Nine-year-old Nicole was often called “Sotong” in front of her class by her teacher and she has since become the butt of jokes among her classmates, with nicknames such as “blur queen.” Her mother, Yvonne, became concerned and upset at the same time. This labelling upset and depressed Nicole. It broke Yvonne’s heart when Nicole insisted that she was “stupid.”
Yvonne eventually got Nicole assessed and it was concluded that Nicole was definitely not a “blur” and there was nothing wrong with her hearing or intelligence. She was found to have an Auditory Processing Disorder. Thus she often processed only part of what she heard and often misunderstood what was said.
According to Yvonne, Nicole struggled to keep up in class. When the teacher gave an instruction, she always had to ask her classmates to repeat several times what had been said. Nicole had problems with comprehension exercises. “She was able to read entire passages out loud, pronouncing each word perfectly. Yet she wasn’t able to answer any of the questions correctly,” said Yvonne.
Finally, after reading about BrainFit Studio’s programmes on the newspapers, Yvonne decided to try brain fitness training for Nicole. Yvonne began to see improvement in Nicole’s condition after several sessions of SMART Listening on Fast ForWord and SMART Moves. “She was able to express her feelings better than before and seemed to have matured. The teacher in school has also seen improvement in Nicole’s schoolwork. Now, I don’t have to keep repeating my instructions to her and Nicole’s doesn’t feel she is “stupid” anymore. I am truly grateful for the help my daughter has received!”
Nicole* (Singapore)
Names have been changed to ensure confidentiality.
***
A child demonstrating learning or behavioural problems, little interest in school work or difficulties in reading, writing, grasping Maths concepts or under-achieving in school, may be experiencing weaknesses in their visual, auditory, sensory-motor, attention or social-emotional brain fitness. When these weaknesses become significant, the child may fall within the diagnostic criteria of having a learning difficulty.
It is important to remember that many children who suffer from learning difficulties may have average or even above-average intelligence! These children may sometimes be misunderstood as being “lazy” or “dumb” but this cannot be further from the truth! We now understand that learning difficulties are a manifestation of differences in neurological functioning in the brain, resulting in problems with information processing. Some children may experience more than one type of learning difficulty. This is possible because more than one system in the brain may be affected.
Some common learning difficulties are:
- Dyslexia – Difficulties with reading and comprehension
- Developmental coordination disorder/ Dyspraxia – Difficulties with motor planning or coordination
- Dysgraphia – Difficulties with handwriting
- Dyscalculia – Difficulties with learning Math
- Attention deficit (hyperactive) disorder (ADD/ADHD) – Difficulties with paying attention with or without hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Receptive and expressive language disorders
- Specific language impairment (SLI) – Difficulties in language mastery or communication
- Auditory processing disorder (APD) – Difficulties processing auditory information, or verbal information
- Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) – Difficulties with visuospatial concepts and motor coordination
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – Difficulties with communication and social interactions.
- Asperger’s Syndrome – High-functioning autism
Relationship Between Learning Difficulties & Brain Fitness
The table below describes the brain fitness system which may be weak in the presence of these learning difficulties. As you read and understand these relationships, always keep in mind that brain fitness can be strengthened so learning difficulties can be reduced and even overcome!
| Brain Fitness System | Significant weakness may be associated with the following learning difficulties: |
| Sensory-Motor Brain Fitness | • Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
• Dysgraphia • Dyspraxia • Oral Dyspraxia • Verbal Dyspraxia • Sensory-Integration Dysfunction (SID) • Sensory Modulation Dysfunction (SMD) |
| Visual Brain Fitness | • Non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD)
• Dyslexia • Dyscalculia |
| Auditory Brain Fitness | • Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
• Receptive Language Disorder • Expressive Language Disorder • Language delay • Specific Language Impairment • Dyslexia • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) |
| Attention Brain Fitness | • Attention Deficit Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder |
| Social-Emotional Brain Fitness | • Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NLD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) • Asperger’s Syndrome |
Common Signs of Learning Difficulties
Identifying learning difficulties in children can be challenging for parents. However, early detection and intervention of these difficulties can help your child overcome these challenges and succeed academically and socially.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some common signs of learning difficulties and introduce the concept of whole-brain training programmes, which can play an essential role in supporting your child’s mental fitness and overall brain development.
Struggles with Reading and Writing
Children with learning difficulties may struggle to recognise letters, identify the relationship between sounds and letters, or comprehend reading material. They might also need help forming letters, spelling words correctly, or organising their thoughts in writing.
Difficulty with Math Concepts
A child with learning difficulties might struggle to grasp basic math concepts, such as counting, addition, subtraction, or understanding time and money. They may also need help remembering math facts or solving word problems.
Trouble Following Directions
Children with learning difficulties often struggle to follow multi-step instructions or understand complex directions. They may forget steps, misinterpret instructions, or become easily overwhelmed by tasks that involve multiple steps.
Poor Memory and Retention
Learning difficulties can affect a child’s short-term and long-term memory, making it hard for them to retain information or recall previously learned material. This can make everyday school tasks challenging—completing assignments, studying for tests, and remembering important dates or events.
Difficulty with Focus and Attention
Children with learning difficulties may have trouble staying focused on a task, be easily distracted, or show signs of hyperactivity. This can negatively affect their ability to complete assignments, participate in class discussions, or follow through on tasks.
Social and Behavioural Issues
Learning difficulties can also impact a child’s social and emotional well-being. Due to their struggles in school, children may exhibit signs of frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Additionally, they might have trouble making friends, understanding social cues, or managing their emotions.
How Whole Brain Training Programmes Can Help
Whole-brain training programs are designed to address learning difficulties by focusing on mental fitness and brain-based exercises. These programs aim to strengthen cognitive skills, improve brain function, and enhance overall brain development.
Here are some key benefits of brain training classes and brain development centres:
- Improved Cognitive Skills: Brain training exercises help strengthen essential cognitive skills such as memory, attention, processing speed, and problem-solving abilities.
- Enhanced Learning Abilities: By targeting specific brain areas, whole-brain training programs can improve a child’s ability to learn, process information, and perform academic tasks.
- Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: As children see improvements in their cognitive skills and academic performance, their confidence grows, developing a more positive attitude toward learning.
- Personalised Approach: Brain-based programs are tailored to meet each child’s personal needs, ensuring they receive the support and guidance necessary to overcome their learning difficulties.
Conclusion
Recognising the signs of learning difficulties in your child is the first step towards providing them with the support they need to succeed. Whole-brain training programmes offer a valuable solution for enhancing mental fitness and promoting overall brain development. If you suspect your child may be struggling with learning difficulties, consider exploring brain training classes and brain development centres to help them reach their full potential.
Together, we can make a difference for your child!
For more information on how a personalised whole-brain training programme can benefit your child, consider enrolling your child for a CognitiveMAP Assessment. Learn more about BrainFit programmes here.
References
- Learning Disabilities, https://ldaamerica.org/disability_type/learning-disabilities/ Accessed 25 June 2024
- What are Learning Disabilities?, https://www.verywellmind.com/learning-disabilities-types-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-6386232 Accessed 25 June 2024
- The five most common learning disabilities and their symptoms, https://www.ldrfa.org/the-top-5-most-common-learning-disabilities-their-symptoms/ Accessed 25 June 2024
- Tips for recognising learning disorders in the classroom, https://childmind.org/article/recognizing-learning-disorders-in-the-classroom/ Accessed 25 June 2024