What is Learning Disabilities?
Learning disabilities are due to genetic and/or neurobiological factors that alter brain functioning in a manner which affects one or more cognitive processes related to learning.
Generally speaking, people with learning disabilities are of average or above average intelligence. There often appears to be a gap between the individual’s potential and actual achievement. This is why learning disabilities are referred to as “hidden disabilities”: the person looks perfectly “normal” and seems to be a very bright and intelligent person, yet may be unable to demonstrate the skill level expected from someone of a similar age.
What Are the Symptoms of Learning Disabilities?
Red flags that could indicate a learning disability in children age 5 and under include:
- Delayed speech
- Pronunciation problems
- Difficulty learning new words
- Difficulty learning to read
- Trouble learning numbers, the alphabet, days of the week, or colors and shapes
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty following directions
- Poor grasp of a crayon or pen
- Difficulty with buttoning, zipping, and tying
Becoming aware of the warning signs of learning disabilities and getting children the necessary help early on can be key to a child’s future.
What Causes Learning Disabilities?
A learning disability happens when a person’s brain development is affected, either before they’re born, during their birth or in early childhood.
This can be caused by things such as:
- Being born prematurely
- Being born with a low birth weight
- Illness, such as meningitis, or injury in early childhood
- Having a family history, although it is not clear exactly which genes may be involved in the condition
Some conditions are associated with having a learning disability because people with these conditions are more likely to have one.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Dyscalculia
A mathematical disability in which a person has a difficult time solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts.
Dysgraphia
A writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters or write within a defined space.
Dyslexia
A language-based disability in which a person has trouble understanding written words. It may also be referred to as reading disability or reading disorder.
Dyspraxia
A condition affecting physical coordination, which causes problems with movement and coordination, language and speech, and can affect learning.
Auditory Processing Disorder
A condition affecting information received and processed from the ear, which causes problems that may confuse the order of sounds or be unable to filter different sounds.
Language Processing Disorder
A condition which arises when an individual has specific challenges in processing spoken language, impacting both receptive and expressive language.
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
A condition which has trouble interpreting nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language and may have poor coordination.
How Is Learning Disabilities Diagnosed?
A full evaluation for a learning disability includes the following3:
- A medical exam, including a neurological exam, to rule out other possible causes of the child’s difficulties. These might include emotional disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and brain diseases.
- Reviewing the child’s developmental, social, and school performance
- A discussion of family history
- Academic and psychological testing
Usually, several specialists work as a team to do the evaluation. The team may include a psychologist, a special education expert, and a speech-language pathologist. Many schools also have reading specialists who can help diagnose a reading disability.
How Is Learning Disabilities Treated?
A learning disability can’t be cured or fixed; it is a lifelong issue. With the right support and intervention, however, children with learning disabilities can succeed in school and go on to successful, often distinguished careers later in life.
Parents can help children with learning disabilities achieve such success by encouraging their strengths, knowing their weaknesses, understanding the educational system, working with professionals and learning about strategies for dealing with specific difficulties.
The right support from professionals – such as GPs, paediatricians (doctors who specialise in treating children), speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, educational and clinical psychologists and social care – helps people with a learning disability live as full and independent a life as possible.
If You’re Concerned
Living with learning disabilities is different for every child. To help your child move and learn as much as possible, work closely with your care team to develop a treatment plan. Then, as your child grows and their needs change, adjust the plan as needed.
However, you should never feel that you are alone. Great support and advice for parents who have a child with learning disabilities are available through the Dawn Bridge.