Suitable for Parents
Overview
What is a Learning Disability?
Presenter: Michele Pentyliuk
Learning Objectives:
- To provide an overview different types of learning disabilities and how they differ from other developmental disabilities.
- To describe how learning disabilities are diagnosed.
- To outline the kinds of information typically included in psychoeducational assessment.
Session Overview
Parents of children with learning disabilities can support and advocate for their children more successfully when they have a solid understanding of what learning disabilities are and how they impact their child’s functioning in and out of school. There is no single definition of a learning disability and there are several terms that are used to describe these learning differences. Michele will provide an overview of the definitions and terms as well as the diagnostic process. A discussion of the kinds of information contained in most psychoeducational assessment reports and how this can help parents advocate for both interventions and accommodations will also be included.
Michele Pentyliuk
Registered Psychologist
Bio of Michele Pentyliuk
Michele Pentyliuk, M. Ed., is a Registered Psychologist and Certified Teacher working in private practice in Edmonton as a clinician and the managing partner of North Land Counselling Group. The focus of her practice is on identification of – and interventions for – individuals who encounter challenges within educational environments. Early intervention regarding literacy learning is a particular interest. Michele has presented workshops to parents, professionals, and students throughout Canada on a wide range of topics related to learning and learning differences. She has provided strategy instruction to individuals, small groups, and large audiences at all educational levels. As a volunteer with the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta, she was part of the team that developed the Reading Readiness Screening Tool and the Right to Read intervention program. Michele has also developed various learning tools and apps including Alberta’s Learner’s License Prep Kit.
