Dyslexia - Dyslexia is a brain-based neurological learning difference involving the processing of language. Dyslexics typically have average to high cognitive abilities. Dyslexia has a strong genetic link, but every dyslexic is unique. Some dyslexics might only have one area of weakness while others might have several areas of weakness. Dyslexics also possess amazing talents due to the way their brains are wired. Authors Brock Eide, M.D., M.A., and Fernette Brock, M.D. describe the MIND strengths of dyslexics in their book The Dyslexic Advantage.

Dyslexics can have a difficult time with one or more of the following language arts skills: decoding, rhyming, spelling, learning sight words, word retrieval, pronouncing larger words, writing, spelling, and working memory tasks.  These difficulties can make it hard for them to become fluent readers and writers. However, with a research-based systematic multi-sensory language arts program dyslexics can learn to read, comprehend, and write successfully.  

There are many well known successful dyslexics in every career sector. The magic happens when dyslexics are taught in the way they learn. This will guide them to their intellectual talents and lead them to a successful life.

Dysgraphia - Dysgraphia is when a person has a challenge with writing. Their writing is often larger and harder to read. It can also be difficult for persons with dysgraphia to type and spell. Experts call these set of skills transcription skills. The underlying reason for dysgraphia is usually poor fine motor skills. Difficulty expressing one's thoughts in written expression isn't considered dysgraphia, but is a learning difference called written expression disorder. However, difficulty in writing can impede a person from expressing the full extend of their knowledge on a page due to the frustration involved in writing. Occupational Therapist can help strengthen the hand muscles and increase the fine motor skills to improve handwriting.

Dyscalculia - Dyscalculia like Dyslexia has no impact on an individual's intelligence. Individuals with dyscalculia may have difficulty recalling math facts, using math terminology like “less than” or using math symbols such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, greater than, and less than. Understanding and working with money may be difficult. They can also have difficulties telling time and determining left from right. People with dyscalculia can be successful in learning math concepts when they are taught with a curriculum that uses concrete examples involving manipulatives and visuals to aid their understanding.

Dysnomia - This is associated with difficulty or inability to pull up the right word from memory when needed.

Processing Speed - This is the fluency at which the brain takes in information, considers the information, and decides how to respond to it. Processing speed is different for each person and can vary according to what were processing.  The rate at which we process has no connection to our intelligence. 

Central Auditory Processing CAP - This is a lesser know learning difference and one that many times goes unnoticed or misdiagnosed. There are several types of Central Auditory Processing and a person can have just one type or a combination of types. People with CAP have perfect hearing, but as sound travels through the auditory nerves to the brain it can get jumbled or dropped. Sound can also travel faster through the auditory nerve on one side of the brain than the other side. This creates an overlap of sounds, so that the individual phonemes of a word don't sink up to create the spoken word that is intended to be heard. This often effects the way a person processes and comprehends oral language and can have an affect on academics and social interactions. CAP can be strengthened through specifically tailored curriculum or therapy. I also want to note that Able Kids out of Fort Collins Colorado does an amazing job testing CAPD and when suitable can provide a silicone ear filter to help sounds come in at a more equal rate. 

Visual Processing - Like CAP visual processing is a lesser known learning difference that often times goes unnoticed.  A person can have perfect eye sight and still have visual processing. This is because the eyes are seeing correctly, but the brain has a hard time understanding what is being brought in through the optic nerve. Visual processing usually involves how the eyes work together as a team, how they track or how they process information. With proper therapy many forms of visual processing can be improved. Visual processing can be diagnosed by Developmental Optometrists and with proper therapy can be improved.