What are Learning Disabilities?
An Internship Honors Project by Erato
Learning Disability
Learning Disabilities are problems around the brains ability to process information. So basically, its based on how the brain is wired differently. These can create difficulty with learning basic skills such as reading, writing, spelling, and/or math as well as more complex skills like organization of information, time planning, abstract reasoning, long or short term memory and attention.
Unfortunately, these disabilities cant be cured but with enough support and guidance, people who have these can also prosper in school and be successful in life. Theyre just as intelligent as everyone else or at times, they could have above average intelligence than the usual.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms arent usually obvious because it varies from person-to-person and there are many factors that can contribute to it. But here are some common red flags to be monitored for each age range if the child has shown difficulty or unusual inability in dealing with things.
Preschool age
• Problems pronouncing words
• Trouble finding the right word
• Difficulty rhyming
• Trouble learning basic systems such as the alphabet, numbers, and days of the week
• Difficulty following directions or learning routines
• Difficulty controlling writing utensils or coloring within the lines
• Trouble with buttons, zippers, snaps, learning to tie shoes
Ages 5-9
• Trouble learning the connection between letters and sounds
• Unable to blend sounds to make words
• Confuses basic words when reading
• Slow to learn new skills
• Consistently misspells words and makes frequent errors
• Trouble learning basic math concepts
• Difficulty telling time and remembering sequences
Ages 10-13
• Difficulty with reading comprehension or math skills
• Trouble with open-ended test questions and word problems
• Dislikes reading and writing; avoids reading aloud
• Poor handwriting
• Poor organizational skills (messy and disorganised bedroom or work desk)
• Trouble following classroom discussions and expressing thoughts aloud
• Spells the same word differently in a single document
What can cause a learning disability?
Several things can cause a learning disability. A learning disability occurs when the brain is still developing (before, during or soon after birth).
✦ Before birth things can happen to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) that can cause a learning disability. A child can be born with a learning disability if the mother has an accident or illness while she is pregnant, or if the unborn baby develops certain genes. Genes are chemicals in our bodies that contain information about us, like how we look.
✦ A person can be born with a learning disability if he or she does not get enough oxygen during childbirth, has trauma to the head, or is born too early.
✦ After birth, a learning disability can be caused by early childhood illnesses, accidents and seizures.
Common Types of Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia – Difficulty with reading
• Problems reading, writing, spelling, speaking
Dyscalculia – Difficulty with math
• Problems doing math problems, understanding time, using money
Dysgraphia – Difficulty with writing
• Problems with handwriting, spelling, organizing ideas
Dyspraxia (Sensory Integration Disorder) – Difficulty with fine motor skills
• Problems with hand-eye coordination, balance, manual dexterity
Dysphasia/Aphasia – Difficulty with language
• Problems understanding spoken language, poor reading comprehension
Auditory Processing Disorder – Difficulty hearing differences between sounds
• Problems with reading, comprehension, language
Visual Processing Disorder – Difficulty interpreting visual information
• Problems with reading, math, maps, charts, symbols, pictures
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities – Difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language, and may have poor coordination
• Problems with visual-spatial, intuitive, organizational, social skills, evaluative and holistic processing functions
Other disorders that make learning difficult
Difficulty in school doesnt always stem from a learning disability. Anxiety, depression, stressful events, emotional trauma, and other conditions affecting concentration make learning more of a challenge. In addition, ADHD and autism sometimes co-occur or are confused with learning disabilities.
ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, while not considered a learning disability, can certainly disrupt learning. Children with ADHD often have problems sitting still, staying focused, following instructions, staying organized, and completing homework.
Autism – Difficulty mastering certain academic skills can stem from pervasive developmental disorders such as autism and Aspergers syndrome. Children with autism spectrum disorders may have trouble communicating, reading body language, learning basic skills, making friends, and making eye contact.
Facts/Trivias
• Just 1 in 3 people with a learning disability take part in some form of education or training.
