Learning Disabilities (page 4)

A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence, often the individual's IQ falls within the normal range. The source of the difficulty is in the brain. Children and adults with a learning disorder have trouble processing sensory information which interferes in their daily activities at school and work. They see, hear and understand things differently. If left untreated, the challenges a learning disability creates can severely affect a child's school experience and self-esteem. However, treatment is available and can be successful even if the disability is identified in late childhood or adulthood. Scientists are currently studying the brain's potential for change which may hold the answer to innovative treatments for learning disabilities and may one day reduce the need for prescription medications.

What is a learning disability?

A child with a learning disability cannot try harder, pay closer attention, or improve motivation on their own; they need help to learn how to do those things. A learning disability is caused by a problem in the nervous system that affects how information is received, processed or communicated. There are a variety of disorders that affect the way verbal and non-verbal information is acquired, understood, organized, remembered and expressed.

Types of learning disabilities

There are a variety of skills impacted by learning disabilities. They cover the gamut from language and reasoning to calculation and motor skills. Learning disorders cause havoc in a child’s life on a daily basis. If left untreated, the frustration and difficulties caused by the learning problems, both at home and in school, creates stress and hardship resulting in the child feeling bad about themselves.

Here is a list of the different types of learning disabilities frequently identified:

Language

• Reading Disorder
• Disorder of Written Expression

Calculation

• Mathematics Disorder

Problems with Motor Skills

• Developmental Coordination Disorder

Communication Disorders

• Expressive Language Disorder  
• Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder
• Phonological Disorder
• Stuttering

Skills impacted by learning disorders

Oral Language — listening, speaking, and understanding

Reading — decoding and comprehension

Written Language — spelling and written expression

Mathematics — computation and problem solving

What is a learning disability?

A child with a learning disability cannot try harder, pay closer attention, or improve motivation on their own; they need help to learn how to do those things. A learning disability is caused by a problem in the nervous system that affects how information is received, processed or communicated. There are a variety of disorders that affect the way verbal and non-verbal information is acquired, understood, organized, remembered and expressed.

Types of learning disabilities

There are a variety of skills impacted by learning disabilities. They cover the gamut from language and reasoning to calculation and motor skills. Learning disorders cause havoc in a child’s life on a daily basis. If left untreated, the frustration and difficulties caused by the learning problems, both at home and in school, creates stress and hardship resulting in the child feeling bad about themselves.

Here is a list of the different types of learning disabilities frequently identified:

Language

• Reading Disorder
• Disorder of Written Expression

Calculation

• Mathematics Disorder

Problems with Motor Skills

• Developmental Coordination Disorder

Communication Disorders

• Expressive Language Disorder  
• Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder
• Phonological Disorder
• Stuttering

Skills impacted by learning disorders

Oral Language — listening, speaking, and understanding

Reading — decoding and comprehension

Written Language — spelling and written expression

Mathematics — computation and problem solving

Signs and symptoms of learning disabilities

Some signs of learning disabilities present themselves in early childhood which is beneficial because the earlier a problem is recognized, the sooner an intervention can be made, allowing for a better prognosis. Often a developmental lag is not considered a symptom of a learning disability until the child is much older and attending school, which wastes precious treatment time. By noticing if your toddler or preschooler is not meeting normal developmental milestones you can get ahead of the game by having your child evaluated further. You know your child better than anyone else does, so if you think there is a problem, even though a professional tells you there isn't one, it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion. Parents have a sixth sense about these things, especially if this is not your first child.

When the learning disability is not diagnosed early-on, parents are often surprised to find out that their bright and imaginative child is struggling in school. They are shocked when their child receives a low score on a standardized test or a progress report comes home indicating their child is "underachieving" or "not working up to their full potential."

FREQUENT SIGNALS OF LEARNING DISABILITIES

Signs that appear in preschool

• Delay in understanding or using spoken language
• Difficulty understanding simple instructions
• Lengthy pause before naming objects and colors
• Limited awareness or interest in books
• Difficulty coloring or drawing
• Problems with motor coordination
• Short attention span (won't sit through one storybook)

Symptoms in school-age children

• Difficulty understanding and following instructions
• Trouble remembering what someone just told them
• Failing to master reading, spelling, writing, and/or math skills and therefore fails schoolwork
• Difficulty telling the difference between "right" and "left," problems identifying words or a tendency to reverse letters, numbers or words (e.g., confusing "b" with "d," 18 with 81, or "on" with "no.")
• Lacking motor coordination when walking, playing sports, holding a pencil or trying to tie a shoelace
• Frequently loses or misplaces homework, schoolbooks or other items
• Unable to understand the concept of time, confused by the difference between "yesterday," "today," and "tomorrow."

Neurological conditions that make learning difficult

Conditions affecting concentration

Anxiety, depression, stressful events, emotional trauma, and other conditions affecting concentration make learning more of a challenge. Difficulty in mastering certain academic skills can also stem purely from a neurological basis. Here is a list of neurological conditions that can affect your child’s ability to learn, if you would like more information about these conditions please see Helpguide’s article: Other conditions impacting ability to learn (PDF)

• Visual processing disorder
• Auditory processing disorder
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Pervasive Developmental Disorders (Autism and Asperger’s)
• Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Learning Disability Testing

Determining whether your child has a learning disability involves testing, history taking and observation by a trained specialist. Finding a reputable referral is important, start with your child's school; if for some reason they are unable to help you, ask your insurance company, doctor, friends and family.

Specialists trained to do psychological testing and result interpretation

• Clinical psychologist
• School psychologist
• Educational psychologist
• Developmental psychologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Psychometrist
• Occupational therapist (tests sensory disorders that can lead to learning problems)
• Speech and language therapist

Sometimes several professionals coordinate services as a team to obtain an accurate diagnosis, including input from your child's teachers. Recommendations can then be made for special education services or speech-language therapy within the public school system or a more appropriate school placement may be in a nonpublic school that specializes in treating learning disabilities.

For a list of nonpublic schools in your area go to the website for your state's Department of Education. For example, in California see: Nonpublic Schools Database .