If you’ve noticed your child struggling with reading, writing, or math, you’re not alone. Many parents recognize the challenges their children face, but few understand the underlying causes. Research reveals that learning differences are not deficits, but rather opportunities for growth and development.
The infographic takes a look at children with sensory processing disorders and maps those disorders in the brain. According to the infographic, children who have these disorders have decreased structural brain connectivity in specific sensory regions. These regions differ from those typically associated with autism. The mapped regions include regions affected by sensory processing disorder only, autism spectrum disorder only, and both sensory processing disorder and autism spectrum. Seven different brain regions are identified in the maps.
Learning differences are not deficits, but opportunities for growth and development. Discover how a multi-system approach and neuroplasticity can help unlock your child's full potential.
The Multi-System Approach
The IDA 2025 definition of dyslexia highlights the complex, multi-system nature of learning differences. This approach recognizes that learning difficulties are not solely the result of a single factor, but rather the interaction of multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, brain function, and environmental influences.
By adopting a multi-system approach, parents and educators can better understand the underlying causes of learning differences and develop targeted interventions to support children’s learning and development.
The brain is a highly dynamic and adaptive system, and its ability to change and reorganize itself is a critical component of learning and development.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Neuroplasticity and Brain Development
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt, is a critical component of learning and development. Research has shown that the brain can reorganize itself in response to new experiences, environments, and learning opportunities.
This concept has significant implications for children with learning differences, as it suggests that targeted interventions and support can help reshape the brain and improve learning outcomes.
Key takeaways
- Brain Plasticity: The brain can change and adapt throughout life.
- Multi-System Approach: Learning differences involve a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors.
- Early Intervention: Targeted support can significantly impact learning outcomes.
Empowering Parents and Educators
By understanding the complex, multi-system nature of learning differences and the importance of neuroplasticity, parents and educators can work together to provide targeted support and interventions.
This collaborative approach can help children with learning differences develop the skills and strategies they need to succeed, and can also help to reduce stigma and promote a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
By recognizing the complex, multi-system nature of learning differences, we can develop more effective interventions and support systems that help children with learning differences succeed.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
The IDA 2025 definition of dyslexia and the concept of neuroplasticity offer a new perspective on learning differences, one that emphasizes growth, development, and potential. By adopting a multi-system approach and recognizing the importance of brain plasticity, we can work together to unlock the full potential of children with learning differences.
See what All Access gives your child
Is your child struggling in school?
Get your free personalized learning roadmap
You describe what you see at home. We turn it into a plan you start this week.
- Answer 5 short questionnaires about what you already notice, 30–45 minutes at your own kitchen table
- Your child sits no test and gets no score: nothing to schedule, nothing for them to dread
- You do the answering, the AI does the writing, and a person reviews it before it reaches you
- Access all 40+ courses instantly: reading, math, focus, processing and more, with new ones added regularly
Why we use AI, plainly: it writes from a knowledge base our team maintains and audits. We work through it line by line and pull anything the evidence stops supporting. The roadmap you get on Tuesday reflects what we corrected on Monday, and a human still reads it before you do.
Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.
Your answers stay yours. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not hand identifiable assessment data to outside AI companies to train their models.
A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
References
- International Dyslexia Association. (2025). Definition of Dyslexia.
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
- Shaywitz, S. E. (2003). Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level.
