CHC’s Resource Library

Learning Differences

Learning differences is a broad term that can encompass many aspects of how we learn. Discover more about learning differences, diagnoses, signs and how these differences impact many areas of one’s life.

A View of Learning Differences Across the Lifespan

Click to interact with each stage of the lifespan and learn more.

life-span-young-child

Children with learning differences are typically bright, outgoing, and often, very verbal. Signs begin to appear when more formal language learning begins.

  • Difficulty with rhyming
  • Appreciates routines
  • Trouble recognizing letters of alphabet
  • Works hard
  • Slower to talk
  • Unable to find the right words
  • Often creative
  • Tells the truth
  • Usually follows rules
life-span-school-age

Once the child begins school and the demands increase, the impact of a learning difference becomes more apparent.

  • Challenges with spelling
  • Often has a good sense of humor
  • Difficulty learning math facts
  • Likes puzzles
  • Bright and curious
  • Self esteem begins to deteriorate
  • Sees patterns
  • Doesn’t want to go to school
  • Somatic complaints (stomachache, headache etc)
  • Likes to help others
life-span-adolescent

Adolescents with learning differences continue to experience academic and learning challenges as the workload increases. They also begin to understand and leverage their strengths.

  • Can be very verbal
  • Skilled at problem solving
  • Sometimes outgoing with good sense of humor
  • Perceive themselves as ‘dumb’ in school
  • Difficulty with homework and completing assignments
  • Understands real-world math
  • Can be disorganized
  • May withdraw
  • Artistic and creative
  • May excel at sports or music
life-span-adult

Although adults may continue to have difficulties with reading, writing and math, they can find their niche in life and in the workplace by identifying and using their many strengths.

  • Poor memory
  • Difficulty following verbal directions
  • Creative and clever
  • Adept problem solvers
  • Good listeners
  • May carry the pain of not feeling successful throughout childhood
  • When successful, they may feel like an impostor
  • Can experience increased motivation
  • Well-developed strategies to support challenges
  • May be incredibly resilient

Featured Resources

Knowing where to start can be confusing and overwhelming. Our featured resources offer key knowledge and insights for every step of your journey.

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My Child Is a Strong Reader But Struggles with Writing. How Can I Help?

If your child seems to be struggling, identifying the specific difficulties that your child is experiencing will guide you to the type of support your child needs.

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Learning Differences
Across the Lifespan

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Nicole Ofiesh, Director of the Schwab Learning Center at CHC, as she shares pro tips developed throughout decades of leveraging neurodiversity in settings from kindergarten to college, classroom to corporate.

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Four Key Executive Functioning Strategies for Your Child

For many students, executive function (EF) weaknesses are at the core of learning challenges and academic stress.

Learning Differences Topics & Collections

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