Learning Differences

dyslexia – neurological disorder that interferes with the acquisition of processing language, specifically in reading, writing, spelling, and handwriting

Lisa’s definition: the inability of the brain to easily send neural passages over the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibers that separates the right and left hemisphere of the brain. Instead, the images bounce randomly around one hemisphere of the brain, usually the right, which causes instability in processing information correctly.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) – biologically based condition causing a persistent pattern of difficulties resulting in inattention or impulsivity that interferes with academics and social performance.

Lisa’s definition: the student is in essence “stuck” in the right hemisphere of the brain and unable to access the left brain hemisphere’s logical, step-by-step, organizational abilities, which causes the student to remain in the daydreaming, creative, impulsive state of the right brain.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) – same definition of ADD with added hyperactivity

Learning Difference – an interference with a person’s ability to process information, which creates a gap between intellectual capabilities and performance

Lisa’s definition – a catch-all phrase for any kind of difference in learning – a kinder term to use for anyone who isn’t learning as expected

dyscalculia – learning disability involving the inability to understand the meaning of numbers and math

Lisa’s definition – dyslexia for math

dysgraphia – a processing problem that causes writing fatigue that interferes with communication of ideas in writing
Lisa’s definition – the inability to coordinate writing with thinking, often caused by poor gross motor and fine motor skills, which makes the act of writing too cumbersome to do efficiently in conjunction with thinking

Learning Disability – disorder in one or more of the basic processes involved in understanding spoken or written language

Lisa’s definition – catch all phrase for anyone with normal intelligence who isn’t learning as expected

Autism Spectrum Disorders - are a range of neurological disorders that most markedly involve some degree of difficulty with communication and interpersonal relationships, as well as obsessions and repetitive behaviors.

Lisa’s definition – a developmental disorder where the brain is unable to hear and see at the same time in addition to heightened sensitivity to sound, touch, and light