Does my daughter have a learning disability, and, if so, which one?

Question

I'm concerned my 9-year-old may have some sort of learning disability. When she reads, she often pops words in that in no way look like the one she's that is written. When she writes, sometimes she adds letters that do not even have a sound in the word, like "candr" for "candle," or she completely forgets sounds that are there, like "fanda" for "fantastic." She has no hearing dificulties, and she does have a slight speech irregularity, saying "w" for "r" and "f" for soft "th" as in "free" for "three." Her father is Vietnamese, and I've thought maybe the two languages may have played a part in her speech problem, but I don't know if it has anything to do with her reading and spelling issues, too.

Answer 1

I have a learning center and I specialize in programs that address the learning style of Picture Thinkers.  I do not diagnose learning disabilities.  I am not going to attempt to diagnose your daughter.  The challenges you  describe for your daughter are the same challenges that many of my clients struggle with.  

When it comes to learning, there are 2 thinking styles:

verbal thinkers - word thinkers

non-verbal thinkers - picture thinkers/visual spatial thinkers

We all think in both modes, but when it comes to learning we tend to "specialize" in one style.

It is rare, but sometimes a person will only have picture thinking ability.

Thinking with the sounds of words can be difficult for Picture Thinkers.  This can explain the mispronouncing of words and letters.

Picture thinkers can have trouble with the abstract words because their mind has no picture for them.  (The abstract words are the sight words like:  and, but, that, the, is...etc.)

Answer 2

It's possible that she may qualify for either special ed. services OR for Title I services (if your school is a Title I school).  If she qualifies for special ed., she will have an IEP (Individual Education Plan).  Until she's assessed, it's difficult to say WHAT disability she might have (speech impairment, dyslexia, cognitive impairment, etc.)

Title I is a federally funded program under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) that will provide her with additional reading/writing services.  It is NOT special ed. and an IEP is not required.

Answer 3

Have her evaluated by professionals either through your pediatrician or local school.  Our daughter "presented: in a similar way, and we learned she had a hearing loss (later corrected).  It is common with very bright kids that they learn to compensate.  Don't wait for it to correct itself - please get her the help she needs.

EDIT - if the school is going to take that long, then your pediatrician is the best bet.  If $$ or insurance are issues, try going through your local chapter of Shriners

Answer 4

Honey, if this is all that she is doing then, NO she doesn't have a learning disability. She just needs to have speech on a regular basics. She is only writing or reading what she thinks the word is because of how it sounds when she says it. So don't fret about it just get the baby some speech therapy...in due time it will all work out!!!! Be blessed!

Answer 5

don"t play the guessing game with your child's future ,have her tested ,when my daughter was in first grade ,she would write her name backwards ,I got scared and thought she was seriously retarded ,I later found several kids were doing that soon it straighten it self out ,I found many kids go through lots of changes in reading and writing ,as a day care mom of almost 20 years I have seen it all,at the age of nine I would be a little concerned about her ,discuss that with the teacher to see what she thinks. Good luck

Answer 6

You are correct in your perceptions of how long the school (if it is public in the US) has to begin. Still, they will almost certainly be able to do a better job than anything you might find through this venue. That sort of diagnosis, LD, is not something which can be done over the internet based on your description above. In fact, it can't be done online at all, and you should be extremely cautious of any suggested diagnoses from people you do not have any way of checking out on the answers forum. Don't let anyone put ideas in your head. My suggestion is that you let the educational professionals do their job, or if you don't want to wait pursue a private evaluation, which can be expensive but you may get answers more rapidly. A good place to begin is a local university's education department. they can at least point you in the right direction for practitioners, and they should certainly have access to the latest research. Good luck and God bless you and your family.

Answer 7

I agree with the poster before me.  It  sounds like the language plays a part, but there is no way to no for sure, and you will have to have her evaluated for that.  Like it has been stated, an evaluation at school by the special education  team (psych, social workers, etc.) will be far more helpful and informative than anything you will get on here.  In addition, the school has 60 days to begin *and complete* the evaluation.  So any testing and interviewing must be done and scored and ready to report within those 60 days.