Parents want to see their kids enjoy going to school, learning, and making friends. When a child experiences difficulty in learning, parents may think the child just has a slow start but will catch up later. They may even push the child harder, assuming the child does not work hard enough. Sometimes, it is true that the child may be behind at the beginning but eventually catches up with children of the same age. And some children do need extra urging and encouragement.
Overview
What is a learning disability/disorder?
A learning disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impedes an individual’s ability to learn or use specific academic skills. It affects how the brain receives, processes, links, stores, or responds to information. Therefore, individuals with learning disabilities not only experience difficulties in particular academic skills but also in a variety of functions, like body coordination, language development, communication, social interaction, emotional distress, or behavioral issues.
Contrary to the myth that people with learning disabilities are not very smart. In general, people with learning disabilities have average or above-average intelligence.
What is the difference between a learning disability and a learning disorder?
Many people use “learning disability” and “learning disorder” interchangeably. However, technically, these two terms are different. “Learning disability” is a term used by educational and legal systems. On the other hand, “learning disorder” is a medical term used for clinical diagnosis.[i]
What are the types of learning disabilities?
- Dyslexia – Difficulty in reading
- Dysgraphia – Difficulty in writing
- Dyscalculia – Difficulty in math
- Nonverbal Learning Disorder – Difficulty in interpreting nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, etc.
- Auditory processing disorder – Difficulty in processing sounds
- Language processing disorder – Difficulty in understanding and producing spoken language
- Visual perceptual/visual motor deficit – Difficulty in hand-eye coordination, spatial perception, and motor skills
How common is a learning disability?
Learning disabilities are common, but it is difficult to determine the true prevalence of learning disabilities because there is no clear and standard definition, and the diagnostic criteria vary from place to place. The following are some estimates:
- Prevalence estimates for learning disabilities range from 5 to 9 percent in the general population.[ii]
- Specific learning disabilities affect about 4 to 6 percent of the adult population.[iii]
- Among students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the school year 2022-23, the most common disability type is specific learning disabilities, 32 percent.[iv]
- 1 in 5 children in the U.S. has learning and thinking differences such as ADHD or dyslexia.[v]
- 4 million children younger than 18 have learning disabilities in the U.S.[vi]
Causes & Symptoms
No one really knows what causes learning disabilities. Researchers believe learning disabilities result from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Even though there is no single sign that shows a person has a learning disability, there exists a gap between the person’s expected performance based on age and intelligence and actual performance. People with learning disabilities often fail in specific academic or professional areas or struggle to keep up with their peers. They usually experience discouragement, confusion, and frustration without proper diagnosis and timely treatment.
Diagnosis & Tests
A healthcare professional can diagnose learning disabilities. The diagnostic and testing process varies based on individual needs and struggles. The process may include:
- Family and medical history: The healthcare professional will likely take an intake about the person’s family and medical history.
- Physical and neurological examination: The health professional may conduct a physical and neurological examination to check for other health conditions such as brain diseases, mental health issues, or developmental and intellectual disabilities.
- Performance review: The healthcare provider may review and evaluate personal academic, professional, and social performance.
- Academic testing: The healthcare provider may administer a standardized achievement test to check reading, writing, and arithmetic skills.
- Cognitive evaluation: The healthcare professional may test verbal and nonverbal intelligence quotient.
Each learning disability has different symptoms and can vary in severity. Learning disabilities also manifest themselves over time and in various settings. Therefore, getting an accurate diagnosis to receive appropriate and specialized treatment, services, and accommodations is essential.
Management & Treatment
Learning disabilities have no cure, but early intervention can help manage symptoms and develop effective ways to cope with the disabilities and lessen their effects.
Any treatment or intervention plan should be tailored to the individual’s needs based on the type of learning disability and its severity.
For adults with learning disabilities, knowing what you need and speaking up for yourself is important. Understand your challenges, identify feasible solutions, and ask for resources and support to help you reach your goals.[vii] Work with your employer or school to create a supportive working and learning environment. In addition, utilize assistive technology to facilitate your learning and work.
Children diagnosed with learning disabilities may be qualified for special education services and receive an Individualized Education Program. Different types of therapy, like occupational, physical, or speech-language therapy, may help, depending on the nature and severity of specific disabilities.
Conclusion
Though learning disabilities pose several challenges in some key areas of life, people can still lead a productive and happy life with adequate accommodation, effective intervention, and supportive networks.
Many organizations offer expertise, education, support, and information on learning disabilities. Taking advantage of these resources and working closely with healthcare professionals will have a positive, long-lasting impact.
Resources
National Institute for Learning Development
https://nild.org/
National Center for Learning Disabilities
https://www.ncld.org/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Learning Disabilities Association of America
https://ldaamerica.org/
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
https://www.aacap.org/
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
International Dyslexia Association
https://dyslexiaida.org/
IDEA Sec. 300.8 Child with a disability
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.8
The Dyslexia Initiative. “Dysgraphia.” Accessed September 1, 2024. https://www.thedyslexiainitiative.org/dysgraphia
Dyscalculia Association
https://www.dyscalculia.org/
[i] https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/specific-learning-disorder/what-is-specific-learning-disorder
[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK332880/#:~:text=FINDINGS-,Prevalence%20estimates%20for%20LD%20in%20the%20general,between%205%20and%209%20percent
[iii] https://www.brightfuturesny.com/post/learning-disabilities-statistics
[iv] https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg/students-with-disabilities
[v] https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/learning-disabilities-statistics#:~:text=8.,semester%20or%20grade%20to%20learn.
[vi] https://www.discoveryaba.com/statistics/learning-disabilities-prevalence
[vii] https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/treatment/mld