You know that your child does not learn exactly the same way other children her age do. Her reading is below grade level, yet, her vision is good and her social skills are as they should be. What's going on? At Developmental Pediatrics of Central New Jersey, pediatrician Dr. Alison Smoller and her team pinpoint learning disabilities in children across Monmouth County and beyond, helping families not only cope, but thrive.

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is a term used to describe any condition that affects how an individual acquires academic skills. A difference in how the mind is wired rather than a developmental delay, a learning disability cannot be cured, nor can a child grow out of it. However, children (and adults) with these issues can be encouraged in their strengths, be supported at home and in school, and successfully learn ways to excel academically.

The National Institute for Health (NIH) states that one in seven people in the United States has a learning disability, although not all of them are correctly diagnosed or helped. Often, these issues run in families, meaning that children with learning problems likely have parents or siblings with a similar disability to one degree or another. Accordingly, a learning disability truly impacts everyone in the household, requiring that everyone in the family help each other cope and succeed.

Getting help in Monmouth County

If you suspect that your child is struggling with a learning disability, contact Developmental Pediatrics of Central New Jersey. Dr. Alison Smoller can observe and test your child by way of neuro-psychological and learning assessments. She can then recommend strategies that will allow your young one to acquire skills and reach educational goals with or without an IEP, or Individualized Education Program.

Dr. Smoller sees and helps with disabilities such as:

• Dyslexia, a language-based issue which affects reading, math, and organizational skills
• Dysgraphia, which impairs handwriting
• Dyspraxia, which affects motor skills (clumsiness)
• Dysphagia, an impairment involving speaking and understanding speech

Please don't wait

If you see that your child is struggling to progress in school, please contact Developmental Pediatrics of Central New Jersey. Here you will receive compassionate and knowledgeable help in a pleasant and welcoming environment. Call (732) 660-0220 for more information or to arrange a consultation.

We proudly serve patients from all over the state of New Jersey, as well as Pennsylvania!