Educational therapy gets to the root of learning disabilities: Part 1

Many children have difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, math, attention and memory. All children want to be successful in school yet they struggle despite parent-teacher interventions or private tutoring. Thanks to current research in the fields of neuropsychology, major steps forward have been made in understanding potential causes of several learning disabilities. Research points to neurological problems in auditory system for children with dyslexia.

Scientists have discovered underlying neural problems underlying dyslexia. At the Max Plank Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Germany, researchers have discovered that dyslexia, a well-known reading and spelling learning disability characterized by early phonological problems, has an underlying neurological impairment in the structure that transfers auditory information from the ear to the brain. Scientists at Finland's Cognitive Brain Research Unit also discovered underlying auditory problems in individuals with dyslexia. While the most current research comes from Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., demonstrates that dyslexia, generally believed to be caused by phonological impairments, actually has its roots in the phonetic system, causing individuals with dyslexia to have difficulty discriminating sounds.

Educational therapy helps to address these underlying causes of dyslexia, such as auditory processing on an individual basis. This is different from a tutor who provides subject support. Wired2Learn uses educational therapy to help students find success using strength-based interventions and progressive brain training programs based on current psychological and educational research. Clients include individuals with sensory processing disorder, attention deficits, dyslexia, dysgraphia, math deficits and autism spectrum disorders. Free assessments in processing and internal timing will be available at Wired2Learn during our open house on Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 4-8 p.m. on the second floor of 1616 E. Seltice Way in Post Falls. Guests will get a sensory experience as they get to see and try some of the programs and interventions offered at Wired2Learn.

Alyssa Pukkila, MS is an educational therapist for Wired2Learn, (208) 699-6232.