Interventions for Specific Learning Disabilities

Below are just a few examples of ways educators help children with
specific learning disabilities.
Dyslexia5

Special teaching techniques. These can include helping a child

learn through multisensory experiences and by providing
immediate feedback to strengthen a childs ability to recognize
words.

Classroom modifications. For example, teachers can give students

with dyslexia extra time to finish tasks and provide taped tests that
allow the child to hear the questions instead of reading them.

Use of technology. Children with dyslexia may benefit from

listening to books on tape or using word-processing programs with
spell-check features.

Dysgraphia6

Special tools. Teachers can offer oral exams, provide a note-taker,

and/or allow the child to videotape reports instead of writing them.

Use of technology. A child with dysgraphia can be taught to use

word-processing programs or an audio recorder instead of writing
by hand.

Other ways of reducing the need for writing. Teachers can

provide notes, outlines, and preprinted study sheets.

Dyscalculia6

Visual techniques. For example, teachers can draw pictures of

word problems and show the student how to use colored pencils to
differentiate parts of problems.

Use of memory aids. Rhymes and music are among the

techniques that can be used to help a child remember math
concepts.

Use of computers. A child with dyscalculia can use a computer for

drills and practice.

Dyspraxia6

Quiet learning environment. To help a child deal with sensitivity

to noise and distractions, educators can provide the youngster with
a quiet place for tests, silent reading, and other tasks that require
concentration.

Alerting the child in advance. For example, a child who is

sensitive to noise may benefit from knowing in advance about such
events as fire drills and assemblies.

Occupational therapy. Exercises that focus on the tasks of daily

living can help a child with poor coordination.

Other Treatments
A child with a learning disability may struggle with low self-esteem,
frustration, and other problems. Mental health professionals can help the
youngster understand these feelings, develop coping tools, and build
healthy relationships.
Children with learning disabilities sometimes have other conditions such
as ADHD. These conditions require their own treatments, which may
include therapy and medications.

1.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Language-based learning

disabilities: Benefits of speech-language pathology services. Retrieved June 15, 2012, from
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/LBLDslpBenefits.htm
[top]

2.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2011). NINDS learning disabilities
information page. Retrieved June 26, 2012,
fromhttp://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/learningdisabilities/learningdisabilities.htm [top]

3.

Department of Education. (2010). Building the legacy: IDEA 2004. Retrieved January 28,
2011, from http://idea.ed.gov/[top]

4.

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. (n.d.). 10 basic steps in special
education. Retrieved January 28, 2011, from http://nichcy.org/schoolage/steps
[top]

5.

International Dyslexia Association. (2008). Dyslexia basics. Retrieved June 21, 2012,
fromhttp://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/BasicsFactSheet.pdf
(PDF - 43
KB)[top]

6.

Learning Disabilities Association of America. (n.d.). Dysgraphia. Retrieved June 16, 2012,
from http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/parents/ld_basics/dysgraphia.asp
[top]