Learning disabilities are not uncommon for children, but can difficult to diagnose and treat. And if your child is struggling with a learning disability, you might want to consider Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy. At Colorado Behavior and Learning Group in Colorado Springs, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts offer advanced ABA therapies to help your child adapt to their specific condition. Results are often positive, effective, and can last a lifetime. Learn more and get started by visiting one of our ABA Therapy centers today:
What Is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability is a broad term describing issues that affect children’s basic learning skills. Learning disabilities change the way your child learns things like reading, writing, math, and other important skills. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, 1 in 5 children in the United States has a learning or attention disability. Children may have more than one learning disability, often related to each other. For example, a child struggling with reading, writing, or math may also have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In conclusion, there are a variety of learning disabilities that affect children.
Learning disabilities often aren’t discovered until children start school. This is the age when your child typically goes from small groups to larger classrooms where testing and everyday activities reveal they are struggling in a certain area or areas. However, if you notice your child seems to struggle early on, there are many ways you can get help early to help address the issue early and prepare them for school. If you find your child struggling to learn or keep up with their peers, they may have a learning disability.
What Are Signs of Learning Disabilities?
All children learn at different rates, but there are some common signs your child may be suffering from a learning disability. These issues vary by age. Research has found that children with learning disabilities often also face behavior issues like impulsivity or ADHD. Here are some common signs for varying age groups that your child may experience:
Children Under the Age of 5
- Delayed speaking
- Trouble learning their ABCs, numbers, colors, or shapes
- Poor pronunciation
- Difficulty learning words
- Coordination problems
- Motor skill issues like trouble holding crayons or objects
- Short attention span
Children Above Age 5
- Lack of attention and focus
- Trouble following directions
- Organization problems at school and home
- Trouble reading and writing
- Difficulty with math or word problems
- Lack of ability to explain or speak clearly
If your child faces one or more of these issues, they may be dealing with a learning disorder. There are many things you can do as a parent to help them overcome these issues and be successful in the learning process.
What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy empowers your child to overcome learning disabilities by creating a structured environment that overcomes issues and teaches them how to learn. ABA therapy is designed to improve learning skills through positive-reinforcement strategies. As a parent, your first step will be to speak to a therapist trained in ABA. You will speak to them about your child’s specific learning issues as well as their personality and strengths. Next, the ABA-trained therapist will meet with your child to spend time observing their behavior, skills, and learning issues.
ABA therapy is highly regarded because the therapist will create a hands-on, completely unique program for your child. Most importantly, ABA therapy includes the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers to keep everyone on the same page to help your child, empowering your child to thrive in a learning environment.
How Can ABA Therapy Help with Learning Disabilities?
ABA therapy is a successful approach to understanding and treating your child’s learning disability and allowing them to successfully learn and develop. A large part of ABA therapy itself centers around the science behind learning, making it ideal for children with learning disabilities. ABA therapy’s individualized therapy plan will take the complex issues of your child’s learning issue and break them down into a series of small steps. These steps are addressed through activities that often feel more like play than therapy. This can include activities like modeling, communicating through picture exchange, trial training, and other structured activities. Many activities are hands-on and encourage creativity. Your child receives positive reinforcement during ABA therapy, encouraging them to repeat the positive behaviors outside the sessions. In conclusion, ABA therapy’s specialized approach can help your child overcome learning disabilities and thrive.
Get Started Today!
We have two ABA Therapy Centers in Colorado Springs at:
Academy and Galley.
Get started with ABA Therapy for a Learning Disability today: