Empowering Educators to Identify Learning Disorders: A Practical Session

That’s why I’m excited to invite you to an informative and practical session on “Identifying Learning Disorders in the Mainstream Classroom”. This presentation is designed to empower educators like you with the tools, insights, and strategies you need to recognize and support students with learning difficulties effectively.

Why This Session Matters

Learning disorders are not always easy to spot. Often, they present as behavioral issues, lack of interest, or simply poor performance in certain subjects. However, the earlier these challenges are identified, the quicker interventions can be implemented, improving both the academic outcomes and the overall well-being of the student.

Learning disorders are not always easy to spot. Often, they present as behavioral issues, lack of interest, or simply poor performance in certain subjects. However, the earlier these challenges are identified, the quicker interventions can be implemented, improving both the academic outcomes and the overall well-being of the student. My aim is to give you a clear understanding of what these disorders look like in a real classroom setting. Together, we will explore the common signs of learning disorders such as:

•    Dyslexia: reading difficulties often go together with struggles in spelling, phonological awareness, and sometimes even handwriting.

•    ADHD – which manifests as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, often affecting a student's ability to focus on lessons, follow instructions, or complete tasks. •    Dysgraphia: where students struggle with writing and written expression.

•    Autism – a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication skills, and behavior, among other areas.

Practical, Evidence-Based Strategies You’ll Gain

During this session, I will not only help you recognize the early signs of learning disorders but also provide evidence-based strategies you can immediately implement in your classroom to support these students. Here’s what we’ll cover in depth:

1. Early Identification of Learning Disorders:

•    What are the key signs and behaviors that might indicate a learning disorder?

•    How can you differentiate between a learning disorder and general behavioral issues?

•    What should you do once you suspect a student may have a learning disorder?

2.  Classroom Strategies for an Inclusive Learning Environment: 

Creating an inclusive environment benefits all students, but it’s especially critical for those with learning disorders. This part of the session will provide you with:

• Differentiated instruction techniques that cater to diverse learning needs.

•  Classroom accommodations, like extra time for assignments or modified seating arrangements, that can significantly reduce the challenges faced by students with learning disorders.

•   Assistive technology and tools designed to support students in reading, writing, and organization.

3. Assessment and Intervention Resources: Knowing how to assess a student's needs and intervene early is critical. During the session, I’ll introduce you to:

•    Screening and assessment tools that can help identify learning disorders, many of which are simple to use and can be integrated into your regular teaching routine.

•    Intervention techniques based on the latest research in educational psychology, which you can use to create individualized learning plans for students.

•    Resource sharing is a key element of this presentation, so I’ll provide access to a comprehensive toolkit of resources, from diagnostic checklists to instructional strategies that can be easily adapted to your teaching style.

A Classroom Where Every Student Thrives

The goal of this session is simple: to empower you to create a classroom where every student thrives, regardless of the challenges they face. By equipping yourself with the tools to identify and support students with learning disorders, you’re not just improving their educational outcomes – you’re also changing lives.

Who Should Attend?

This session is designed for all educators, whether you’re a classroom teacher, a special education coordinator, a school administrator, or a teaching assistant. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to help a struggling student or wondered whether certain behaviors might indicate a learning challenge, this session is for you.

You will leave with:

•    A deeper understanding of learning disorders and how they manifest in mainstream classrooms.

•    Practical strategies and tools to identify and support students with learning difficulties.

•    Resources to continue learning and applying best practices in inclusive education.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and confidence in supporting students with learning disorders. Together, we can create more inclusive and supportive classrooms where every student has the chance to succeed.

Author - Massrat Shaikh,

Educational Psychologist.