Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand, speak, or read language, do mathematics, and coordinate movements and functions. These setbacks are more common in children than most people realise, with research citing that 1 in 5 children in the USA have a learning disability.
According to Jonathan Hoffenberg, social worker and PACES Manager at The Parent Centre, learning disabilities are genetic, however, other factors play a role such as premature birth, exposure to alcohol, drugs, toxins, or infections during pregnancy. While these disorders are present at birth, most of the time they are only picked up in school.
“There is still a lot we don’t know about learning disorders and their exact causes. Psychology is a relatively new science so as we learn more about the brain, we can increase our understanding of these disabilities,” says Hoffenberg.
He says what’s important to understand is that learning disabilities are not linked to intelligence or motivation. “People who have a learning disability are not “stupid” or “lazy.” Ironically high intelligence can often mask a learning disability.”
Below, Hoffenberg outlines four different learning disorders and their symptoms.
1.Dyslexia
This is the most common learning disability. Dyslexia affects the reading and language processing skills. Common symptoms include reversing letters, and not being able to break words down. It can affect how we hear, or process spoken language. It affects spelling, copying, and reading. Because reading and comprehension are such a vital early part of education Dyslexia can delay speech and reading. This can make children subconscious and affect self-esteem.
2.Dyscalculia
This affects maths skills. For children with this disorder, it’s difficult for them to understand mathematical concepts and do basic maths problems (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
3.Dysgraphia
This is a learning disability that affects a person’s ability to write, whereas Dyslexia is about reading and language processing. Dysgraphia impacts letter spacing, the ability to organise thoughts and ideas into writing, and presents as children with messy and slow handwriting. This difficulty in translating thoughts into writing affects spelling, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as critical thinking and memory.
4.Auditory and visual processing disorders
Auditory processing disorders affect the processing of sounds. A child’s ears may be fine, but the brain struggles to filter and differentiate sounds. A child may confuse the order or source of sounds and may struggle to hear a teacher’s voice against background noise. This can present as a language processing disorder where the child struggles to attach meaning to sound groups that make up words and sentences. Individuals with visual processing struggle to interpret letters into language.
ADHD and ADD are not learning disabilities.
Hoffenberg notes that whilst both Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have an impact on learning, just like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can have an impact on learning, these are not strictly classed as learning disabilities. ADD and ADHD are neurological conditions with symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and poor working memory (executive functions).
What makes ADHD/ADD different from learning disabilities is how they are treated. ADHD/ADD can need medication, but it can also be positively impacted by diet, exercise, and mindfulness such as learning meditation, as well as coaching and counselling.
How Parents can support
Hoffenberg points out that parents can acknowledge the learning issues their children face while appreciating their differences. “Yes, your child is different, but some differences have benefits. ADHD people can transition through emotions quickly which can mean they are not as affected by negative feelings. Children with a learning disability in one area may have strengths in others, for example, children who struggle to read can be excellent auditory learners.
Learning disabilities by the numbers
How many kids get special education services for learning disabilities and ADHD? Explore these and other learning disability stats.
