Learning disabilities are neurological (brain) disorders that make it hard
for a person to store, understand, or produce information.
A learning disability is like having a physical disability. But, instead
of having difficulty walking or talking, children with learning disabilities
have difficulty learning.
Since you can't see that a person has a learning disability, sometimes it
is left unnoticed and untreated.
Children with learning disabilities may do well in one subject at school
but have problems with another. Your child may be great at math but be unable
to write a complete sentence.
What are the different kinds? There are different kinds of learning disabilities. A child may have more
than one. There are 3 main types:
Academic
A child with a reading disability probably reads below grade level.
He may have problems reading aloud and often mix up letters and sounds.
A child with a writing disability has trouble with spelling, punctuation,
and handwriting.
A child with dyslexia has trouble with both reading and writing.
A child with a math disability has problems with numbers and math symbols.
Speech and Language
A child with an articulation disorder has problems speaking. He may
speak too fast or slow and have a hard time with certain letters (saying
"wabbit" instead of "rabbit.")
A child with an expressive disorder can speak well but has problems
using speech. He may call things by the wrong name or have problems responding
to people.
A child with a receptive disorder has problems understanding speech.
He can hear fine but has a hard time making sense of what he hears.
Attention
A child with an attention disorder often daydreams,
has a short attention span, is unable to concentrate, or may be overly
active. He may be impulsive (acting out before he thinks).
Two kinds are Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Attention
Deficit Disorder (ADD).
What causes a learning disability?
Learning disabilities may be caused by a problem with the nervous system
or brain.
They tend to run in families. A child is more likely to have a learning
disability if someone else in the family has one, too.
They could be caused by drug use during pregnancy.
Learning disabilities are not caused by teachers, schoolwork, culture, or
family.
Who can get a learning disability?
Learning disabilities affect at least 1 in 10 schoolchildren.
Boys tend to be diagnosed more often than girls. This may be due to the
fact that boys usually get more attention at school for misbehaving than girls.
What are some signs of a learning disability?
All children may have the problems listed below from time to time. This
is normal.
It is normal for children to have problems learning things at certain ages.
It takes time for children to learn.
A child with a learning disability has these problems more often or even
all the time. He has problems doing the same things that other children his
age have already learned.
A child with a learning disability may:
have a hard time understanding and following instructions.
have a hard time remembering things he was told.
have problems in reading, spelling, writing, and/or math. He may be
"behind" in school.
have a hard time telling right from left.
reverse letters, words, or numbers ("d" for "b", 35 for 53, or "was"
for "saw").
have poor coordination. He may have a hard time tying his shoes, holding
a pencil, or walking.
lose things a lot, like books and homework.
be confused about time. He may not understand "yesterday," "today,"
or "tomorrow."
Do children with learning disabilities have other problems?
Children with learning disabilities usually have normal intelligence.
The disability creates a "gap" between a person's ability and his performance.
A child may have more than one disorder. For example, a child who has one
language disorder commonly has another.
Children may have problems related to their disability. For example:
People may not understand your child's disability. They may say he is
lazy, retarded, slow, or "bad."
This can make your child feel frustrated. He may think he is stupid
and feel bad about himself.
Your child may misbehave because he feels frustrated or because he would
rather people notice him for being bad than notice that he is "stupid."
What can I do to help my child?
It is best if problems are treated beginning at a young age.
If problems are not treated, the child may fall behind in school.
If you think your child has a learning disability, a doctor should test
him as soon as possible.
Also contact your child's school. He will need to be tested by teachers,
too.
Who can help my child?
Your child can get the best help when a group of people work together. This
is often called a multi-disciplinary team. It can be made up of:
Family doctor.
Learning disability experts.
Child or adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist.
Teachers, counselors, child care staff.
School professionals.
Parents and family members.
How are learning disabilities treated?
Each child is different, so treatment is different for each child.
Medication helps some children.
Some children need help at school and/or at home.
Special laws make sure that your child gets the help he needs at school.
Talk to your child's doctor, teachers, and principal.
The school makes a plan for how they can help your child. The plan is called
an IEP, or individualized education plan.
Plans are different for each child. They tell how your child's strengths
will be used to help him improve his weaknesses.
The plan sets goals for your child and tells specifically how teachers will
help your child reach those goals. For example:
Your child might benefit from working with a special teacher in a regular
or special classroom.
Teachers may be able to help your child learn by making changes in his
schoolwork.
Your child might need to take a special class.
Treatment works best when family members, schools, and health care professionals
work together to help the child.
Families often take classes to learn how to best help their child at home.
How long does a learning disability last?
Learning disabilities can't be cured, but children who get treatment often
are able to learn in other ways.
Quick Answers
Children with learning disabilities have specific problems with communication
and information.
There are different kinds of learning disabilities. Your children might
do well in one subject at school but have problems with another.
Learning disabilities may be caused by a problem with the nervous system
or brain.
Boys tend to be diagnosed more often than girls.
Signs of a learning disability include having a hard time understanding
and following instructions, losing things, forgetting things, and having low
math and reading skills.
Some children with learning disabilities also have other disorders.
If you think your child has a learning disability, a doctor and your local
school should test him as soon as possible.
Doctors, psychiatrists or psychologists, and teachers can help your child.
Treatment is different for each child.
Learning disabilities can't be cured, but people who get treatment often
are able to learn in other ways.
References
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Children with Learning
Disabilities. 1999 May (cited 2001 October 19). Available from: URL: http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/ld.htm
Goodman, RF Ph.D. and Gurian A Ph.D. About Learning Disorders. AboutOurKids.org.
2001 February 27 (cited 2001 October 19). Available from: URL: http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/about_learning.html
National Institute of Mental Health. Learning Disabilities. 1999 June 1
(cited 2001 October 19). Available from: http;//www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/learndis.htm
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