental Health Services soon. Please email [email protected] or call 954-909-0888 for the latest information, to schedule an appointment or to reach your clinician.

Specific Learning Disabilities Testing in Broward County

Specific learning disabilities cover a wide spectrum and can often disrupt the lives of those who live with them. However, with professional assistance, people who face challenges with specific learning disabilities can learn strategies to help them cope and flourish in their daily lives. The earlier you seek help for yourself or for your child, the more likely success is - both in school and in life.

If any learning disability goes without treatment, a child may feel frustration with schoolwork, have low self-esteem, suffer from depression, and fail to thrive. The impact can be substantial and lifelong.

Luckily, our team of experts at Behavioral Health Associates of Broward can work with you and your child to help them learn skills and build upon their strengths while compensating for their weaknesses. Every learning disability has a different pathway to success. And our job is to help your child pave their own unique path!

What is a Specific Learning Disability?

A specific learning disability is a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes that are involved in the understanding of or the use of language - whether spoken or written - that may show itself when the child is trying to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. It can include conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

It is important to note that specific learning disabilities do not include learning problems that are the results of limited English proficiency, economic disadvantage, cultural factors, emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or motor disabilities.
 

Types of Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are broken down into different categories to help define treatments and solutions. These include:

  • Dyscalculia: This impacts a person’s ability to understand numbers. It often presents itself as troubles with organizing or memorizing numbers, difficult telling time, and trouble with counting. Those with dyscalculia will also have trouble understanding math symbols.
  • Dysgraphia: Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that can be traced back to writing. Some symptoms include bad handwriting, inconsistent spacing, poor spelling, poor spatial planning, and troubles when writing and thinking at the same time.
  • Dyslexia: Dyslexia impacts reading and language processing skills. The severity differs in each individual, and it may impact some skills and not others. Regardless, dyslexia can impact reading fluency, comprehension, and decoding. It can also manifest in writing, spelling, recall, and even speech.

Does My Child Have a Learning Disability?

If your child has a learning disability, you want to get help as soon as possible. Early intervention can help with creating coping mechanisms that will last for the rest of your child’s life. It is also important because you need your child to learn the basics, so that they can excel in other areas. Children who have learning disorders may also have other problems related to performance anxiety, fatigue, self-esteem, depression, and motivation. Often, learning disabilities can lead to social problems as well.
 
If you think that your child has a specific learning disability, you can contact BHAB for a psychological test or evaluation. Often, the child will need to be observed and complete a series of exams to render a diagnosis.

Signs that Your Child May Have a Specific Learning Disability

With specific learning disabilities, the signs and symptoms are vast and wide. Sometimes, you may not even notice them at home, and it will take a few years in school for them to emerge.

Your child might have a specific learning disorder if they:

  • Have trouble mastering skills in reading, spelling, math, or writing, and one-on-one interactions do not seem to make a difference
  • Cannot remember specific steps or actions someone just told them
  • Lack coordination when they are holding a pencil, walking, or playing sports
  • Easily lose things
  • Cannot understand the concept of time
  • Struggle to stay focused on activities that involve reading, writing, or math
  • Cannot complete homework without significant guidance
  • Show defiance or hostility when trying to do academic activities

Techniques and Treatment for Specific Learning Disabilities

Luckily, for children, there are various types of treatment options for specific learning disabilities. In the classroom, these can include special teaching techniques that use multisensory experiences that will help the child recognize words, patterns, and strategies for their own success. They may also require classroom modifications, including extra time, added support, recorded tests, and more.

Increasingly, the use of technology has helped children to learn - whether it comes in the form of using word programs, listening to books, or playing games. When needed, schools and teachers should provide these special tools for your child. Sometimes, they will allow your child to have a helper who will provide extra support, help with notes, or video record the class. You may need to advocate for your child to receive these supports.

Outside of school, you may need to help your child with counseling or behavioral therapy as well. This will enforce the techniques that your child learns in school and help with the development of social relationships, sports, and overall growth. Behavior therapy can encourage good self-esteem, daily routines, and healthy relationships. It will also give your child another support pillar who can help them overcome challenges as they arise in their daily life.

Children who have been diagnosed with specific learning disabilities require and deserve a little extra help in school and out of it. Be sure to pay attention to educational laws to ensure that your child is given the same opportunities as other children. Often, this comes in the form of an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).

Learning Disabilities Testing & Evaluations in Broward County

The best thing you can do for your child is to seek professional help early on and work with them to create the supportive scaffolding necessary for them to flourish and enjoy life.
 
Need help diagnosing or coping with the struggles of a specific learning disability? Contact Behavioral Health Associates of Broward to get more information or schedule an assessment today! Call us at 954-909-0888.

Contact Us For More Information

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Behavioral Health Associates of Broward, Counseling Centers of Goodman JFS

Phone: 954-909-0888

Fax: 954-337-2932

Email: [email protected]


Our Offices

Coral Springs/Parkland:
11555 Heron Bay Boulevard
Coral Springs, FL 33076

Davie/Cooper City:
5890 South Pine Island Rd, Suite 201
Davie, FL 33328