About Learning Disabilities
What you should know about learning disabilities:
Learning disabilities are specific neurological disorders that affect the brain’s ability to store, process, retrieve or communicate information. They are invisible and lifelong.
Manifested by significant weaknesses in listening, writing, speaking, reasoning, reading, mathematics, social skills and/or memory in a pattern of uneven abilities.
Learning disabilities can be compensated for through alternate ways of learning and accommodations.
Learning disabilities can occur with other disorders (ADHD, etc) and may run in families.
Learning Disabilities are NOT the same as mental retardation, autism, deafness, blindness, behavioral disorders or laziness.
Learning disabilities are not the result of economic disadvantage, environmental factors or cultural differences.
- Learning Disabilities Terminology
Type of learning disability Area of difficulty Symptoms include trouble with: Example: Dyslexia Processing language Reading, writing, and spelling Letter and words may be written or pronounced inaccurately Dyscalculia Math skills and concepts Computation, remembering math facts, concepts of time, money, grasping math concepts, etc. Difficulty learning to count by 2s, 3s, 4s Dysgraphia Written expression Handwriting, spelling, expressing ideas on paper Illegible handwriting, difficulty organizing ideas, getting thoughts on paper Dyspraxia Fine motor skills Coordination, manual dexterity Trouble with scissors, buttons, drawing, writing - Information Processing Disorders
Type of learning disability Area of difficulty Symptoms include trouble with: Example: Auditory Processing Disorder Interpreting auditory information Language development, reading Difficulty anticipating how a speaker will end a sentence Visual Processing Disorder Interpreting visual information Reading, writing Difficulty distinguishing letters like “h” and “n” Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Concentration and focus Over-activity, distractibility, and/or impulsivity Can’t sit still, loses interest quickly, is easily distracted, may daydream
Our Programs
Bridgeway Academy offers a number of specialized programs to our day school students, which assist with the development of reading, math, organization and social skills. Many of our programs are now available to the community through our Turning Tides Community Outreach services.
Our Schools
Bridgeway Academy has schools in Dartmouth and Truro. Our day school programs, community workshops, tutoring and social skills programs for youth are available at both locations.
