Reading Intervention Program For Children With Learning Disabilities
Children with learning disabilities may display a variety of symptoms before being formally diagnosed. In fact, diagnosis can take months, or even years, depending on the condition's severity. To facilitate early intervention for learning disabilities, parents and teachers should be on the lookout for signs of struggle. These signs include problems with comprehension, reading, logic, motor skills and concentration. Children exhibiting these symptoms should be evaluated to isolate special learning needs.
Evaluation Process
Educational disorders may be noticed and addressed informally at first, through parent-teacher conferences and student discussions. However, if educators notice significant educational delays, they may choose to have students undergo a formal-evaluation process to isolate specific learning difficulties.
First, a child is given a battery of standardized tests that helps school counselors or educational specialists compare reading, writing, math and comprehension scores with peer averages. Depending on the type of learning disability, the student may be further tested by a speech therapist, psychologist or physician to check for exhibited neurological deficits. Through a combination of written and practical examinations, educators are able to create better programs for students with specialized learning needs.
If a child's school fails to be proactive in evaluating her for comprehension disorders, parents may pursue an outside opinion from a neuropsychologist or pediatrician.
Private Pennsylvania Program for Children with Learning Disabilities
Parents of children with reading disabilities should contact the Center School for information about private schooling and reading intervention. Located at 2450 Hamilton Avenue, Abington, PA 19001, the Center School offers language-based programming to help students overcome reading barriers. Call (215) 657-2200 or email centerschool@centerschoolpa.org for more information. Completed applications may be faxed to (215) 657-2646.
