Understanding Learning Disabilities
What Is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability is when an individual has a neurologically different way of processing or communicating information than others.
Having learning differences doesn’t have to do with how intelligent a person is or how successful they can be in the long term. However, it may cause them to need additional help in certain academic areas, such as reading comprehension or math concepts.
Learning disabilities are often identified when a person is young by school psychologists or other mental health professionals. Identifying learning disabilities early on can help ensure that the child doesn’t go on to experience low self-esteem or academic struggles later in life.
When learning problems are identified when a person is young, the individual can then get the extra support they need through early interventions. Early intervention can be done through an individualized education plan (IEP) and other special education services.
Are Learning Disabilities Genetic?
Genetics can play a role in a child’s likelihood of developing learning difficulties.
For example, if a child has a family history of someone with a condition such as dyslexia, they may be more likely to develop it as well. However, it’s not the only factor that can contribute to the likelihood of developing a learning disability. Medical factors, such as whether a child was born premature or with a low birth weight, can also play a role.
Similarly, there are environmental factors that can contribute to a child’s likelihood of developing learning disabilities. For example, this could be if they experienced trauma at a young age or are not receiving educational support from their parents at home.
What Is the Difference Between a Learning Disability and a Learning Disorder?
The terms learning disability and learning disorder are often used to describe the same condition.
However, learning disability is considered a more common term to be used in schools or by parents to describe different types of learners. On the other hand, learning disorder is often considered the more technical term that is used when speaking about psychiatry.
How Common Are Learning Disabilities in Children?
According to research by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), learning disabilities were the most common developmental disability that children faced during the year 2022-2023.
The number of children receiving special education services due to learning disability was approximately 7.5 million. However, it is important to note that not all children who may struggle with learning disabilities are ever formally diagnosed.
Different Types of Learning Disabilities
What Types of Learning Disabilities Are There?
There are several types of learning disabilities associated with different academic skills, such as:
- Dyslexia: Dyslexia is among the most commonly discussed learning disabilities. This disability makes it challenging for an individual to read. They may have trouble recognizing words or clearly understanding information while reading.
- Dyscalculia: This is sometimes referred to as the math disorder. Those with this kind of disorder often have difficulty understanding math problems. They will have difficulty processing and remembering concepts related to math, even when putting in a lot of effort or studying.
- Dysgraphia: Those with this disorder have trouble with writing. This can involve not only the process of writing itself, but also spelling and handwriting. They may not be able to keep up with the class when taking notes.
- Auditory Processing Disorder: Those with auditory processing disorder can struggle with listening and processing auditory information, especially if multiple people are speaking at once.
What Are Specific Learning Disabilities?
Specific learning disability is a term used by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to describe someone who may have above-average intelligence in many areas but may struggle with one particular area of learning.
For example, someone with dyslexia may struggle with reading. However, they may succeed in all other subjects. Or someone with dyscalculia may struggle with math but be above average in reading and writing.
What Are Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities?
Someone with non-verbal learning disabilities will typically struggle with motor or social skills, but be particularly strong in verbal skills.
An example of a non-verbal learning disorder could be someone who speaks often but frequently misreads social cues.
Is ADHD a Learning Disability?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not a learning disability, but instead classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder.
ADHD can make it difficult for a person to stay focused and on task. They may get distracted easily and may have trouble sitting still.
Symptoms of Learning Disabilities
What Are the Symptoms of Learning Disabilities?
The symptoms associated with learning disabilities will depend on the specific learning disorders.
Certain disorders can cause people to have trouble with a specific academic area, such as a reading disorder or a math disorder. Others may have trouble processing or memorizing information.
Learning disorders can often lead to struggles in elementary, middle, and high school and difficulty keeping up with peers.
What Are the Physical Symptoms of Learning Disabilities?
The physical symptoms of learning disabilities can range from motor skill problems to difficulties with processing auditory or visual information.
In some cases, a child may have trouble focusing or may struggle fitting in with certain social situations.
Learning disabilities can also affect the nervous system impacting brain function, structuring and lead to differences in how information is percieved, processed and communicated.
What Are the Behavioral Symptoms of Learning Disabilities?
Some children who struggle with learning disabilities may be reluctant to pay attention in class or do their homework.
Others may try to avoid going to school at all. In some cases, a child may become outwardly angry, frustrated, or embarrassed if they are unable to keep up with the rest of the class.
If a learning disability is not treated, it can cause a child to develop low self-esteem and to withdraw from others.
How Do Symptoms Affect My Child’s Daily Life?
The symptoms of learning disability, otherwise known as an intellectual disability, can make it very difficult for a child to succeed in school.
A child may struggle to focus in class, stay on task, and even fit in with others. In many cases, a child can become increasingly frustrated and may lack motivation.
Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities
How Can I Tell if My Child Has a Learning Disability?
You can tell if your child has a learning disability by looking for patterns of struggle at home, school, or in social situations.
For example, they may enjoy most subjects, but experience a lot of struggle or frustration with one particular area. Perhaps they put a lot of effort into their school work, but still struggle to make progress and retain information. Speaking with your child’s teacher or a mental health professional can help you confirm whether or not your child may need extra support.
If you’re unsure whether or not your child may have a learning disability, our experienced team at Mind Works can help. Consider reaching out to us today to learn more.
What Kinds of Medical Evaluations Help Diagnose Learning Disabilities?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is a resource that is often used to identify many different mental health disorders, including learning disorders.
Using the DSM-5 for diagnosis involves looking at a set of criteria and using both assessments and clinical observations to determine if a person meets those criteria.
A psychologist or other health professional may also look at other things, such as a child’s developmental history, their behavioral and emotional health, as well as their speech and language skills.
