Academic Problems
A common but outdated stigma is the belief that having a learning disorder means you have low intelligence. This is not true! People with learning difficulties simply learn differently. In fact, the definition of a learning disability requires a discrepancy between intelligence and academic performance. In other words, someone who is intelligent who struggles to learn one or more subjects is more likely to be diagnosed with a Specific Learning Disorder than someone who is not as intelligent.
Clinical diagnostic criteria requires that academic performance to be two to three standard deviations below intellectual functioning before a Specific Learning Disorder may be diagnosed.[1] Many individuals who struggled to learn in school went on to achieve success in their careers and lives.[2]
At the Neuro Center, we use the most up to date culturally competent assessments and norms so we can accurately help our clients. Did you know that many students are misdiagnosed, and the actual problem is due to subpar teaching,[3] miss conception of culture,[4] emotional factors,[5] and trauma?[6]
Consequently, it is our belief that many students are put on medications that are not helpful and instead cause addiction, poor self-esteem, and anxiety. We can help you find the root cause of the issue and help you build a plan to combat the problem!
Comprehensive neuropsychological assessments help to find the reason for underperformance and insights that help to tackle the issue. Please click here for more information. At our clinic, we take these issues seriously and have treated these problems successfully with our Neuro Therapy.
If you need a letter for school or work or even need a prescription for a service animal, please don’t be afraid to ask! We enjoy advocating for our clients!
References:
[1] Moll, K., Kunze, S., Neuhoff, N., Bruder, J., & Schulte-Körne, G. (2014). Specific learning disorder: prevalence and gender differences. PLoS one, 9(7).
[2] McGregor, K. K., Langenfeld, N., Van Home, S., Oleson, J., Anson, M., & Jacobson, W. (2016, May). The University Experiences of Students with Learning Disabilities. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 31(2), 90 – 102. doi:10.1111/ldrp.12102
[3] Ofsted, 2010, https://bit.ly/2Cgvj73
[4] Beljan, P. (2011)). Misdiagnosis of culturally diverse students. Special populations in gifted education: Understanding our most able students from diverse backgrounds, 317-332.
[5] Colbert, P., Newman, B., Ney, P., & Young, J. (1982). Learning disabilities as a symptom of depression in children. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 15(6), 333-336.
[6] Traweek, S. L. (2005). Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder: Misdiagnosis of high-risk school-aged girls exposed to violence and trauma. California Institute of Integral Studies