Learning Disability Services Chattanooga | Siskin Children’s Institute

What are learning disabilities?

A learning disability is any issue that presents a problem with a child’s ability to learn. Learning and thinking differences can affect the way the brain takes in, uses, stores, and sends out information. Some children have specific learning disabilities (LDs) such as a reading or math disability, while others have conditions like ADHD that affect learning.

Children in preschool with a learning disability may present the following symptoms:

Language delays / speech problems
Trouble learning shapes, colors, letters and numbers
Trouble rhyming words
Trouble with coordination
Short attention spans
Easily frustrated or angry when trying to learn

Children in grade school or teenagers with a learning disability may have:

Trouble following directions (whether written or verbal)
Trouble reading, spelling, or sounding out words
Trouble writing clearly
Trouble with math calculations or word problems
Trouble staying organized at home and school
Trouble focusing and finishing schoolwork
Trouble remembering facts and information
Trouble explaining information with speech or in writing

How are pediatric learning disabilities diagnosed?

Pediatric learning disabilities can be difficult to diagnose, as children learn and develop at different rates. If you suspect your child may have a learning challenge, talk to your child’s teacher and doctor. A developmental-behavioral pediatrician can often work with your child, diagnose a learning difficulty, and offer an appropriate course of action to help the child reach his or her fullest potential.

What resources are available for children with learning disabilities?

Siskin Children’s Institute is pleased to provide services for children with learning disabilities. Our team of developmental-behavioral pediatricians and therapists work with children who have learning challenges, ADHD, speech and language delays, and more. We offer programs like speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and other strategies to help children grow and thrive, feeling confident in their abilities. Contact Siskin today to learn more about our learning disability services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of learning disabilities?

There are many different types of learning disabilities. According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, common learning disabilities include:

ADHD
Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
Dyspraxia
Executive functioning
Non-verbal learning disabilities
Oral/written language disorder and specific reading comprehension deficit

What causes learning challenges?

There are many different reasons a child may have challenges learning, and sometimes the cause is not known. Often times, children with a learning disability have a parent or relative with the same or a similar learning challenges. Other risk factors for learning challenges include being born prematurely with a low birth weight or an injury or illness during childhood, such as a head injury or meningitis.

Regardless of the cause, it’s important to recognize your child is struggling and the learning challenges should be discussed with your child’s doctor and a plan to help your child succeed should be taken.

How can I help my child who has a learning difficulty?

In addition to speaking with your child’s doctor as soon as you suspect a learning difficulty, parents can help children who learn and think differently by:

Focusing on your child’s strengths to offer praise for what he or she does well.
Providing love and support while acknowledging learning is difficult for your child because their brain learns in a different way.
Using resources and support groups to help you learn more about parenting a child with a learning difficulty.
Helping your child plan for the future by encouraging them to consider their strengths and interests in education and career choices.

It’s very important to remind your child that learning differently is not an indication of how smart they are. Many people with learning difficulties are very bright and grow up to be highly successful at what they do.

Can a child overcome a learning disability?

While unfortunately, children cannot overcome a learning disability, they can thrive with the right support. The sooner you are involved, the sooner your child can receive the help he or she needs. Talk with your child’s teachers and doctors and ask for a referral to Siskin Children’s Institute.

Learning Disability Services in Chattanooga, TN

What are learning disabilities?

How are pediatric learning disabilities diagnosed?

What resources are available for children with learning disabilities?

Frequently Asked Questions