• 50,000 adults with a learning disability are supported by day care services.
• Learning disabilities should not be confused with other disabilities such as autism, intellectual disability, deafness, blindness, and behavioral disorders. None of these conditions are learning disabilities. In addition, they should not be confused with lack of educational opportunities like frequent changes of schools or attendance problems. Also, children who are learning English do not necessarily have a learning disability.
• Difficulty with basic reading and language skills are the most common learning disabilities. As many as 80% of students with learning disabilities have reading problems.
• Learning disabilities often run in families.
Help and resources
National Center for Learning Disabilities – Offers a wide range of information about learning disabilities, including signs and symptoms, testing, and tips for home and school. (ncld.org)
LD Basics – Learn the basics about learning disabilities, including common warning signs and symptoms, how to respond, and tips for getting help early. (LD OnLine)
Learning Disabilities – Kid-friendly and encouraging article about learning disabilities, including signs, causes and help. (TeensHealth)
Helping Children with Learning Disabilities – Practical Parenting Tips for Home and School
Advice and Support – Focuses on helping people with learning disabilities and spreading information about it
Learning Attention and Issues – State-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more
Sources
https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/
https://www.mencap.org.uk/learning-disability-explained/what-learning-disability
http://www.ldonline.org/ldbasics/whatisld
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues
Questions for Forum Discussion
• Do you have any experience with learning disability? If so, hows it affecting you and your studies?
• What type of support have you received or are you receiving from the people around you?
• How do you deal with your learning disability? Would you mind to share us any tips or ways on how youre handling it?
Yayyy, I did my Internship Honors Project in Disability Support as well 
Do you have any experience with learning disability? If so, hows it affecting you and your studies?
I actually personally do not have a learning disability, however I enjoy supporting those that do on 7 Cups!
What type of support have you received or are you receiving from the people around you?
I don't have a learning disability so my answer may not speak for those that do, but I could imagine that the support that is needed for those dealing with a learning disability is to overall be accepted and not talked down to
How do you deal with your learning disability? Would you mind to share us any tips or ways on how youre handling it?
Again, I don't have a learning disability so I'm just speaking off of assumptions 
I think a great coping mechanism for those dealing with a learning disability is to get to know others that deal with similar day-to-day struggles as they do, and getting to know them on a close friend level eventually. Friendships, as well as family, makes for a great support system!
@Emily619 Oh I'm glad you're taking part in our little forum discussion to support people who might have these disabilities, Emily! And yes, to accept them and not to discourage for having these issues. It's truly difficult to deal with this so having a support system is good...starting from friends to family! Let's be patient with them and always understand them as they try to improve themselves and their skills! 
Thank you for answering and sharing your thoughts, Emily! I appreciate it a lot!
@Emily619 We thank you for your support.
Do you have any experience with learning disability? If so, hows it affecting you and your studies?
I have dyscalculia and ADHD. It effects my daily life and studies. I have difficultly with following schedules and keeping track of time. I have trouble recalling things like people's name and have poor name-face recognition. It effects my math skills greatly and my money management. I have a very hard time grasping math facts and concepts, even very basic ones. I have a bad sense of direction and can get lost very easily. School has always been very difficult for me.
What type of support have you received or are you receiving from the people around you?
At my school I have an IEP (individual education plan). My IEP accomodates me. It allows me to do math alone in a class away from everyone else, use books and notes for tests, get extra time on assignments and exams. I also have a tutor I work with outside of school.
How do you deal with your learning disability? Would you mind to share us any tips or ways on how youre handling it?
I do a lot of things to help cope with my learning dissabilities. For example, I have a lot of alarms on my phone to tell me when to do things since I have such a poor sense of time. I use a calculator a lot when I have to deal with money. When I'm doing hw I put away all electionics and things that can distract me. I always award myself with breaks. I will do hw for 30 minutes and then take a 10 minute break.
