Empowerment Plus Inc - Self Managed Journey

	Attention
	Learning
	Personality
	Food Sensitivities
	Other Factors
	Conclusion

You are the expert on yourself, your opinion is important and we are working as a team.

Welcome to Step Two! The focus is: Learning

The purpose of Step Two is to find out:

	if you have a challenge in this area
	what by-pass strategies to use in order to be successful
	likely causes and treatments for any reading concerns

Quick Jump to FAQ
Quick Jump to "We're Here to Help"

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Procedure - Quick View

Read the summary below of the two classic patterns of Learning Discrepancies (LD).
Decide if your learning strengths and challenges are more similar to Visual-Spatial LD or Language LD.
Find out which by-pass strategy is recommended for your pattern.
Apply your by-pass strategy every day in your school or work setting.
Enjoy getting marks and/or performing to your potential.
Do the Self-Evaluation.
Go to Step Three - Personality.

Procedure - Details

1. Read the summary of the two classic patterns of Learning Discrepancies (LD).

VSLD - Visual Spatial Learning Discrepancy

In a VSLD, the person has strength in the verbal areas. As long as they are actually listening to you, they usually understand most of what is being said and can express themselves well. They also tend to be good readers (if there are no vision problems) and do well in Language Arts and Social Studies. Where this group has difficulty is in writing. Teachers often accuse students with VSLD of being "lazy". They know that the student understands the concepts, they often don't realize the struggle with penmanship and getting their ideas down on paper. Learning basic math facts and science, also present a great challenge to those with a VSLD.

LLD - Language Learning Discrepancy

A person with LLD often has difficulty understanding language and abstract concepts yet is quite capable in learning basic math facts. They might not understand a concept the first time they hear it, but if it is explained with a diagram or concrete example, they usually get it. Once a concept is understood, it is rarely forgotten. Reading ability and language skills develop slower than this group's ability to do math calculations. It can be frustrating for them to try to determine what operation is needed in a math "word problem" (because of the reading involved). Yet, they know their math tables and are able to make rapid mental calculations.

2. Decide if your learning strengths and challenges are more similar to VSLD or LLD. If not, go to Step Three - Personality. If you think you have concerns continue with Step One.

a) Look at the description of VSLD and LLD. Do you fit one of the patterns described? Yes or No?

If YES, go to Point #3 below

If NO, there are two possibilities:

You may have another type of learning challenge or discrepancy that doesn't fit either of these two classic patterns. If so, see We're Here to Help.
OR

You have no discrepancies in your learning. If so, go to Step Three-Personality.

3. Find out which by-pass strategy is recommended for your pattern.

VSLD - For a Visual Spatial Learning Discrepancy, it is recommended that you use a computer for written work or reduce the quantity by half or use a scribe. A scribe is someone who writes down what you say and does not make any suggestions. If you also have difficulties in spelling, use the spell-checker on your computer.

LLD - For a Language Learning Discrepancy, it is recommended that you ask for and are given extra time when writing an exam. It is also important to work on vocabulary development. This can be achieved by learning five new words every week. Before beginning a new subject unit at school or a new job it is recommended that you obtain a list of specialized or technical words and learn their meaning.

4. Apply your by-pass strategy every day in your school or work setting.

If accommodations or by-pass strategies are put in place, the person with VSLD or LLD is often able to achieve success in school or on the job.

5. Enjoy getting grades that reflect your ability. Enjoy success at work as you reach your potential.

As they begin to achieve the kind of marks that reflect their intelligence and understanding, they begin to feel better about themselves and the "ripple effect" begins. Their self-esteem improves, extra-curricular school and work activity increases, and initiative and taking responsibility for learning starts to happen.

6. Do the Self-Evaluation.

Our Goal in Step Two - Learning was to see:

if you have a challenge in this area

what by-pass strategies to use in order to be successful

likely causes and treatments for any reading concerns

Did you have a learning discrepancy or challenge? Yes or No?

If YES, did you fit one of the classic patterns? Yes or No?

If YES, you have a discrepancy in your learning, did you learn what to do about it? If yes, that's great.

If NO, go back and review By-pass Strategies.

If NO, you didn't fit any of the classic patterns, did you recognize yourself in the Learning Discrepancies Chart or Common Causes of Reading Problems? Yes or No?

If YES, you did recognize yourself on any of these charts, I encourage you to try out the strategies that fit the description of your symptoms.

If NO, you didn't recognize yourself in any of the charts, you may benefit from an individual consultation or assessment (See Let's Chat!)

7. Now it is time to proceed: Go to Step Three - Personality.

More questions? We're Here to Help

FAQ - Questions

Q1:	Why are we looking at learning?
Q2:	What if my child or I already had a detailed assessment and have been diagnosed with Learning Disabilities?
Q3:	Why are you not using the official terms for Learning Disabilities?
Q4:	What causes Learning Disabilities (LD)?
Q5:	Can you diagnose an LD as part of the Self-Managed Journey?
Q6:	If you can't diagnose LD on this web site, what is the point of looking into the area of learning?

FAQ - Answers

Q1: Why are we looking at learning?

A: Many people don't know that they have barriers in the area of learning that are preventing them from being the best they could be. That's why we look at this area for everyone - just to make sure. I encourage you to go through Step Two, see if you recognize any patterns, and note some of the simple strategies that can be put into practice.

Q2: What if my child or I have already had a detailed assessment and have been diagnosed with Learning Disabilities (LD)?

A: Many people have had detailed assessments and are still not really sure what to do about the challenges that were identified. I encourage you to go through this step, see if you recognize any patterns and learn about some simple strategies that can have far-reaching effects.

Q3: Why are you not using the official terms for Learning Disabilities (LD)?

A: I am using the term "discrepancy" instead of "disability" and "challenges" instead of "problems" because I believe that language makes a difference in how we view our situation. These more positive terms encourage us to find solutions. They are also less likely to be misunderstood. Some children think that people with Learning Disabilities can't learn. This is simply not true. They learn in different ways. If we can find ways to use their strengths and compensate for their challenges, people with LD's can be very successful. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to consider using the terms "discrepancies" and "challenges" when talking to your children or thinking about your own situation.

Q4: What causes Learning Disabilities (LD)?

A: There are many theories about this, but in reality no-one knows what causes LD's. There is often a strong hereditary connection. To diagnose an LD, all other possible causes of the learning challenge must be investigated. That is why the possible effects of factors such as vision, hearing, nutrition, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, thyroid, hypoglycemia, hearing, vision, allergies, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, drug or alcohol) or a chaotic environment all have to be considered by the professional who is responsible for the diagnosis.

Q5: Can you diagnose Learning Disabilities (LD) as part of the Self-Managed Journey?

A: It is beyond the scope of the Self-Managed Journey to be able to rule out all of these possible reasons for your learning challenges, or to make a diagnosis of a Learning Disability. However, we can still rule out some of the most common causes and help you to deal with whatever challenges you are facing.

Q6: If you can't diagnose Learning Disabilities (LD) on this web site, what is the point of looking into the area of learning?

A: In my opinion, a formal diagnosis of LD is not always necessary. If you suspect that you have Visual Spatial LD or Language LD, try some of the by-pass strategies listed to see if they help you to overcome the challenges associated with your particular Learning Discrepancy.