Slow Learning - Global Developmental Delay Treatment

SLOW LEARNER

Understanding Slow Learner | Our Intervention

LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

SLOW LEARNING AND POOR COMPREHENSION

Learning difficulties refer to challenges in understanding a specific subject, but these challenges are not severe enough to be considered a disorder. However, when individuals experience learning difficulties across all subjects, they are often categorised as slow learners. While they may struggle academically, they do not qualify for special education support. At Spectrum Learning, we believe that the brain can be trained to target these learning difficulties and improve the learning experience. Many children with learning difficulties commonly face issues with spelling and comprehension. Since our founding, we have supported numerous children by exploring the underlying causes of slow learning through brain mapping (qEEG) and biological testing. Upon close evaluation of the existing conditions, neurofeedback therapy can be successfully integrated into global developmental delay treatment plans to help children reach their full potential.

Symptoms of learning difficulties typically include:

Poor memory
Poor cognition (reasoning and thinking)
Passive; slow response
Lack focus, short attention span
Weak in auditory and/or visual processing
Inability to learn or complete assignments on their own
Functions at ability but significantly below grade level
Difficulty following multi-step directions
Mastering skills slowly or not at all

As a result of these learning problems, slow learners tend to show no interest in their studies and have no motivation to improve. Many of these children have remedial in school and tuition outside school. Despite all these efforts, they continue to do badly in their tests and examinations.

FINDING THE CAUSES

Brain factors

Our findings indicate that many individuals with learning difficulties have brains that are under-aroused or fatigued, which can make the learner appear passive and unfocused. This low arousal level can also lead to slower thinking and reduced productivity.

While working on tasks, we also identified different brain profiles; some individuals experience localised shutdowns in specific areas of the brain, contributing to slow learning and specific learning difficulties (as shown in the figures below). These challenges may present as language-related issues, visual processing difficulties, and focus-related problems, among others.

At Spectrum Learning, we have developed an intervention programme using neurofeedback therapy to train clients to reactivate the essential parts of their brains through engaging in a reading task. With this method, the language and memory centres (for example) are activated while they read. This has been found to significantly improve reading speed and comprehension.

For children with cognitive slowness, neurofeedback can be used to train their brains to recover. Upon recovery, with more targeted neurofeedback training sessions the brain can be further tuned to reactivate inactive brain sites to enhance cognitive abilities and functions.

Hidden Seizures

Through our qEEG brain mapping technology, we discovered that some children who are slow learners or experience learning difficulties may have hidden seizures—seizures that are not visible to the naked eye. Many of these children have a history of head injuries from their younger years. Neurofeedback is considered an effective therapy option for managing seizures and epilepsy.

Like with all the other disorders, there are a variety of qEEG profiles. As such, we strongly recommend doing a qEEG for children who are slow learners or have learning difficulties. By doing so, you will be able to find the most appropriate therapy plan. Also, if your child is presently undergoing global developmental delay treatment, adopting neurofeedback therapy as part of the treatment plan can be beneficial.

Biological factors

Our biochemistry tests identify the nutrients our clients need to maintain a higher level of mental ability. Additionally, these tests can detect exposure to neurotoxins, which significantly impair mental performance. Neurotoxins can dull brain function and contribute to underachievement.

At Spectrum Learning, we have conducted numerous biological tests similar to those done for assessing autistic children, and we have identified various biological factors that can contribute to learning difficulties. Some of these factors include:

Exposure to and accumulation of toxic elements
Nutritional mineral deficiency
Nutritional imbalances
Toxic/Nutrient ratios
Thyroid and Adrenal functions
Nutritional mineral deficiency
Food allergies
Excessive organic acids (yeast, bacteria)
Acidity
Excessive peptides

In Singapore, one common cause of learning difficulties is exposure to toxic elements such as mercury and cadmium, which are found in fish and seafood, as well as in plastic toys and cookware, respectively. Both of these toxic elements can negatively impact memory formation and recall.

If you are concerned about your child’s learning difficulties and looking to give that extra support your child deserves, we can help. Slow learning and poor comprehension are issues that can be gradually addressed, and understanding the biological factors behind these challenges is the first step toward finding effective solutions. At Spectrum Learning, we are committed to helping children achieve their full potential. Contact us today to learn more about our qEEG assessment and neurofeedback intervention that can make a difference in your child’s life!