School is very very very stressful for me. I just try to remind myself that I'm doing the best I can and not to compare myself to other people. I would tell other people with these learning disabilities to take advantage of the resources at their school and to not be embarassed of the help they need! (-:
@LEAHOK I'm so so so proud of you Leah for sharing your story with us through this thread. It really sounds like it's affecting you, your studies, as well as your day-to-day routines. Even though you need some guidance I can see that you're also trying to handle it well by setting alarms and using devices like calculators if necessary. It's also good that you're trying to develop healthy study habits that might help you to get school works done. Oh IEP, I've never heard of that before but from what you said, it's pretty helpful because you're trying to do maths all by yourself and being away from a lot of people helps you to feel less pressured doing it. And woah, a tutor is also nice! That's great, Leah! You're progressing so much, I'm so glad that you have a positive mindset. Stay awesome! 
@Erato thanks for writing this useful article.... I learned a lot and refreshed my old info
as answers for your questions:
1- No I dont experience any of learning problems personally but knew many people around me were
2-3- family support is the most important thing for me specially cooperation with therapist and school teachers to make the child able to cope with their mates and improve themselves . Making their kids proud of themselves and who they are no matter what is the problem as they deserve the unconditional love
@CaringHand44 Thank you so much for taking some time to visit this thread and read my post. That deed of yours touched my heart. Yes, I agree. Family support and cooperation with therapists and school teachers are a huge help to support the child in their journey and experience in school. They are not different from us, they also deserve to get the love and attention they need for their improvement and betterment as well as their interaction with other people. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about this!
Can brain fog due to chronic fatigue syndrome be considered a learning disability? Because I have trouble focusing even to read, let alone study, and don't know how can I pass any exam if I don't get better. 
@FicaR94 I don't think it can be considered as learning disability but it can be associated with it since brain fog isn't really a mental condition but it's due to chronic fatigue and when this episode strikes it can affect your ability to think and focus on things. I hope that answers your question, thankies for dropping by!
@Erato
• Do you have any experience with learning disability? If so, hows it affecting you and your studies?
yes i do, am an adult now but all though school i had a LD that i do think may be HFAutism now, i had IEP's from 2yrs old all thoughout HS, i was also in selfcontianed specialed rooms other than the few times they did try to mainstream me that didnt work. my brother also had a LD and i transport on a special needs bus kids with LD's.
• What type of support have you received or are you receiving from the people around you?
in school i received speech therapy, IEP's, extra help from AIDES & Resource Teachers, extra time for some test, some work was shortened.
• How do you deal with your learning disability? Would you mind to share us any tips or ways on how youre handling it?
i take it one day at a time, i dont deal with it in a school setting anymore, but more when im at work, out and about shopping, ordering food, sometimes at home. when i notice i am having more trouble i tend to just shut down and be more quiet or try and take a deep breath and to try again sometimes that helps and others it dont.
i was bullyed alot for how i was when i was in school (ive been out almost 15yrs)
@Autismaunt14 Heyo there, aunt! Good to see you here Oh no, it seems like you really had a rough time having an LD all through out your school years but it's great to hear that you've had IEP and your needs are being provided and supported. You even received speech therapy, IEP and extra help from AIDES and resource teachers, consideration for re-tests and works are limited. I'm so happy to hear that they made things easier and manageable for you. I'm so sorry that you have gone through bullying, it's not nice that people tease you or make fun of you. I'm so sorry! But look at you now, you even know how to handle it. You're taking deep breaths and trying to calm yourself and be quiet. I know that there are ways that aren't effective but that's understandable. 
Thankies for sharing your experience *hugs*
@Erato
Thanks, & now trying to help my nephew been helping parents raise that has special needs.
I am often assumed to have a learning disability but I don't.
Right now I'm struggling in school with reading comprehension and word problems, and spoken comprehension but that's different.
@Darolly thanks for sharing your experience. It raises awareness that it's a complex topic and signs shouldn't be confused with a diagnosis.
I wish you success with your studies.
