Understanding Children Who Have Difficulties With Learning

In order to help individuals who have trouble learning, parents, teachers, other professionals, and students need to be able to talk together and understand each other clearly. But, many parents, teachers, and children feel that the language of learning difficulties is too technical to understand or to be of much practical use. They may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the language that is used.

Individuals who struggle with learning are described in many ways. The words are used in varied settings and have different meanings and connotations for professionals and laypeople. Words used to describe their problems may include:

Differences - This section describes the philosophy and approach of Ennis Cosby and the Foundation

Difficulties - An introduction to recognizing, understanding, and responding to the first signs of difficulty with learning

Delays - Understanding difficulties in school in relation to expectations for development

Deficits - Comparing a student's achievement with expectations based on age, ability, or grade.

Disabilities - Includes legal definitions of learning disabilities and introduces the relevant federal legislation

Dysfunctions - An introduction to the underlying processes which support learning

Disorders - A simple explanation

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