What you need to know about learning disabilities: Does your child have this problem?

Is your child struggling with schoolwork? Does he seem to have a harder time understanding things than other children? Or do you think he has a little trouble with letters and numbers? Sometimes we as parents get worried when we see these things. But don't worry , this is not a lack of intelligence. Today we are going to talk about these types of learning difficulties, or in medical terms, 'Learning Disabilities'.

What is a learning disability?

Simply put, a learning disability (LD) is a change in the way your brain processes information. It's like a small change in the ``software`` of a computer. So here's something new:

• Acquire information
• Organize information
• Retain information
• Understand information
• Use information

It might be a little difficult.

These disabilities can affect both verbal and nonverbal skills. They most often affect reading, writing, and math. The condition can range from mild to severe.

The important thing to note here is that a learning disability does not necessarily mean that a child is intellectually disabled. It is completely different from an intellectual disability. Children with learning disabilities may have an intelligence quotient (IQ) of average or above. They just have specific challenges in learning.

Many people can recognize this condition as early as school age, but some people are diagnosed during adolescence or later in life.

Is there a difference between "Learning Disability" and "Learning Disorder"?

Now you may be wondering whether 'Learning Disability' and 'Learning Disorder' are two different terms or one. Although we often use these two terms interchangeably, there is a slight technical difference.

• Learning Disorder: This is the term used by doctors, especially psychologists, to identify a disorder based on specific criteria. This is clearly stated in mental illness classification guidelines such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).
• Learning Disability: This is a legal term in some countries (e.g., in the United States, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - IDEA). This means that when a child is identified as such by a school, that child is entitled to things like an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The methods may be a little different in our country, but the basic idea is to provide the child with the special support they need.

Simply put, "disorder" is a medical diagnosis, while "disability" is something that can be related to educational and legal aspects. However, in everyday speech, both are used interchangeably.

What are these specific learning disorders?

According to the DSM-5-TR, "Specific Learning Disorder" is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent impairment in at least one of three major areas:

• Reading
• Writing
• Mathematics (Math)

Here are some of the most common specific learning disorders:

Dyslexia - Reading difficulties

Imagine, some children find it difficult to read letters, words get jumbled up, and letters seem to jump around. They have difficulty pronouncing simple words, recognizing letters, reciting poems, and reading new words on their own. Sometimes letters are skipped or they are read in reverse order. We call this condition dyslexia. This is the most common learning disability. This is due to a change in the way the brain processes written words.

Dysgraphia - Difficulty writing

Some children have difficulty writing down what they have in mind, even if they have received a good education. They cannot write neatly, have difficulty holding a pen properly, often misspell words, write very slowly, and make grammatical errors. This is called dysgraphia. Sometimes, even though they have many ideas in their mind, it is very difficult to put them down on paper.

Dyscalculia - Mathematical difficulties

There are children who have difficulty working with numbers and calculating. They have difficulty counting up numbers, doing simple calculations mentally, remembering the multiplication table, organizing math problems, telling time, and dealing with money. This condition is called dyscalculia.

Should we also learn about Nonverbal Learning Disorder?

Things done without using words, that is:

• Problem-solving
• Understanding things like diagrams and distances (Visual-spatial tasks)
• Understanding the facial expressions and behaviors of others (Recognizing social cues)

There are learning disabilities that affect things like: These are called nonverbal learning disorders. Although they are not yet classified as a specific learning disorder in the DSM-5-TR, research shows that about 5% of people with learning disabilities have these difficulties.

These can affect things like:

• Social skills: Difficulty understanding the language used (e.g. slang), facial expressions, and body language when talking to others.
• Executive functioning: Difficulty planning, organizing, and controlling emotions.
• Visual-spatial awareness: This can lead to problems with coordination.
• Math skills: Difficulty understanding especially complex math concepts.

How common are these learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities are relatively common. In a country like the United States, researchers estimate that about 10% of people will be diagnosed with one during their lifetime. Worldwide, about 5% of school-age children have a learning disability.

Of these , dyslexia is the most common condition. About 80% of learning disabilities are classified as dyslexia.

What are the symptoms of a learning disability? How do you recognize it?

Okay, so how do we know if something like this exists? The main sign is that there is a big gap between the child's educational potential and the skills he or she demonstrates in school.

