In a mental health crisis? Call or text 988.
Get help:
(Medi-Cal)
In a mental health crisis? Call or text 988.

CHC Resource Library

Learning Differences Resources

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

Featured Learning Differences 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.

Explore Our Library

To begin your search, type in your own words in the search box what you are looking for or look below to simply select from the drop down menus to filter your results. These options can work together so you can type in specific areas of interest and then select filters or use them separately. To begin a new search don’t forget to clear your previous results. We hope you find what you’re looking for and we are always here to help.

Select...
Select...
Select...

How to Recognize ADHD in Women

Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) does not discriminate — people assigned female or male at birth can both have it — diagnosis often does. And while young boys are the group most likely to receive — and be treated... Read more >>

Why ADHD Goes Undetected in Girls

Despite being one of the most common pediatric behavioral health conditions, affecting around 6 million young people, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently missed in girls and female adolescents. Read more >>
Load More Resources

CHC Beyond the Resource Library

CHC provides life-changing services for learning differences and mental health for young adults, kids and teens.

Stay Connected and Informed

Become part of our Virtual Village to receive exclusive updates, valuable resources, and exciting news directly to your inbox.

Join our community and be the first to know about events, resources, and initiatives.