Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)

What are Specific Learning Disorders?

Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) are not disturbances of intelligence, as it is not uncommon that more intelligent and sensitive children suffer from them; they are Neurodevelopmental Disorders involving an impairment of the mechanisms that enable the learning processes. It is often this obvious discrepancy between high intelligence and incomprehensible difficulty in learning apparently simple notions (e.g., multiplication tables, how the clock works, how to use an agenda, etc.) that creates a sense of high frustration and leads to loss of self-esteem and demoralization.

SLDs affect about 1 in 30 children ― 4 percent of the school population ― and usually affect a single function involved in learning: reading, writing, computation. However, it is very common to find the association of multiple problems, resulting in significant difficulties in different learning domains. If rehabilitation intervention is not provided early, there is a risk of greater impairment in functioning and emotion.

Acting as early as possible and understanding the nature of the school difficulties through a correct diagnosis and an appropriate rehabilitation plan is crucial in order to move toward as positive an evolution as possible.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders are a group of conditions that affect brain development and functioning, causing difficulties in various life areas. Neuroscience-based diagnosis and treatment offer new hope and possibilities for people with these conditions.

Find out how to recognize them, their causes, and available treatments!

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Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of SLDs

Dr. Stefano Pallanti's Istituto di Neuroscienze offers a service for the diagnosis and rehabilitation of SLDs (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dysorthography, Dyscalculia) and other Learning Disorders (difficulty in understanding written text, visual-spatial disorder, problem-solving disorder, and nonverbal learning disorders) following what is indicated by the Italian Law and Tuscasny Region Guidelines.

Our service is led by a highly specialized multidisciplinary team composed of experienced professionals in different fields. Dr. Stefano Pallanti's Team collaborates to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a personalized rehabilitation plan, tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of SLDs ― Who is the service for?

The SLDs Diagnosis and Rehabilitation service of the Istituto di Neuroscienze is aimed at all students ― from Primary school to High School ― who need such an intervention. In addition, the Istituto di Neuroscienze also provides the service to adults and college students through a specific enhancement program.

Our Team understands the uniqueness of the potential each person possesses and the diversity of challenges eacheach one must face. Our goal is to help every person overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential. Through our integrated and personalized approach, we aim to provide the best possible solutions to address SLDs and other learning disorders.

Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of SLDs ― Diagnostic Protocol

The diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) is the first crucial step in ensuring a successful educational pathway for boys and girls with these disorders. Our diagnostic protocol is carefully designed and articulated in four stages, involving the three key professionals proposed by our national guidelines: Child Neuropsychiatrist, Psychologist and Speech Therapist.

1. First visit

2. Neuropsychological Assessment

3. Assessment of the learning status

4. Restitution meeting

① The first phase of the protocol includes the first visit, during which a detailed physiological and family medical history is conducted in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the patient's background.

② The second phase of the program involves a detailed neuropsychological assessment using specific tests. This assessment makes it possible to identify the patient's specific cognitive abilities and difficulties, contributing to the formulation of an accurate diagnosis.

③ In the third step of the process, an assessment of learning status is conducted. This step is essential to understand how the disorder affects the patient's learning.

④ The last stage of the protocol represents the restitution meeting, during which the results of the diagnostic process are discussed with the patient and his or her family. In this moment, detailed explanations of the characteristics of the disorder may be given and a comprehensive report delivered.

The Istituto di Neuroscienze's four-step approach ensures an accurate diagnostic process and a solid basis for structuring an individualized rehabilitation pathway, ensuring that each individual receives the support he or she needs to succeed in his or her own growth journey.

Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of SLDs ― Rehabilitation Treatment

Following the formulation of an accurate diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), it is crucial to undertake targeted rehabilitation treatment to effectively address the specific challenges and difficulties encountered. Importantly, treatment focuses on the consequences and effects of SLDs, but not on its underlying causes.

Dr. Pallanti's Istituto di Neuroscienze is dedicated to providing highly specialized rehabilitation treatment aimed at improving the quality of learning and life for anyone with SLDs. Our priority is to help each individual develop the skills they need to successfully cope with the specific growth challenges they are dealing with.

Learn about the features of our rehabilitation treatment ↓