Learning Disorder

Not all individuals possess the same abilities in life, and everyone’s level of comprehension and learning differs. Some individuals may excel in specific subjects, such as mathematics or physics, while others may thrive in literature or other areas.

Variations in abilities among individuals are entirely natural. However, there are cases where an individual, despite having high intelligence, may struggle with certain aspects of learning and encounter difficulty in understanding certain subjects.

Learning disorder is a common type of psychological disorder, particularly in children. In this case, a child may possess higher intelligence than their peers but still face challenges in various areas of learning, hindering their ability to progress through the learning process.

A learning disorder or disability encompasses a wide range of difficulties that can make it more challenging for a child to acquire certain skills. These disabilities can impact reading, writing, mathematical abilities, social skills, and more. Early recognition of the signs of learning disabilities in children plays a crucial role in their treatment.

This disorder is a neurobiological condition that stems from specific challenges in reading, mathematics, or word recognition.

Individuals with learning disabilities may find it more challenging to acquire specific skills. These difficulties can encompass learning new skills, communication, financial calculations, reading, writing, and self-care. Learning disorders may be present from birth or may develop as a result of an accident or illness during childhood.

What are the symptoms of learning disorder?

Learning disabilities present themselves with different signs at different ages. Initially, the diagnosis is the responsibility of the parents, but the final diagnosis must be made by a psychologist. In general, the initial symptoms of this disorder can be summarized as follows:

Signs and symptoms of learning disorder:

Struggles in learning the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, etc., while peers easily grasp and recognize them.
Difficulty using pencils, markers, scissors, or inability to stay within the lines while coloring.
Challenges with tasks such as buttoning clothes, zipping, tying shoelaces, and other fine motor skills.
Pronunciation or articulation issues.
Difficulty with rhythm and rhyme.
Difficulty in selecting and using appropriate words.
Challenges in connecting sounds with words.
Struggles in comprehending and mastering basic mathematical concepts.
Confusion when reading simple words.
Difficulty in blending sounds to form words.
Slower acquisition of new skills.
Inability to spell accurately and making persistent errors.
Struggles in participating in group discussions and expressing opinions loudly.
Difficulty in grasping and learning mathematical concepts.
Lack of interest in activities such as reading and writing, and avoiding reading aloud.

Causes of Learning Disorder

The exact mechanism of many learning disabilities remains unclear, but it appears that various genetic and environmental factors contribute to their development.

Family history and genetics: A family history of learning disabilities increases the likelihood of developing a learning disorder.
Prenatal risks: Exposure to alcohol and other substances, premature birth, and very low birth weight are associated with learning disabilities.
Psychological traumas: Trauma or abuse experienced during early childhood may impact brain development and increase the risk of learning disabilities.
Physical injuries: Head injuries or infections of the nervous system may contribute to the development of learning disorders.
Environmental pollutants: Exposure to high levels of toxins, such as lead, may increase the risk of learning disabilities.

Common Types of Learning Disabilities

In the previous section, we provided a general overview of learning disabilities. In this section, we will discuss the most common types of LD in more detail.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia, or reading disability, is one of the most prevalent types of learning disabilities. Difficulties with reading arise when there is difficulty in understanding the relationship between sounds, letters, and words.

Symptoms of reading difficulties include trouble recognizing letters and words, comprehending words and ideas, reading speed and fluency, and general vocabulary skills. Dyslexia or reading disabilities affect the majority of individuals with LD (approximately 85%).

Dyscalculia

It is a term that encompasses a broad spectrum of mathematical challenges, such as difficulty understanding the concept of numbers and applying mathematical principles to solve problems. Math disorders in children are often diagnosed at a later stage.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a type of learning disability that impacts writing ability. This disorder may present as spelling difficulties, poor handwriting, and struggles with organizing thoughts on paper.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is another form of learning disability that affects motor skills and coordination. Signs of coordination difficulties in children may include challenges with activities requiring hand-eye coordination, such as buttoning a shirt.

