SNN Presents: Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

Many children experience learning difficulties in school. These difficulties could be caused by many factors, one of which is called specific learning difficulties. A specific learning difficulty could affect a child’s reading, maths and writing as well as social relationships with others. In this presentation, the discussion will focus on:

- the three different types of specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia) and their characteristics

- ways to identify and diagnose specific learning difficulties

- some evidence-based intervention strategies that could help support children with specific learning difficulties

The goal of this presentation is for parents and caregivers to have some understanding of different types of learning difficulties and to take away some information about intervention strategies that could help support children with specific learning difficulties. Join us to hear from three experts in the field for their perspectives on diagnosing, supporting and teaching children with SpLD.

Speakers 

Liu Liu, Ed.S. 

Liu is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist in the U.S. She completed her specialist in education degree at the University of Kansas, and received clinical training at the Center for Child Health and Development at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She worked as a school psychologist in two different public school districts in Missouri, U.S. before joining Sprout in Motion in 2021. Liu has been working closely with children with special needs, especially students with learning difficulties, in school and clinical settings since 2017.

Minna Chau, Ph.D. ABSNP. 

Dr. Minna Chau has been assessing and treating children with special needs in Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, and the U.S. since 2000. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Ohio University, with a specialty in neurological disorders such as specific learning difficulties, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is Diplomate in School Neuropsychology and a full member of the Clinical Division of the Hong Kong Psychological Society as well as an Accredited Clinical Psychologist from the Hong Kong Institute of Clinical Psychologists. Dr. Minna is the founder of Sprout in Motion.

Ms. Therese Owen, Learning Enhancement Teacher, Renaissance College

Ms. Owen was born and educated in Melbourne Australia and graduated from the University of Melbourne in the late 80s. After completing her Education degree, she went on to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Training and spent time teaching in Australia and the U.K. Ms. Owen has been working in Hong Kong since 1999 and began her international school career working in EAL and then moved into supporting students with special educational needs which she continues to do presently at Renaissance College. She is currently working with early years students aged five to eight years old and she is very committed to helping students acquire literacy skills and develop an appreciation of reading, even when it's challenging for them.