The most severe learning disabilities can show signs of learning disabilities in early childhood. However, milder or more moderate learning disabilities may not be recognized by parents and teachers until after the child starts school (after age 5) and when challenges arise with schoolwork. Even in some severe cases, it may not be fully recognized until the child is in school.

Each type of learning disability has its own unique characteristics, but in general, here are some of the difficulties you may see:

• Difficulty recognizing letters, numbers, colors, and mathematical symbols.
• Difficulty counting.
• Difficulty in increasing vocabulary.
• Difficulty rhyming things like poetry.
• Difficulty sounding out words when reading.
• Difficulty organizing, starting, and completing assignments.
• Difficulty organizing and expressing what you want to say in your mind.
• Short-term or long-term memory impairments.
• Difficulty holding the pencil properly.
• Inability to write clearly.
• Difficulty retelling a story in order.
• Difficulty staying focused on one task.
• Difficulty following instructions.
• Difficulty in body coordination.
• Difficulty understanding concepts, organizing information to solve problems, and understanding the world around them.

These are just a few examples. Just because a child has these symptoms does not mean that they have a learning disability. Only a professional can do that. Your child may have several of these symptoms, one or two. It is possible that your child may have more than one type of learning disability.

Behavioral symptoms

Learning disabilities can affect a child's self-esteem and attitude toward school. They may feel frustrated that they are not as good as other children. Behavioral traits such as these can also be signs of a learning disability:

• Reluctance to go to school.
• Reluctance to read aloud or do math in front of other children.
• Complaining about teachers, blaming them when their grades go down.
• Reluctance to show schoolwork to parents.
• Avoiding assignments.
• Acting out, either at school or in social settings.
• Suddenly getting angry, struggling.
• Saying self-critical things like "I'm stupid," "I can't do anything."

If your child is suffering from these kinds of difficulties, it is very important to talk to them and seek help.

Why do these learning disabilities occur?

Researchers are still learning a lot about learning disabilities and their causes. It is currently thought that they are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors . Remember, learning disabilities are not caused by physical sensory problems, such as poor eyesight or hearing.

Studies have shown that the following risk factors can contribute to learning disabilities:

• Having a family member (biological family) with learning disabilities.
• Premature birth.
• Exposure of the mother to alcohol or other drugs during the fetal period.
• Having speech and language developmental delays.
• Malnutrition.
• Exposure to environmental toxins like lead.
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Often, learning disabilities can be seen together with other disorders. For example:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

Some studies show that between 20% and 70% of children with mental illnesses also have learning disabilities.

If you think your child has a learning disability, you can request a formal assessment through their school. Generally, if schools suspect a learning disability in a child (ages 3-21), they should be evaluated.

How do you know exactly if you have a learning disability?

Parents and teachers are often the first to suspect a learning disability when a child starts school. To accurately diagnose whether a child has this condition, a number of special assessments and tests are required. Your child's pediatrician and a school psychologist or child psychologist will be involved in this process.

Remember, a learning disorder is diagnosed by a psychologist. Your child's school can diagnose a learning disability, conduct an assessment, and develop an educational plan. The process for making a psychological diagnosis is slightly different from the legal diagnosis process (e.g., IDEA) in some states. But they all involve a combination of the following:

• Observations
• Interviews
• Assessments
• Medical and family history
• School reports

During this process, you will need to work closely with your child's school and educational specialists.

Learning disability tests

The different types of assessments (each with different tests) used to identify learning disabilities are:

• Medical evaluation: First, your child's pediatrician will perform a physical exam and neurological exam to determine if there is an underlying medical cause for your child's learning challenges. They may also order blood tests and scans.
• Educational assessment and performance evaluation: The child's teachers observe the child's behavior in the classroom and evaluate his or her academic skills. They test and report on the child's reading, writing, and math skills according to their age.
• Cognitive evaluation: This usually includes verbal and nonverbal intelligence (IQ) testing. This is done by a school psychologist or child psychologist. It can also look at the child's preferred way of processing information (e.g., visually or aurally).
• Psychological evaluation: This can help identify ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. These often coexist with learning disabilities, but they are different conditions. A child psychologist will assess the child's attitude toward school, interest in learning, relationships with peers, and self-esteem.
• Neuropsychological assessment: This test looks at how certain conditions in the brain affect a child's behavior and cognitive skills (the way the child uses the brain). This is done by a neuropsychologist. This is especially useful for children who have damage or disease to the central nervous system, because it can identify areas of their brain that are related to learning strengths and weaknesses.

