Jennifer Rothman provides psychological treatments for people with learning disabilities in NYC. The document discusses various types of learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. It explains that learning disabilities affect areas like reading, writing, and math. While learning disabilities were once thought to be caused by single neurological problems, research now shows they can stem from subtle brain disturbances before or during birth, genetic factors, environmental toxins, infections, or head trauma. The document advocates getting an official diagnosis and creating a tailored plan to get appropriate help, which may be needed in various areas to support the child and family. It also discusses Response to Intervention, an early identification approach using research-based interventions.

1. Jennifer Rothman
NYC
JENNIFER ROTHMAN NYC PSYCHOLOGICAL
TREATMENTS FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING
DISABILITIES

2. Various Type of Learning Disabilities
 Learning disabilities are disorders that affect one's ability to understand or
use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate
movements, or direct attention. Although learning disabilities occur in very
young children, disorders are usually not recognized until a child reaches
school age. Research shows that 8 to 10 percent of American children
under the age of 18 have some type of learning disability.
 Not all learning problems fall into the category of learning disabilities.
Many children are simply slower in developing certain skills. Because
children show natural differences in their rate of development, sometimes
what seems to be a learning disability may simply be a delay in maturation.

3. Dyslexia
 Dyslexia is a reading and language-based learning disability. With this
problem, a child may not understand letters, groups of letters, sentences, or
paragraphs. For example, at the beginning of first grade, children may
occasionally reverse and rotate the letters they read and write. This may be
normal when they are first learning to read. By the middle of first grade (and
with maturity) these problems should disappear. However, a young student
with dyslexia may not overcome these problems. The difficulty can continue as
the student grows. To him, a b may look like a d. She may write on when she
really means no. Your child may reverse a 6 to make 9. Additionally, a child
with dyslexia can sometimes see sentences, words, or letters hovering, moving
(sometimes called "dancing"), or disappearing off of the page. These are not
vision problems, rather they are problems with how the brain interprets the
information it "sees."

4. Dysgraphia
 Dysgraphia is a term for problems with writing. An older child may not
form letters correctly and have difficulty writing within a certain space.
Writing neatly takes time and effort; yet despite the extra effort, the
handwriting still may be hard to read. A teacher may say that a learning-
disabled student can't finish written tests and assignments on time, and
supervisors may find that written tasks are always late or incomplete.

5. Dyscalculia
 Dyscalculia is a term for problems concerning math. A child may do well in
history and language, but fail tests involving fractions and percentages.
Math is difficult for many students, but those with dyscalculia may have
much more difficulty than others their age. Dyscalculia may prevent your
child from solving basic math problems that others the same age complete
with no difficulty.

6. Theory About learning Disabilities
 While learning disabilities were thought to be caused by a single
neurological problem, researchers now say that the causes are more
diverse and complex. New evidence seems to show that most learning
disabilities do not start in a single, specific area of the brain, but from
difficulties in bringing together information from various brain regions.
 A leading theory is that learning disabilities stem from subtle disturbances
in brain structure and function that may begin before birth. Other
possibilities include: • Genetic predisposition • Tobacco, alcohol, or
substance abuse by the mother prior to, during, and after pregnancy •
Problems during pregnancy or delivery, such as low birth weight,
prematurity, and birth trauma or distress • Environmental toxins, such as
lead poisoning • Central nervous system Infections • Severe head trauma

7. It is never too early or too late to
reinforce the skills needed for proper
writing.
 Though teachers and employers are required by law to make "reasonable
accommodations" for individuals with learning disabilities, they may not be
aware of how to help. Speak to them about dysgraphia, and explain the
challenges you face as a result of your learning disability.
 Although obtaining a diagnosis is important, even more so is creating a
plan for getting the right help. Because learning disabilities can affect the
child and family in so many ways, help may be needed on a variety of
fronts.

8. RTI- Response to Intervention
 Response to Intervention involves early identification of students who are
at risk for learning problems. Careful monitoring is conducted on all
students and especially when a student is struggling. Research based
interventions are conducted and closely monitored with the student. When
a student continues to struggle despite a variety of interventions, he or she
may have a Learning Disability.