No posts were found!
Anatomy of a Learning Disability
Picture vs. verbal thought
Humans think in two ways: verbally and pictorially. Most everyone thinks in both modes, but each individual tends to specialize more in one area than another.
Verbal thought 
- thinking with the sounds of words
- linear in time
- follows the structure of language
- works very well for reading, writing, listening or speaking
Pictoral thought 
- thinking with the pictures of concepts or ideas
- associative (non-linear)
- like 3 dimensional, multi-sensory movies
- works well when using imagination, for figuring out how things work, creating, athletics and arts
Pictoral thought is the primary thinking style of people with dyslexia.
Anatomy of a learning disability
The following chart shows why dyslexia can be a disability until correction is given. Again, we are using the terms ADD and dyslexia when referring to any learning disability caused by the thinking process we work with.
(For a more in-depth understanding of how ADD/ADHD fit into this structure, click here.)
Picture thinkers
As those with ADD or dyslexia read, write and listen, we string together pictures in our minds in order to understand what is being read/said.
Hit a word with no picture
When reading, writing or listening, we come across words or symbols which have no picture. (the, was, but, +, ?, #)
Confusion
Usually, we push on despite the blanks until the picture sequence is broken up too much. As the sequence is broken up by these missing pictures, comprehension is lost and we become confused.
Disorientation
Dyslexics have a perceptual talent, triggered by confusion, which works against us when it comes to reading symbols such as letters and numbers. Subconsciously, we alter our perceptions trying to understand what is being read or heard.
Those with ADD do the same thing with what they hear and see, giving them incorrect perceptions of what really occurred.
Mistakes
To dyslexics and ADD individuals, these distortions appear as reality. Therefore, we make mistakes in what we are reading, writing or how we react to situations. Some common mistakes may be:
Dyslexics:
Omit a letter, number or word.
Alter a sequence of letters, numbers or words.
Skip lines.
Stop or hesitate.
Voice becomes monotone.
Writing is illegible or messy.
Reading, spelling or writing become slow and laborious.
Guess at words and spellings.
Ignore math symbols or lose the sequence while computing a math problem.
ADD/ADHD:
Lack of concentration.
Tired in school or while reading.
Impulsive.
Easily distracted.
Disorganized.
Inconsistent (one day they can do something – the next day they can’t).
Problems following instructions.
Difficulty forming/keeping relationships with others.
Frequent inability to sit still.
Frustration
Reading, writing or math are difficult because of the mistakes they make. Those with ADD become frustrated with the reactions of those around them.
Compulsive solutions
Individuals adopt compulsive behaviours, patterns and mental tricks to reduce the mistakes and frustrations caused by disorientation.
Some common old solutions are:
Dyslexics:
Extreme concentration.
Memorizing rather than understanding.
Rereading over and over.
Sounding out each letter of every word.
Avoiding reading, writing or math tasks.
Getting others to read or write for them.
ADD/ADHD:
Hanging around with the wrong crowds.
Becoming class clown.
Withdrawing from social situations.
Adopting the I don’t care attitude.
Extremely good at making up excuses.
Rocky Point Academy: Featured Items
Verbal vs. Picture Thinking
Anatomy of a Learning Disability
Characteristics Checklist
Solutions
Program Results
Testimonials
Supporting Research
Bookstore