Reading Math Writing Attention Hyperactivity / impulsivity Organization / planning Spoken language Listening comprehension Social skills Motor skills
ADD More Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) is now officially called ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type. ADHD More Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by symptoms that include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. But not all of these need to be present for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD. Auditory processing disorder More A condition in which a child has trouble accurately processing and interpreting information he hears. Kids with APD often struggle to recognize subtle differences in the way words sound. They may have trouble filtering out background noise or listening to and following multi-step directions. Also called central auditory processing disorder. Dyslexia More A specific learning disability in reading. Kids with dyslexia may have difficulty in reading, spelling and other skills related to the use of printed language. Dyscalculia More A specific learning disability in math. Kids with dyscalculia may have difficulty understanding number-related concepts or using symbols or functions needed for success in mathematics. Dysgraphia More A specific learning disability in writing. Kids with dysgraphia may have difficulty writing legibly and at age-appropriate speed. Many children with dysgraphia also struggle to put their thoughts down on paper. This is sometimes called a disorder of written expression. Dyspraxia More Sometimes called developmental coordination disorder. Kids with dyspraxia may have difficulty planning and performing tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing, tying shoelaces or using buttons or zippers. Executive functioning issues More Difficulty organizing oneself to accomplish tasks. Kids with these issues often have trouble planning ahead, prioritizing, self-correcting, starting activities and shifting from one task to another. Sensory processing issues More Over- or under-responding to sensory information such as bright lights or unexpected sounds. Kids with these issues may have difficulty with changes in their daily routine, the tastes or textures of certain foods or the feeling of certain fabrics on their skin. Visual processing issues More Difficulty processing or interpreting visual information. Kids with visual processing issues may have difficulty telling the difference between two shapes or finding a specific piece of information on a page. Nonverbal learning disability More Difficulty recognizing and responding to unspoken or non-literal communication. Kids with NVLD may have trouble understanding body language or sarcasm. They may also have weaknesses in such areas as abstract reasoning and physical coordination. Sometimes abbreviated as NLD. Receptive language disorder More Difficulty understanding what others are saying. Kids with this condition may have trouble following spoken directions, especially directions involving multiple steps or unfamiliar words. The term language disorder also covers these symptoms. Expressive language disorder More Difficulty expressing thoughts and ideas. Kids with expressive language disorder may have trouble finding the right word to say or may mix up past and present verb tenses. The term language disorder also covers these symptoms. Social communication disorder More Sometimes called pragmatic language impairment or semantic pragmatic disorder. Kids with social communication disorder may have difficulty with the subtle rules of communication. They may not have a strong sense about the give-and-take of conversation or the physical space needed to make a speaking partner feel comfortable. Slow processing speed More Processing speed is the pace at which a person takes in and reacts to information that is expressed through sight, sound or movement. Kids with slow processing speed usually have difficulty in at least two of these areas.