Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disability which is neurological in origin. It mainly affects the way an individual decodes words which relates to how their brain processes reading, spelling, and phonics. Dyslexia also impacts an individual’s reading fluency and comprehension. It is important to note that dyslexia is not caused by intelligence, hearing, or visual deficits. 

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a math learning disability which is neurological in origin. It causes an individual to have challenges with understanding mathematical concepts, equations, and relationships. It can also affect daily life such as reading an analog clock, paying for items, and keeping time when reading music. The abstract thinking of numbers hinders an individual’s ability to visualize and comprehend information. It is important to note that dyscalculia is not caused by intelligence or visual deficits.

What is a Dyslexia Screener?

A dyslexia screener is a tool or assessment that is used to identify the risk or presence of dyslexia in individuals. It may involve a series of tests and questionnaires designed to assess various skills, including phonological processing, working memory, and rapid automatized naming. The results of the screener can help to determine whether an individual should be referred for further evaluation or support. It is important to note that a dyslexia screener can not make a formal dyslexia diagnosis.

Who can diagnose a learning disability?

In the United States, a learning disability is typically diagnosed by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or educational psychologist. These professionals have specialized training and experience in assessing and diagnosing learning disabilities.

The diagnostic process typically involves a comprehensive evaluation that may include standardized tests, observations, interviews, and reviews of medical and educational records. The goal of the evaluation is to identify the presence of a learning disability and to determine the individual’s specific strengths and weaknesses.

It’s important to note that the diagnostic process for a learning disability can be complex and may take some time. Additionally, a diagnosis is not always necessary for an individual to receive support and accommodations in their education or work environment. School districts and employers may provide accommodations and support based on an individual’s specific needs and challenges, regardless of whether a formal diagnosis has been made.

 

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What is the difference between dyscalculia and math anxiety?
Dyscalculia and math anxiety are both related to difficulties with mathematics, but they are distinct conditions.
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder that affects an individual’s ability to understand and comprehend numbers. People with dyscalculia may have difficulty with basic arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as more advanced mathematical concepts, such as fractions, decimals, and algebra. Dyscalculia is often associated with difficulties with spatial perception, working memory, and executive function.
Math anxiety, on the other hand, is a psychological condition in which individuals experience fear or anxiety related to mathematics. People with math anxiety may avoid math-related activities, experience physical symptoms of anxiety, and may have negative thoughts about their ability to perform well in math.
While dyscalculia and math anxiety may co-occur in some individuals, they are distinct conditions with different underlying causes. Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in nature, while math anxiety is a psychological condition that may be related to factors such as past negative experiences with math, fear of failure, or societal pressure to excel in math.
What is the difference between dyslexia and dyscalculia?
Dyslexia and dyscalculia are both learning disabilities that impact the way an individual processes certain information. However, they are different in terms of the specific skills and abilities that are affected.
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects an individual’s ability to decode speech sounds, appropriately spelling words and understand written text. People who have dyslexia often have obstacles with accurate word recognition and reading fluency.
Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects an individual’s ability to understand and manipulate numbers. People with dyscalculia may have difficulty with basic arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This makes advanced mathematical concepts, such as fractions, decimals, and algebra, even harder to comprehend.
While dyslexia and dyscalculia are different learning disabilities with distinct struggles, they may co-occur in some individuals.
What is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP?

A 504 plan is under the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people who have disabilities. These plans allow for only accommodations or modifications rather than accommodations and specifically designed instruction. An individual can qualify for a 504 Plan if they have a diagnosed disability that interferes with their performance in a general education setting. 

 An IEP means Individualized Education Plan and it provides specifically designed instruction and accommodations to students. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law that protects this document for students who have disabilities. The people who qualify for IEPs are students who have one of the 13 specific disabilities under the IDEA who have difficulties performing and learning in a general education setting. 

What is an accommodation in an educational setting?
An accommodation in an educational setting is a change or adaptation that helps the student access the regular curriculum to best help them demonstrate their knowledge.

Examples of accommodations could include: A student having filled in notes, limit copying tasks from a white board, access to text-to-speech or speech-to-text, and preferential seating. There are many more that could be included in a comprehensive list.

What accommodations are helpful for people who have a learning disability?

Accommodations for Learning Disabilities is a graphic linked in the “resources” tab, but I will put it here too. These are some accommodations that I personally found helpful when I was in school, however there are more that could be mentioned. There is a comprehensive list of accommodations from the organization  www.undivided.io  which you can access by clicking Example Accommodations for IEPs and 504s. 

