FAQs
Understanding a child’s learning journey takes a team, and it starts with the right questions.
Whether you're a parent, educator, counselor, or advocate, navigating learning challenges can be complex and emotional. This FAQ page was created to provide clarity, reduce stigma, and support the professionals and families working together to help children thrive.
From misdiagnosed learning differences to early signs and emotional hurdles, these answers are here to inform your approach, guide your next steps, and remind you that you're not alone in this.
Understanding Educational Therapy
An educational therapist is a trained specialist who assesses a student’s learning profile and designs an individualized intervention plan to address academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges. They use therapeutic and educational strategies to support the whole child, often working closely with families, schools, and allied professionals.
Tutors, by contrast, typically focus on helping students understand academic content or complete homework. While tutoring can be helpful, tutors are not trained to identify or remediate learning disabilities or to provide emotional or behavioral support related to learning.
If your child consistently struggles with reading, writing, focus, or organization despite standard classroom support or tutoring, it may indicate a deeper challenge. Seek a proper evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider if you suspect cognitive, emotional, or behavioral issues. Early identification of a learning disability ensures your child receives the right support and avoids falling through the cracks.
Educational therapy supports a wide range of learning differences and disabilities, including:
Difficulty with reading, writing, or math
ADHD and attention regulation challenges
Time management and executive functioning issues
Auditory and visual processing disorders
Social-emotional challenges related to learning
Organizational struggles that impact academic performance
Each student receives a customized plan based on their unique strengths and needs.
Both in-person and virtual sessions are equally effective. Assessments, treatment planning, and intervention work can be successfully delivered online or face-to-face, depending on the student’s needs and preferences.
Rosaura offers both options. Online sessions are held via Zoom, while in-person sessions include a travel and mileage fee. Many families appreciate the flexibility and comfort of virtual sessions, especially when managing busy schedules.
Misconceptions and Misdiagnoses
Yes, learning disabilities are often misinterpreted as laziness, defiance, or inattention, especially when emotional and behavioral symptoms overshadow academic struggles. Many teacher preparation programs lack in-depth training in learning disabilities unless educators specialize in special education. Collaboration between families, schools, and specialists like educational therapists is essential.
Very likely. ADHD often coexists with other conditions such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, anxiety, or auditory processing challenges. These co-occurring conditions can contribute to academic difficulties and emotional frustration.
A multi-disciplinary team, including a healthcare provider, educational therapist, and possibly a school advocate, can help identify all contributing factors and ensure your child receives comprehensive support.
Signs and Early Identification
Some early signs include:
Trouble following directions or remembering routines
Difficulty with fine motor tasks like drawing or writing
Delayed speech or language development
Emotional outbursts during learning tasks
Avoidance of reading or pre-academic play
These signs are often misattributed to behavior or immaturity. Early evaluation can uncover what’s really going on and open the door to effective support before gaps widen.
No, learning disabilities are neurological and don't go away with age. However, with the right support, children can learn to manage them and thrive. Early intervention and ongoing support can significantly reduce their impact on a child’s academic and emotional development. The goal is to empower children with strategies, tools, and confidence to navigate learning in their own way.
Emotional and Social Challenges
It’s heartbreaking—but common—for children with learning differences to internalize negative beliefs. When they consistently struggle in environments where success is measured one way, it can damage their self-esteem.
Support starts by reframing the conversation. Help your child understand that learning differences are about how their brain works and not about intelligence. Focus on effort and progress, not just outcomes. Encourage their strengths, celebrate small wins, and surround them with professionals who affirm their abilities.
Supporting your child's emotional well-being is crucial alongside their academic needs. Create a safe, supportive home environment where your child feels seen and heard. Validate their feelings and involve qualified professionals to help them build coping skills, resilience, and self-understanding. Consistency, patience, and collaboration with educational and mental health providers can make a lasting difference.
Getting the Right Help at the Right Time
Professionals best equipped to evaluate and diagnose learning disabilities include:
Neuropsychologists
Educational psychologists
Developmental pediatricians
Clinical psychologists (for emotional and behavioral evaluations)
These specialists can distinguish between learning disabilities and emotional or behavioral issues, ensuring accurate diagnoses. Some insurance plans may cover assessments. You can also visit Rosaura’s Resources page for help connecting with providers and advocacy support.