Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are neurologically-based processing problems. These processing problems can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing and/or math. They can also interfere with higher-level skills such as organization, time planning, abstract reasoning, long or short term memory, and attention. It is important to realize that learning disabilities can affect an individual’s life beyond academics and can impact relationships with family, friends and in the workplace.

A learning disability cannot be cured or fixed; it is a lifelong challenge. However, with appropriate support and intervention, people with learning disabilities can achieve success in school, at work, in relationships, and in the community.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder, this is a condition that adversely affects how sound that travels unimpeded through the ear is processed or interpreted by the brain. Individuals with APD do not recognize subtle differences between sounds in words, even when the sounds are loud and clear enough to be heard. They can also find it difficult to tell where sounds are coming from, to make sense of the order of sounds, or to block out competing for background noises.

Dysgraphia

A specific learning disability that affects a person’s handwriting ability and fine motor skills. Problems may include illegible handwriting, inconsistent spacing, poor spatial planning on paper, poor spelling, and difficulty composing writing as well as thinking and writing at the same time.

Dyscalculia

A specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. Individuals with this type of LD may also have poor comprehension of math symbols, may struggle with memorizing and organizing numbers, have difficulty telling time, or have trouble with counting.

Dyslexia

A specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. The severity can differ in each individual but can affect reading fluency, decoding, reading comprehension, recall, writing, spelling, and sometimes speech and can exist along with other related disorders. Dyslexia is sometimes referred to as a Language-Based Learning Disability.

Language Processing Disorder

A specific type of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in which there is difficulty attaching meaning to sound groups that form words, sentences and stories. While an APD affects the interpretation of all sounds coming into the brain, a Language Processing Disorder (LPD) relates only to the processing of language. LPD can affect expressive language and/or receptive language.

Running Tips

Running a mile is a good goal for a person who’s just starting to run. Even if you’ve never run before, you can train to run a mile in a few short weeks by following an interval training program. Learning the proper techniques for running will help you run a mile with ease.

• Start slow. Begin the run at a slow jog to ease yourself into running. You don't want to begin running as fast as you can or you might burn out before you finish the mile. You should be jogging at a slow and easy pace for the first minute or so of your mile.


• Set a target time. Running a mile should take new runners about 10 to 12 minutes. If you are running on a standard track, try to complete the first lap in around 3 minutes. A mile is 4 laps on a standard track.

• Pace yourself. The key to running a long-distance is to pace your run so that you don't burn out before you're finished. You should run the mile at an easy speed that isn't too exhausting for you. You should be able to keep your breathing steady throughout your entire run, so if you find yourself breathing harder, you need to slow down your pace.

• Push yourself toward the finish. As you are running the fourth and final lap of your mile, try to increase your pace slightly. When you are running a mile starting slow and finishing strong and fast will allow you to use your energy most effectively.