Learning disabilities are a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that can significantly impede an individual’s capacity to acquire new knowledge. Consequently, affected individuals may encounter challenges in various tasks, including speaking, reading, writing, maintaining focus, comprehending information, retaining information, performing mathematical computations, and coordinating physical movements.
These disabilities typically manifest at a young age and are frequently diagnosed during a person’s school years, as education places a primary emphasis on learning. It is estimated that approximately 8% to 10% of children under the age of 18 in the United Kingdom experience some form of learning disability. However, certain individuals might not receive a diagnosis until they reach college or join the workforce, while others may never officially ascertain the cause of their academic, occupational, relational, and daily life difficulties.
It is important to recognize that individuals with learning disabilities generally possess average to above-average intelligence and often demonstrate exceptional aptitude in areas like science, mathematics, fine arts, and other creative disciplines. These individuals are often bright and intellectually gifted, but there may exist a disparity between their potential and the skills anticipated for someone of their age.
In this article, we explore various types of learning disabilities, their causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.
Types of Learning Disabilities
The term “learning disability” serves as an overarching classification for numerous specific learning disorders, as listed in Walden University’s publication.
The following are the learning disabilities every psychology professional should study.
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Dyslexia
Dyslexia stands as the most prevalent learning disability, constituting 80% of all cases. It manifests as a language processing disorder, resulting in challenges related to speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending words. This may impede the development of vocabulary and give rise to difficulties in grammar, reading comprehension, and other language skills.
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Dysgraphia
Individuals with dysgraphia may encounter obstacles when translating their thoughts into written form due to difficulties with vocabulary, spelling, grammar, memory, and critical thinking. This condition is distinguished by poor handwriting, with struggles in letter spacing, spatial awareness, and motor planning, making it challenging for the individual to think and write concurrently.
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Dyscalculia
Also referred to as “math dyslexia,” this condition encompasses learning disorders associated with mathematics, including issues with numbers, concepts, and reasoning. Those with dyscalculia may find it arduous to count money, read clocks and tell time, perform mental math calculations, identify number patterns, and apply mathematical formulas.
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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
APD results in difficulties in processing sounds as the brain misinterprets auditory information received through the ear. This can lead to confusion in the sequencing of sounds in certain words and difficulty distinguishing between sounds, such as the teacher’s voice and background classroom noise.
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Language Processing Disorder (LPD)
A subset of APD, LPD is characterized by challenges in processing spoken language, making it problematic for the individual to attach meaning to sound groups representing words, sentences, and narratives.
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Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
Those with this condition may face challenges in hand-eye coordination and motor activities. They might frequently lose their place while reading, exhibit unusual eye movements during reading or writing, confuse similar-looking letters, experience difficulty navigating their surroundings, and struggle with handling items such as pens, pencils, crayons, glue, and scissors.
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Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD)
NVLD entails difficulty in interpreting nonverbal cues, including facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal signals.
Symptoms of Learning Disabilities
The following list is some common symptoms of learning disabilities:
- Impaired memory
- Challenges in maintaining focus
- Shortened attention span
- Struggles with reading and writing
- Confusion between right and left
- Inclination to reverse letters
- Difficulty comprehending specific words and concepts
- Disconnection between words and their intended meaning (e.g., saying one thing but meaning another)
- Difficulty expressing thoughts and emotions
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Delayed speech development
- Difficulty distinguishing between sounds, letters, or numbers
- Trouble sounding out words
- Tendency to jumble numbers or letters in the wrong order
- Problems telling time
- Disorganization
- Resistance to change
- Inconsistent performance on a daily or weekly basis
- Challenges in listening and following instructions
- Inappropriate responses
- Restlessness and impulsivity
- Tendency to exhibit disruptive behaviour
- Struggles with discipline
As outlined by the National Institute for Learning Development (NILD), a defining characteristic of this condition is the pervasive sense of frustration. Individuals with learning disabilities frequently exhibit strengths in specific areas while struggling significantly in others. They are acutely aware of the disparities between their abilities and limitations.
The NILD further highlights that individuals with learning disabilities often encounter challenges in specific academic or professional domains, often due to factors beyond their control. This may require them to exert immense effort to achieve success. This experience can be emotionally taxing, bewildering, and demotivating, often leading to feelings of sadness and disappointment.
