Understanding Learning Disabilities: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia
When a child struggles in reading, writing, or math, families often wonder: Is this just a phase, or is something deeper going on?
In schools, these patterns of difficulty are most often described under the umbrella of Specific Learning Disability (SLD)—a special education eligibility category recognized by federal law.
Three of the most common learning disabilities fall within this category: Reading Disability (Dyslexia), Writing Disability (Dysgraphia/Written Expression), and Math Disability (Dyscalculia). While the terminology may differ between school and clinical settings, the underlying learning needs are very real—and very supportable.
Reading Disability (Dyslexia)
In schools, dyslexia typically falls under Specific Learning Disability in Basic Reading Skills, Reading Fluency, or Reading Comprehension.
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects how the brain processes sounds and connects them to written words. Children with dyslexia often struggle with decoding, spelling, and reading fluency, even when they are intelligent and motivated learners.
What This May Look Like at School
Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
Slow, effortful reading
Trouble with spelling
Avoidance of reading tasks
Reading skills that lag behind overall thinking or verbal ability
Common School Supports
Schools may provide:
Explicit, systematic reading instruction
Small-group or individualized intervention
Accommodations such as extra time, audiobooks, or reduced reading load
Specialized reading programs aligned with structured literacy principles
How Parents Can Support at Home
Read aloud to your child to reduce fatigue and support comprehension
Encourage audiobooks to build vocabulary and confidence
Focus on effort and progress, not speed
Avoid framing reading struggles as a lack of motivation
Writing Disability (Dysgraphia / Written Expression)
In educational settings, dysgraphia is often identified as Specific Learning Disability in Written Expression.
This learning disability affects handwriting, spelling, writing fluency, and the ability to organize ideas on paper. Many children with writing disabilities can explain ideas clearly out loud but struggle to put those ideas into written form.
What This May Look Like at School
Illegible or inconsistent handwriting
Slow writing speed
Difficulty organizing thoughts in writing
Written work that does not reflect verbal ability
Emotional distress or avoidance during writing tasks
Common School Supports
Schools may provide:
Occupational therapy support (when appropriate)
Graphic organizers and sentence starters
Reduced writing demands or alternative response formats
Assistive technology such as speech-to-text
How Parents Can Support at Home
Let your child dictate ideas before writing
Focus on content over handwriting mechanics
Use typing or voice-to-text tools when appropriate
Separate “idea generation” from “final writing” to reduce overwhelm
Math Disability (Dyscalculia)
In schools, dyscalculia often falls under Specific Learning Disability in Mathematics Calculation or Mathematics Problem Solving.
Dyscalculia affects number sense, math reasoning, and understanding quantities. These challenges often become more noticeable as math shifts from hands-on learning to abstract reasoning.
What This May Look Like at School
Difficulty learning math facts
Trouble understanding quantities or place value
Struggles with word problems
Difficulty estimating time, money, or amounts
Reliance on counting strategies longer than peers
Common School Supports
Schools may provide:
Explicit, step-by-step math instruction
Visual models and manipulatives
Reduced problem sets with focused practice
Extended time and calculator use when appropriate
How Parents Can Support at Home
Use real-life math (cooking, shopping, time)
Emphasize understanding over speed
Allow tools like calculators to reduce cognitive load
Avoid timed math practice that increases anxiety
School Evaluations vs. Clinical Evaluations
Families often ask whether they should go through the school or seek a private evaluation. Both can be appropriate—and they serve different purposes.
Schools evaluate to determine eligibility for special education services under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Clinical evaluations provide diagnostic clarity and a comprehensive learning profile that can guide school, home, and medical decisions.
If you’re noticing consistent learning challenges, you have two appropriate options:
1️⃣ You can request a school evaluation in writing at any time.
2️⃣ If you want a comprehensive clinical evaluation or faster timeline, our clinic can help.
Supporting your Child
Learning disabilities are not a reflection of intelligence or effort. They are differences in how the brain processes information. With the right support—at school and at home—children with learning disabilities can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
If you’re unsure what next steps make the most sense for your child or family, we’re here to help you think it through.
Learn more or contact us at:
👉 https://www.groundedrootsfdc.com/contact
