What do learning disability therapists do?

Various therapists can help treat learning disabilities. These may include occupational therapists, who will typically work with a child to improve their fine motor skills, hand strength, or dexterity; speech-language therapists, who can help individuals with language-based learning disabilities better translate their thoughts into words (whether written or verbal); and psychotherapists or cognitive behavioural therapists, who often aim to help children challenge negative thoughts about themselves that result from their learning disability (for example, that they’re “lazy” or “dumb”).

Who can diagnose learning disabilities?

Several types of professionals can diagnose learning disabilities, including clinical psychologists, educational psychologists, developmental psychologists, neuropsychologists, and speech-language therapists. School-based psychologists often conduct evaluations when a learning disability is suspected in a child, though parents may also seek outside assessments. Adults who wish to be evaluated for learning disabilities can ask their primary care provider to recommend a nearby specialist.

What is the best therapy for learning disabilities?

The best treatment for learning disabilities depends in part on the specific disorder and its severity. However, many treatment plans follow the same general structure and tend to include classroom or on-the-job accommodations, subject-specific tutoring or other forms of specialized instruction, and therapy, which may consist of occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and or talk therapy. Children and adults with learning disabilities may also benefit from assistive technology, such as text-to-speech programs.

Can you overcome learning disabilities with treatment?

While learning disabilities cannot be cured, treatment can foster significant progress and help individuals identify the strategies or workarounds that best equip them to cope with their challenges. Early identification is especially critical for learning disabilities; the earlier treatment is initiated, the more effective it will be, and the more likely any negative psychological effects—such as low self-esteem or anxiety—can be avoided.