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

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and-disorders.htm

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?