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CHC Resource Library

Learning Difference Resources​

Learning Difference Resources​ You Can Trust

Learning differences is a broad term that can encompass many aspects of how we learn. Discover more about learning differences, diagnoses, signs and how these differences impact many areas of one’s life. 

A View of Learning Differences Across the Lifespan

Click to interact with each stage of the lifespan and learn more.

Children with learning differences are typically bright, outgoing, and often, very verbal. Signs begin to appear when more formal language learning begins.

  • Difficulty with rhyming
  • Appreciates routines
  • Trouble recognizing letters of alphabet
  • Works hard
  • Slower to talk
  • Unable to find the right words
  • Often creative
  • Tells the truth
  • Usually follows rules

Once the child begins school and the demands increase, the impact of a learning difference becomes more apparent.

  • Challenges with spelling
  • Often has a good sense of humor
  • Difficulty learning math facts
  • Likes puzzles
  • Bright and curious
  • Self esteem begins to deteriorate
  • Sees patterns
  • Doesn’t want to go to school
  • Somatic complaints (stomachache, headache etc)
  • Likes to help others

Adolescents with learning differences continue to experience academic and learning challenges as the workload increases. They also begin to understand and leverage their strengths.

  • Can be very verbal
  • Skilled at problem solving
  • Sometimes outgoing with good sense of humor
  • Perceive themselves as ‘dumb’ in school
  • Difficulty with homework and completing assignments
  • Understands real-world math
  • Can be disorganized
  • May withdraw
  • Artistic and creative
  • May excel at sports or music

Although adults may continue to have difficulties with reading, writing and math, they can find their niche in life and in the workplace by identifying and using their many strengths.

  • Poor memory
  • Difficulty following verbal directions
  • Creative and clever
  • Adept problem solvers
  • Good listeners
  • May carry the pain of not feeling successful throughout childhood
  • When successful, they may feel like an impostor
  • Can experience increased motivation
  • Well-developed strategies to support challenges
  • May be incredibly resilient
The signs of autism vary widely. In young children these are some commonly observed early symptoms:
  • May not respond to name
  • Recognizes patterns
  • Not talking as much as others
  • Little to no pretend play
  • Strong memory for rote information (e.g., names of colors, shapes, vehicles)
  • Limited interests
  • Sensitive to sensory stimuli
  • May become easily aggravated
  • Little interactive play with same-aged peers
  • Repetitive movements
As children experience more social situations (like school), the lack of social skills may begin to become more apparent. Commonly observed traits may include:
  • Doesn’t seem to respond to others’ thoughts or feelings
  • Repetitive movements
  • Good vocabulary
  • Likes daily routines
  • Difficulty with transitions
  • Learns to read early but may struggle with comprehension
  • Hyperfocused on areas of interest to them
  • Memorizes easily
  • Uses facial expressions that don’t match their message
  • Difficulty making friends
  • Sensitive to sensory input
  • Excessive attention to detail
During the adolescent years, teens are exposed to new social situations, which can cause anxiety. Sometimes this is when girls (or those assigned female at birth) may start to show more social concerns.
  • Unusual challenges in developing friendships
  • Difficulty understanding subtle communication cues like tone, facial expression or body language
  • Focuses on patterns or details that others may not
  • Prefers to isolate and focus on specific interests
  • Unusually honest
  • Sensitive to sensory input
  • Appears to be rude without meaning to be
  • Lacks conversational skills
  • Difficulty applying learned information
Symptoms may be similar to those of adolescents. Adulthood is filled with new challenges, such as managing money, finding and keeping a job and more.
  • Trouble understanding what others are thinking or feeling
  • Uncomfortable in social situations
  • Strong visual thinking
  • Trouble making friends or dating
  • Very focused on a specific interest
  • Avoids eye contact
  • Difficulties with independent living
  • Participates in limited number of activities

Featured Learning Difference Resources

My Child Is a Strong Reader But Struggles with Writing. How Can I Help?

If your child seems to be struggling, identifying the specific difficulties that your child is experiencing will guide you to the type of support your child needs.

Learning Differences
Across the Lifespan

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Nicole Ofiesh, Director of the Schwab Learning Center at CHC, as she shares pro tips developed throughout decades of leveraging neurodiversity in settings from kindergarten to college, classroom to corporate. 

Two boys talking in a classroom

Four Key Executive Functioning Strategies for Your Child

For many students, executive function (EF) weaknesses are at the core of learning challenges and academic stress.

My Child Is a Strong Reader But Struggles with Writing. How Can I Help?

My Child Is a Strong Reader But Struggles with Writing. How Can I Help?

If your child seems to be struggling, identifying the specific difficulties that your child is experiencing will guide you to the type of support your child needs.

Boys reading in a classroom

Learning Differences
Across the Lifespan

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Nicole Ofiesh, Director of the Schwab Learning Center at CHC, as she shares pro tips developed throughout decades of leveraging neurodiversity in settings from kindergarten to college, classroom to corporate. 

Two boys talking in a classroom

Four Key Executive Functioning Strategies for Your Child

For many students, executive function (EF) weaknesses are at the core of learning challenges and academic stress.

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