Learning Disabilities and Disorders
Does your child struggle with school? Do they dread reading out loud, writing an essay, or tackling math? Here’s how to recognize the signs of different types of learning disorders.
Learning disabilities or learning disorders are umbrella terms for a wide variety of learning problems. A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence or motivation and kids with learning disabilities aren’t lazy or dumb. In fact, most are just as smart as everyone else. Their brains are simply wired differently—and this difference affects how they receive and process information.
Simply put, children and adults with learning disabilities see, hear, and understand things differently. This can lead to trouble with learning new information and skills, and putting them to use. The most common types of learning disabilities involve problems with reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking.
While every kid has trouble with homework from time to time, if a certain area of learning is consistently problematic, it might indicate a learning disorder.
What are the signs of learning disorders? Your child might have a learning disorder if he or she:
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Doesn't master skills in reading, spelling, writing or math at or near expected age and grade levels.
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Has difficulty understanding and following instructions.
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Has trouble remembering what someone just told him or her.
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Lacks coordination in walking, sports or skills such as holding a pencil.
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Easily loses or misplaces homework, schoolbooks or other items.
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Has difficulty understanding the concept of time
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Resists doing homework or activities that involve reading, writing or math, or consistently can't complete homework assignments without significant help.
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Acts out or shows defiance, hostility or excessive emotional reactions at school or while doing academic activities, such as homework or reading.
Types of Learning Disabilities
Dyscalculia A specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts.
Dysgraphia A specific learning disability that affects a person’s handwriting ability and fine motor skills.
Dyslexia A specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills.
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities Has trouble interpreting nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language and may have poor coordination.
Oral / Written Language Disorder and Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit Learning disabilities that affect an individual’s understanding of what they read or of spoken language. The ability to express one’s self with oral language may also be impacted.