@Darolly Oh heyo, darolly! I'm so sorry that you're struggling in school. I just hope that you'll be able to know if you have it or not. It's good to be sure than to assume things So we'll know what measures to take. I also wish that you can manage your school works and it won't leave a great impact on your studies. Good luck, Darolly! Thankies for commenting!
@Erato
Oh, goodness. Thank you for this, Era! It was so informative and well structured!
Do you have any experience with learning disability? If so, how
@NotKhan Heyo there Khan, we meet again here! XD Thankies Aww, I see that it can really be difficult to deal with it and it really need a lot of effort and patience. Thankies for sharing that site/book, that sounds really helpful and interesting! Oh good to know that you have your best friend and your parents as your support system, they're really understanding and thoughtful of you, I know that with this kind of encouragements it can help make things lighter for you. Yes, absolutely! Acceptance is really hard especially when people who struggle with disability think like there's no way for them to succeed or to face this kind of challenge. I'm so proud of you for not giving up and always looking for things to help yourself. Math is really hard and that's understandable but having dyscalculia is worse. I cannot imagine myself how tough it is for you. Thankies for sharing your experience Khan, I appreciate your story!
@Erato
Thanks for sharing information on this topic. I would add though that what you appear to describe are learning difficulties. A learning disability is often caused by genetic factors, or a lack of oxygen to the brain prior to or during birth. You cite Mencap as a source, and I will also quote their definition:
A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.
People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with other people.
The level of support someone needs depends on the individual. For example, someone with a mild learning disability may only need support with things like getting a job. However, someone with a severe or profound learning disability may need full time care and support with every aspect of their life – they may also have physical disabilities.
People with certain specific conditions can have a learning disability too. For example, people with Downs syndrome and some people with autism have a learning disability.
@DeborahUK Thankies for clarifying things and sharing additional info!
@Erato
Spelling same word differently in a single document when you don't know the correct spelling isn't a sign of disability necessarily. It can be a sign of wanting at least one instance of the word to be correct and getting docked less marks. I learned in later grades to keep spellings consistent throughout and basing it on intended audience's commonly used spellings in their given location if known.
@CoinFountain I see 
Mhm, absolutely! Thankies for sharing your insight!
This is such an important topic and it's good now people are shedding more light in learning disabilities! I personally don't have one, but notice many signs in my mother and was interesting how you mention early childhood illnesses can cause it because seems it was her case. I think it's sad how in her childhood no one believed in learning diabilities and saw it as being "stupid" - so she got ignored during 4th grade and then ended up not going to school anymore. She struggles with writing, reading and also pronouncing words to the point affected her self-esteem and my dad has always been the one to give her guidance and then me. If she knows she will need to read or write, such as filling out papers or forms - she will demand we got with her, because she's afraid of making a mistake.
I also found interesting also how you mentioned runs in families. Because I have a speech problem as a kid, and trouble pronounciating words - but before pre-school, my dad found me a speech therapist so I could get some guidance. I notice some of the same troubles surfacing now, and it's taking some "self-control" to notice them and either slow down spelling or practicing.
(wait kids in pre-school age should know how to tie shoe laces?! I only was able to tie them when was 9, and took me 2 years to do them properly. I'm sincerely shocked lol the things you realize when reading informative threads!)
@eviesweet Heyo, evie the oldie! Aww, that's harsh. It really sounded like your mother have gone through rocky roads. It's horrible that other people don't take it seriously and they even blame people who are strugging with LD for having it as if it's their fault. I can see why she stopped going to school, it left a huge impact on her and even affected her self-esteem. Good thing you and your dad are there to guide her and support her when she needs assistance. And oh, I'm glad that you're now in control of the way you speak, it seems like speech therapy while still a kid can really help you as you grow up and preventing things to get worse. According to my sources yes XD they can tie their shoes somewhat but I think it really depends on each individual hahaha Thankies for not hesitating in sharing your experience, evie!
@eviesweet I have cerebral palsy hydrocephalus and legally blind
