Learning Disabilities
What are learning disabilities and how are they evaluated?
Learning disabilities (also known as learning disorders), are neurologically based differences that impact reading (dyslexia), written expression (dysgraphia), and/or mathematics (dyscalculia). A learning disability is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means that it is based in the brain and is present in childhood. Learning challenges are typically apparent in early elementary school but may not be formally identified until but may not become fully apparent or formally identified until academic demands increase in later grades. Individuals with learning disabilities often struggle in school and their academic performance may not reflect their intelligence. Learning disabilities often co-exist with other conditions like ADHD and anxiety/depression, which further impact learning. Evaluation of a learning disability typically involves clinical interviews, a review of educational records, standardized rating scales, and objective neurocognitive and academic testing. This information is then used to ensure an accurate diagnosis of learning disabilities, as well as any co-occurring conditions. Assessment and diagnosis of a specific learning disability are critical in determining the need for academic accommodations and interventions to best meet the individual’s learning needs.
Dyslexia
A learning disability in reading is a learning difference that impacts reading skills (e.g., phonological decoding, fluency, comprehension, etc.). Dyslexia is a specialized term for a specific type of reading disability that involves difficulties with phonological skills. Signs and symptoms of a reading disability/dyslexia include trouble learning how to read, difficulty sounding words out, trouble with spelling, letter confusion/reversals, dysfluent reading, etc. Contrary to popular belief, dyslexia is not “seeing” letters backward, but individuals with dyslexia may reverse letters when writing or confuse letter sounds. Dyslexia occurs frequently with other conditions, particularly ADHD and other learning disabilities like dysgraphia.
Dysgraphia
A learning disability in writing, or more specifically called dysgraphia, is a learning difference that impacts written expression. Dysgraphia is generally characterized by writing difficulties, both in terms of weakness in fine motor skills/handwriting and the ability to express thoughts in writing (e.g., difficulty with organizing or articulating thoughts on paper, marked difference between spoken and written understanding of a topic, tiring quickly/experiencing pain while writing, inconsistency in letter spacing and capitalization, poor spelling, etc.). Dysgraphia occurs frequently with other conditions, particularly ADHD and dyslexia.
Dyscalculia
A learning disability in math, more specifically called dyscalculia, is a learning difference that impacts mathematics. Signs and symptoms of dyscalculia include difficulties with learning numbers and remembering basic math facts, having to count on fingers or use a calculator for simple calculations, trouble understanding concepts like more/less or right/left, difficulty recognizing patterns, and experiencing anxiety around having to perform math, etc. Dyscalculia frequently occurs with other conditions, like ADHD or Dyslexia.
How do we treat learning disabilities?
Students with learning disabilities are generally eligible for special education services and academic accommodations if they attend public or charter school. The family works with the school team (which typically includes the school psychologist, special education teachers, and general education teachers) to develop an individualized education program (IEP), which outlines specific learning goals, accommodations, and the support services needed to address to student’s individual learning needs. IEPs are updated annually. Students that do not attend public or charter schools can still be evaluated and qualify for services that can be provided by their home school district. These students can also participate in the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), which gives families access to funds to cover education expenses such as private school tuition, curricula, educational supplies, tutoring and more. More information on this program is available online (https://www.azed.gov/esa). Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) and therapy services through Frye Psychological Services are approved expenses for ESA students with educational disabilities (not covered under the universal ESA program).
Regardless of whether services are received in the school setting or privately, it is critical that individuals with learning disabilities receive evidence-based academic interventions. For example, the International Dyslexia Association recommends Orton-Gillingham-based approaches, which have been supported by research as being effective in treating dyslexia. These interventions are typically delivered in a one on one or group setting by an experienced learning specialist. For example, Marmalade Skies Tutoring offers these services in the same office as Frye Psychological Services.

Central Tucson:
1011 N Craycroft, Ste 306 (at Speedway)
Northwest Tucson:
2001 W Orange Grove Rd, Ste 608 (at La Cholla Blvd)
ADHD / Autism / Dyslexia Experts
Reading / Writing / Math
In-person or Virtual
Marmalade Skies specializes in tutoring children with learning differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, autism, and more. It is our belief that all children can be successful learners. The majority of our clients are children ages 3.5 to 12 who are behind academically or have learning challenges that affect reading, writing, or math. Both in-person and online sessions are offered.
Visit MarmaladeSkies.com today for more information or call our main office at 520-849-8432. We’re here to help!