How to help a child with learning disabilities? How to manage them?

People with learning disabilities need different or additional help to learn. This help – or management – ​​varies depending on the type of learning disability and its severity. You and your child will need to work with a number of professionals to find the best learning plan for them. This team may include:

• Educators
• Educational remediation specialists
• Psychologists
• Special education services
• Healthcare providers such as occupational therapists and physical therapists.

In general, educational interventions fall into these levels:

• Accommodation: A child receives access to the same core curriculum, but with additional or supportive resources, such as large print books, without changing the educational content.
• Modification: The child's school changes the child's goals and objectives and provides services to reduce the impact of the learning disability. For example, allowing the child to answer a test orally instead of writing it down.
• Remediation: The child's school provides specific interventions to reduce the severity of the learning disability.

If your child qualifies for special education services, he or she will receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP) . (Although not called that in our country, such special plans may be in place.) This individualized education plan:

• The child's educational goals are listed.
• It specifies what services the child will receive.
• Lists the specialists who work with the child.

While some children need specialized instruction in just one area, they continue to attend regular classes. Other children may need separate, more intensive educational programs. As required by law (in some countries), children with learning disabilities should participate in classes with their peers without such disabilities as much as possible.

It may take some time to find the best strategy for your child, but remember that the effort you put into helping your child is well worth it.

What can I expect if my child has a learning disability?

Although children do not "outgrow" learning disabilities, they can learn to adapt to them and develop their skills. Children who are identified early and receive early intervention are more likely to maintain a positive self-image and overcome challenges.

They can also develop the personal strengths that come with learning disabilities. For example, people with dyslexia are often particularly creative. Children with learning disabilities can become well-functioning, successful adults.

Can learning disabilities have complications?

If your child has a learning disability, they may have self-esteem issues or feel like they're not smart. They're also at higher risk of developing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

Positive support from parents, teachers, and friends can help a child overcome these obstacles. However, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health counselor .

How long do learning disabilities last?

Learning disabilities are lifelong. This means that adults can have learning disabilities too. Children are usually the first to be diagnosed with them, but some people don't realize they have a learning disability until they are adults.

Can learning disabilities be prevented?

Learning disabilities cannot be prevented, but they can often be managed with a variety of strategies. This is most beneficial if your child receives early intervention. You should do the following:

• If you notice early signs of learning disabilities, talk to a healthcare provider.
• Work with your child's school to help develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

What can I do to help my child?

It's important to make sure your child gets help with their learning disability. This could include:

• Monitor your child's progress to see if their IEP is making enough progress in their skills development. Tell school administrators if you feel their IEP is not helping.
• Establish good communication between outside specialists, school staff, and the child's pediatrician.
• Create an atmosphere of encouragement and support at home.
• If your child is experiencing distress due to a learning disability or has behavioral issues , take them to a mental health professional .
• Take care of yourself too. Trying to provide for your child can be exhausting. Take care of your mental health and seek support from loved ones.

You want what's best for your child. So, it's hard to see him struggling in school. Remember, learning disabilities are common – and there are a number of interventions that can be tailored to your child's specific needs. Your child's school, psychologist, and healthcare provider will be with you every step of the way.

Summary and Take-Home Message

So, let's review some of the things we talked about about learning disabilities:

• This is not a lack of intelligence: a learning disability is simply a change in the way the brain processes information.
• Common situation: Many children may have difficulties like this. You are not alone.
• Early detection is important: If you notice a change in your child's learning style, seek professional help immediately.
• Manageable: With the right support, children can overcome these challenges and succeed.
• Your support is valuable: Treating your child with love, encouragement, and patience is a great boost to their self-confidence.
• Specialist help is needed: pediatricians, psychologists, and educational specialists help with this.

A learning disability is just something that changes a child's journey a little. Let's all work together to help make that journey a success. If your child has any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.

` Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Educational Difficulties, Children's Education, Psychology