Does your child have a learning disability, or do suspect he or she has one but it's undiagnosed? At Developmental Pediatrics of Central New Jersey, Dr. Alison Smoller helps children and their families in Monmouth County cope with developmental and learning disabilities. She fields questions about school-related difficulties. What would you like to know about your child's learning?

FAQs about learning disabilities

Just what is a learning disability? A learning disability is an inherent, often hereditary, disorder which affects an individual's ability to take in and process information, speak, spell, read, calculate and more. Learning disabilities cannot be fixed or healed; however, children can learn ways to deal with these issues. With the advent of school and work accommodations and computer-based technologies, learning disabilities do not have to impede academic or professional success in adulthood.

What is the most common one? According to Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region, the most common learning disability is dyslexia, a wide-ranging problem which manifests in reading, writing, organizational and math difficulties. Dysgraphia and dyscalculia, which present with misunderstanding of time and money and with poor handwriting, respectively, are prevalent also.

I suspect my child has a learning disability, but how can I know for sure? Sometimes developmental delays are mistaken for true disabilities. With time, delays resolve, while learning disabilities require specific testing, identification and accommodation, especially through the school-age years. Dr. Smoller is specially trained in identifying leaning disabilities. She helps youngsters and their families in Monmouth County cope day to day and in the academic environment. She refers to area experts for additional testing, programs and other helps.

Usually, an IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, test along with a standardized academic test for math, writing and reading, uncover a discrepancy between the two (high IQ, low academic performance) and flags a learning disability. Additional testing and symptomalogy hone in on the specific problem.

What is an IEP? An IEP is an Individualized Education Program. A child with a documented learning disability may have an IEP in place in his or her school so teachers and administrators help the student optimize success. Not only are special considerations given to test taking, tutoring and more, an IEP also outlines ways for the child to be mainstreamed into the everyday academic environment. Dr. Smoller can weigh in on formulation of an IEP or render a second opinion on an existing plan as requested.

How many children have learning disabilities? They are fairly common. The Learning Disabilities Association of America states that 2.3 million children in the United States have specific learning disabilities.

Find out more

At Developmental Pediatrics of Central New Jersey, Dr. Alison Smoller and her caring team understand the concerns of parents whose youngsters are learning disabled. They can help you help your child succeed in school and in life. Dr. Smoller proudly serves patients from all over the state of New Jersey and including Pennsylvania. Call the office for a friendly and informative consultation: (732) 660-0220.