A learning disability (LD) may be any of a number of conditions that make the process of learning difficult, because of the way an individual brain learns and functions. It is believed that 10% of students presently in school have some type of learning disability. For most people, their disability becomes recognizable early in their educational careers.
A learning disability affects the way a person learns; it in no way indicates a lack of intelligence. Indeed, some children with a LD may be gifted in other areas.
Here are some of the most common learning disabilities.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific type of learning disability which is often genetic in origin. It hinders the acquisition of reading and writing skills, and causes difficulty in phonics, reading, spelling, and understanding spoken language. It can also include difficulty in expressing oneself in speaking or writing. When a child over 8 years old continues to reverse letters like b and d, p and q, and words like ten and net, or produces “mirror printing”, suspect dyslexia. It is believed to affect about from 3% to 6 % of the population.
ADD/ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. It is caused by a neurological dysfunction causing restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty with staying focused, paying attention, controlling behavior, and acting with sufficient forethought. It is thought to affect between 3% and 5% of school-aged children and is more common in boys.
Dyscalculia
This LD affects students learning mathematics. They may be unable to memorize multiplication tables, or even master basic adding and subtracting. As math work relies on these foundations, dyscalculia can become progressively worse as the student progresses through the grades. Dyscalculia is a very difficult disability to overcome. Students should be allowed to work with a calculator whenever possible, and guided toward a career choice in which mathematics will not be a necessary skill.
Dysgraphia
This learning disability affects handwriting, spelling, and the ability to put thoughts on paper. Printing or writing may be slow and often illegible. The child will have trouble staying on a line, and may use a mixture of upper and lower case letters. He may complain of pain in his hand when pressed to write. He should be taught keyboarding at an early age, and tests should be administered orally or by means of multiple choice questions.
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a condition, generally observable in early childhood, that adversely affects both fine and gross motor skills. It can be caused by brain injury, but in most cases, the cause is unknown. The child will appear very clumsy, have trouble dressing himself, tying shoes, riding a bike and playing sports. Dyspraxic children are quite intelligent, and capable of understanding that, no matter how hard they try, their school work is not comparable to the work of their peers. Without early diagnosis and help, they may become frustrated and depressed.
Learning disabilities usually persist throughout life, but with support and specific, competent guidance and instruction during their school years, individuals can learn to overcome or compensate for most learning disabilities and go on to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