Who Typically Diagnoses Learning Disabilities?
A psychologist, a primary care physician, or a speech-language pathologist will typically diagnose learning disabilities.
Educational Assessment and Performance Evaluation
An educational assessment and performance evaluation involves testing a child in different academic areas to measure their strengths and challenges.
What Does a Cognitive Evaluation Look Like in Diagnosis?
A cognitive evaluation looks beyond the grades they may get in the classroom and instead focuses on things such as memory, verbal comprehension, attention, and focus.
This tool can be helpful in the diagnosis of a learning disability.
What Does the Psychological Evaluation Look Like?
A psychological evaluation will help provide a broader overview of a child’s background, cognitive ability, and how they think and learn.
This can help in the process of coming up with a diagnosis.
Will My Child Need a Neuropsychological Assessment?
While some children may need a neuropsychological assessment to determine a diagnosis, this is not always the case.
Often, a health professional will conduct other evaluations first, including a psychological evaluation. If a child’s struggles are particularly complex, this can increase the likelihood of them needing a neuropsychological assessment.
Finding the Right Treatment for My Child’s Learning Disability
What Are the Most Effective Treatment Options for My Child?
The most effective treatment options for your child will depend upon their specific needs and the learning disability that they may have been diagnosed with.
Many schools offer IEPs that provide students with the extra one-on-one support that they need while at school. If a child struggles with speech or language, they may need to see a speech pathologist to get the help that they need.
In the case that a child struggles with fine motor skills, occupational therapy (OT) could be a good fit for them. Finally, if a child often gets frustrated, angry, or disheartened as a result of their learning disability, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may help.
Who Is the Most Appropriate Healthcare Professional to Help With My Child’s Treatment?
The most appropriate healthcare professional to help with your child’s treatment depends on their specific learning disability.
If a child is struggling with behavioral or emotional problems, a clinical or school psychologist could be a good fit for their needs. In the case that a child is struggling with spoken language learning problems, a speech-language pathologist could be beneficial for them.
At Mind Works, we can help determine who the right healthcare professional is to help with your child’s treatment.
What to Expect From Treatment if My Child Has a Learning Disability
You can expect them to receive guidance, support, and useful tools to help them thrive academically, socially, emotionally, or behaviorally.
Will My Child Need Medication for Their Learning Disability?
While some children may require medication for their learning disability, not everyone does.
Medication usage will depend on their unique needs and situation.
Supporting Your Child With Their Learning Disability
How Can I Support a Child With a Learning Disability at Home?
You can support your child with a learning disability by encouraging them to continue to use the skills and tools they’ve learned in therapy at home.
It is also important to provide a positive environment for learning and to ensure you’re staying connected with your child’s therapist.
What Accommodations Should Be Considered When Supporting My Child?
You should consider things such as what kind of tools your child may need to help them learn more effectively.
For example, this could be a quiet environment to study, visual aids to help with learning math skills, or reading guides to help them stay motivated and on track.
How Can I Partner With Teachers to Support My Child?
You can check in with your child’s teacher frequently to make sure you’re both on the same page about the best ways to support your child.
This could be by helping them study at home or providing them with tools to help with the learning process.
What Are Some Complications My Child Might Face?
It is possible that your child could become unmotivated, frustrated, or distracted as they work through overcoming struggles associated with a learning disability.
This is why it is important to continue to provide them with lots of encouragement.
Is My Child Protected Under the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
If your child has been officially diagnosed with a learning disability, it is likely that they are protected under the disabilities education act.
If you’re unsure, you can reach out to their treatment provider.
FAQs About Learning Disabilities
How long do learning disabilities last?
Many learning disabilities never completely go away as a child ages.
However, if they get the proper support, especially at a young age, they can overcome many of the challenges associated with their condition. They can also reach a point where they can succeed academically, socially, and in other areas of life.
Can I prevent learning disabilities?
No, you can not prevent your child from developing a learning disability because they are caused by neurological differences that are out of your control.
However, you can take steps to support your child and ensure they have the tools they need to thrive.
Can people with learning disabilities still learn?
Yes, people with learning disabilities can certainly still learn.
However, they may learn in somewhat different ways than others.
Can someone with a learning disability become a teacher?
Yes, someone with a learning disability can have a happy and successful career as a teacher.
In fact, the differences in the way they learn can even help them to empower and support students who may also think differently.
Can someone with a learning disability get a driver’s license?
Having a learning disability does not prevent a person from getting a driver’s license.
However, the process of preparing to get a driver’s license, whether it be practicing driving or preparing for their driver’s exam, can look a little different than it does for other people. They may need some extra time or support depending on their learning challenges.
Can someone with a learning disability get a job?
Yes, someone with a learning disability can not only get a great job but can also enjoy a happy and successful career.
Can a person with a learning disability go to college?
Yes, someone with a learning disability can still go to college and thrive there just like someone without a learning disability.
The way that they study and process information, however, may be somewhat different than their peers.
Is autism a learning disability?
No, autism is not considered a learning disability.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, socialize, and process sensory information. Learning disabilities, on the other hand, are specific difficulties with academic skills such as reading, writing, or math.
As a parent, it can be stressful and overwhelming to watch your child struggle with cognitive, behavioral, or emotional problems. If it seems that your child is persistently struggling either at school or at home, there could be a deeper problem going on. This could be a learning disability such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. These issues can lead to frustration, lack of motivation, and low self-esteem for your child. However, despite these issues, your child can overcome them through the proper support. At Mind Works, our team helps to provide children and teens with the resources, guidance, and skills they need to thrive at school and at home. To learn more about our program, call (210) 366-3700 today.