 

I feel compelled to remind everyone reading this that each and every person with or without a learning disability has different strengths and weaknesses. However, for students who do have a learning disability, certain accommodations will work better for one student versus another. It is about trial and error and working with the student and the case manager to figure out what makes the most sense for the IEP, 504 Plan, or college accommodations. 

Source: Undivided. Undivided: IEP & Regional Center Support for Kids with Disabilities. 2025, https://www.undivided.io/.

What do I do if I think my child has a learning disability?

The Overview: 

 

Child Find is an act under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that states a caregiver, teacher, or parent has the right to ask the school system (private or public) to evaluate a child who is suspected to have a disability and in need of special education and other related  services. This is completely free of charge for the family. 

This is a brief section written for the Child Find Act: 

“The State must have in effect policies and procedures to ensure that—

(i) All children with disabilities residing in the State, including children with disabilities who are homeless children or are wards of the State, and children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated; and

(ii) A practical method is developed and implemented to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services.”

Source: “Sec. 300.111 Child Find.” Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Regulations, U.S. Department of Education, last modified May 3, 2017, https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/b/300.111. 

Part 1–Writing the School a Formal Letter: 

To start the process of asking your school to evaluate your child, take a look at this resource which is from Parent Center Hub, Requesting an Initial Evaluation for Special Education Services. This resource explains what the process consists of and has an example of a letter that anyone can use. On the first page of the link listed above, there is another link that explains more about what an evaluation is and in-depth questions and answers that some parents have. 

 

Part 2–In Need of Help? 

This link, Find Your Parent Center, consists of a map of the United States of America and when you click on your state, contact information will appear regarding advocates for disabilities in your state. This is a tool people can utilize if they have questions and do not know who to ask or feel like they need extra support.  

Source: Center for Parent Information and Resources. CPIR Resource Library. Center for Parent Information and Resources, 2024, https://www.parentcenterhub.org/resourcelibrary/. 

Do you have recommendations for audio books or note taking software?

Absolutely! In my elementary and middle school years I used Learning Ally, a platform designed specifically for struggling readers and individuals with dyslexia. This is Learning Ally’s website: LearningAlly.org. My school system allowed me to have a subscription to Learning Ally as a part of my IEP accommodations. I recommend asking if your school has a subscription to an audiobook program too. This also goes for college students who receive accommodations. 

 

In college, I am able to use my school’s subscription to ReadSpeaker, but I found that the program often misread words which is not great for a dyslexic student like myself. I decided to use Speechify instead and have noticed better results. Speechify allows you to upload PDFs and website links to convert text into speech, among other features. This is a great option for students in school, but especially college students. Watch my Youtube video: My Top 3 Assisted Technology Recommendations to learn more about Speechify.

What is the difference between Lindamood-Bell and Orton-Gillingham?

These are two links that talk about the differences between these two very popular evidence-based reading curriculums written by qualified experts. I personally did the Lindamood-Bell curriculum with tutors who specialized in it. By having amazing tutors and finding the right program for my individual needs, I made ample progress in my language abilities. It should be known that finding the right curriculum may be a trial and error process, but do not get discouraged (as the parent or student). 

 

Orton Gillingham vs. Lindamood Bell: Understanding the Differences

 

Lindamood-Bell vs. Orton-Gillingham: What’s the Difference?

 

Also, if you are someone looking for an evidence-based math curriculum then look at the link below. This link explains what On Cloud Nine, an evidence-based math curriculum, by Lindamood-Bell is. I did this curriculum with tutors and made ample progress with my math abilities. I am currently unaware of other evidence-based math curriculums besides this one, but that does not mean they do not exist.

On Cloud Nine Math Program by Nanci Bell & Kimberly Tuley

 

Source: Learnability. “Orton Gillingham vs. Lindamood Bell: Understanding the Differences.” Learnability, 24 Sept. 2024, https://thelearnability.com/ortongillingham-vs-lindamood-bell/. 

Source: Murphy, Lisa. “Lindamood-Bell vs. Orton-Gillingham: What’s the Difference?” Pine State Learning, 22 Mar. 2021, updated 3 May 2024, https://www.pinestatelearning.com/post/this-is-your-third-post.

Source: Silvereye Learning Resources. Prod2333: “On Cloud Nine Math Program by Nanci Bell & Kimberly Tuley”. Silvereye Learning Resources, www.silvereye.com.au/documents/product_info/prod2333.pdf.