Causes of Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities stem from variations in the neurological functioning of an individual’s brain. These distinctions can manifest prior to birth, during the birthing process, or in early childhood, and may be attributed to factors like:
- Maternal illness during pregnancy
- Birth complications that impede the flow of oxygen to the infant’s brain
- Specific genetic factors that increase the person’s susceptibility to developing a learning disability
- Injuries or illnesses, such as meningitis, experienced during early childhood
- Certain health conditions, including cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome, often involve some degree of learning disability
It is important to emphasize that learning disabilities should not be confused with learning difficulties arising from other sources, such as:
- Visual, auditory, speech, or motor impairments
- Intellectual disability
- Emotional disturbances
- Socioeconomic, cultural, or environmental disadvantages
How Learning Disabilities Effect People
Learning disabilities manifest diversely and with varying levels of impact. Some individuals facing learning disabilities may encounter specific difficulties, such as in reading or mathematics, while others may grapple with broader challenges in the realm of learning and information processing.
These disabilities can impede academic success and often result in diminished self-esteem, frustration, and hurdles in social interactions. Nonetheless, through appropriate support and accommodations, many individuals with learning disabilities can surmount their obstacles and achieve success in both their educational pursuits and life at large.
It is paramount to recognize that learning disabilities do not serve as indicators of a person’s intelligence or motivation. Each individual with a learning disability possesses a unique profile of strengths and challenges, making them distinct and valuable in their own right.
Who Can Develop Learning Disabilities?
Learning disabilities can emerge in individuals across diverse age groups, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds. Typically, these challenges become apparent either from birth or early childhood, persisting throughout a person’s lifetime.
Learning disabilities do not discriminate, affecting individuals from all walks of life. Notably, there exist numerous well-known celebrities who have navigated and triumphed over learning difficulties, showcasing that success is attainable despite these hurdles.
The hereditary nature of learning disabilities parallels other familial traits passed down through genetics. It’s a common occurrence for individuals with learning disabilities to have family members who also grappled with learning challenges, suggesting a potential genetic component.
Several factors can elevate the likelihood of developing a learning disability, including premature birth, low birth weight, and exposure to toxins or infections during pregnancy. However, in many instances, the precise cause of a learning disability remains unknown.
How To Diagnose Learning Disabilities
Diagnosing learning disabilities is a task typically undertaken by healthcare professionals, and the diagnostic process may encompass the following components:
- Academic Testing: Healthcare workers may administer standardized achievement tests to assess the person’s proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Additionally, an intelligence quotient (IQ) test might be conducted. Discrepancies between a higher IQ score and lower achievement test results can indicate the presence of a learning disability.
- Medical History: A comprehensive inquiry into the person’s personal and family medical history is commonly part of the diagnostic process.
- Performance Evaluation: Healthcare professionals may thoroughly review and assess the individual’s performance across academic, professional, social, and developmental domains.
- Physical and Neurological Examination: Healthcare providers may perform physical and neurological examinations to rule out other health conditions, including brain diseases, mental health issues, and developmental or intellectual disabilities.
It’s essential to recognize that each learning disability presents with unique symptoms, and the experience of the condition is individualized, as variations in the frequency and intensity of symptoms can occur.
Some individuals may contend with a single, isolated learning difficulty that has a limited impact on their daily life, while others may grapple with multiple learning disabilities that overlap, making it challenging to function independently without support.
How To Treat Learning Disabilities
The treatment for learning disabilities can encompass various approaches, including:
Special Education: Children with learning disabilities can derive benefits from specialized education provided by trained educators. These professionals conduct a comprehensive assessment of the child’s abilities and subsequently work on building upon their strengths while addressing and compensating for their specific disabilities.
Medication: In some cases, individuals may require medication to enhance their capacity for concentration and focus.
Therapy: Psychotherapy offers a valuable avenue for individuals with learning disabilities to manage emotional challenges and develop effective coping skills.
Additional Interventions: Other interventions, such as speech and language therapy, may prove beneficial in addressing specific needs of people with learning disabilities.
Support Groups: Both individuals with learning disabilities and parents of children with these conditions can find support and solace through group meetings. These gatherings enable them to connect with others who share similar experiences. Given that learning difficulties can sometimes strain relationships and lead to misunderstandings, support groups play a crucial role in fostering understanding and collaboration within families, especially when the condition is hereditary.
Conclusion
Learning disabilities are highly prevalent and can impact individuals of all age groups, affecting their capacity to learn, process information, and execute various tasks.
The top most commonly encountered learning disabilities include dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia. Each of these conditions can manifest with a spectrum of symptoms, typically requiring a combination of medical and educational assessments for a proper diagnosis.
Seeking assistance is of utmost importance when dealing with a learning disability, either for yourself or someone you know. Early intervention can significantly enhance the management of the condition and foster success in educational and other aspects of life.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be contending with a learning disability, Reignscare is available to provide learning disability support services. Explore our resources to gain a better understanding of the condition and access the help you require.