Auditory and Visual Challenges

The eyes and ears are essential for transmitting information to the brain. If the eyes or ears do not function properly, it can hinder learning.

The Treatments for Learning Disabilities

Although there is no known cure for learning disorders, early intervention can significantly reduce their impact. Addressing learning disabilities early on can help prevent many of the issues associated with these conditions.

Ignoring these disorders in children can lead to numerous academic difficulties, impacting their academic performance and future prospects. Therefore, early intervention for these disorders is highly recommended. Treating learning disabilities can also boost a person’s self-confidence. For children with these disorders, treatment can enhance their motivation to study and excel in school.

Thankfully, there are effective strategies available to assist children with these conditions. It is important to familiarize oneself with these strategies and learn essential tips for teaching children with learning disabilities:

Utilize the chunking technique: Teachers can support students in their learning by breaking down lessons into smaller, more manageable segments.
Visual organization of information: Many students with learning disabilities process information visually. Teachers and parents can leverage visual aids to facilitate comprehension of lessons.
Personalized teaching and online education: Incorporating individualized and online education into the curriculum can be beneficial for these children.

Treatment of Reading Disorders

This disorder typically hinders a person’s ability to spell out words, understand letter-sound relationships, and blend letters to form words, making learning challenging.

Other issues associated with this disorder include:

Difficulty retaining material they have read
Limited comprehension of the material being read
Slow reading speed
Challenges in understanding the material read

Treatment of Writing Disorders

Writing disorders are closely linked to visual, motor, and memory processing skills, as well as real-time adjustments. Untreated writing disorders can lead to issues such as:

Slow completion of written content and assignments
Poor handwriting
Difficulty expressing thoughts on paper
Challenges in comprehending their written material by others
Struggles in spelling, sentence construction, and composition

Treatment of Mathematical Disorders

Untreated learning disorders in mathematics may result in various challenges for an individual, including:

Difficulty understanding mathematical principles and number concepts
Challenges with learning multiplication tables
Problem-solving difficulties
Incorrect use of symbols in problem-solving
Difficulty in analyzing problem statements

If left untreated, these learning disorders may persist into later stages of life, with potential changes in their manifestation. These disorders can significantly impact an individual’s non-verbal skills and future success.

The Role of Parents in Managing Children with Learning Disorders

All children require love, warmth, and support, and these elements are particularly crucial for children with learning disorders, as they greatly contribute to building their self-confidence. Your actions and responses to challenges significantly influence your child. Your positive approach is not aimed at solving the problems associated with learning disorders, but rather at instilling hope and confidence in your child, assuring them that things will improve over time and that they can ultimately achieve success.

You can actively contribute to your child’s education by:

Identifying your child’s learning needs and seeking out educational resources that can aid them, and making efforts to provide these resources.
Recognizing the most effective learning style for your child, as some children learn best through visual or textual methods, some through auditory means, and others through hands-on experiences.
Teaching your child that success in life extends beyond academic achievements.
Identifying your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Encouraging your child to engage with adults who also have learning disorders.
Focusing on activities that align with your child’s abilities.
Assisting your child in developing their skills and talents.

Engaging in conversations with your child about problem-solving and sharing your own experiences in this area.
Discussing various problems, potential solutions, and their outcomes with your child
Instilling resilience in your child, as children with learning disorders may need to exert greater effort than others.
Teaching your child the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Emphasizing the benefits of regular physical activity, not only for physical health but also for mental and emotional well-being, and encouraging your child to engage in play and exercise.
Ensuring that your child gets sufficient sleep.

Last Word

Learning disorders pose a serious challenge for children and teenagers, impacting their education, social relationships, and self-confidence. If you suspect that your child may have a learning disorder, it’s crucial to seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

At Dr. Maadico’s Psychology Department, we can assist children with learning disorders to lead more successful lives. To schedule a consultation and begin your therapeutic journey, simply contact us via the link below. We look forward to assisting you.

Learning Disorder