Learning Disabilities in Children

Learning Disabilities in Children

A learning disability is a condition that may cause difficulty with listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or doing math. A learning disability can also affect attention span, memory, muscle coordination, and behavior.

Attention span problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), often happen with learning disabilities.

Common learning disabilities include:

  • Dyslexia. This causes difficulty with language skills, especially reading.
  • Dysgraphia. This causes difficulty with writing letters or expressing ideas through writing.
  • Dyscalculia. This causes difficulty with understanding math and math concepts.

A learning disability is a lifelong condition. Learning disabilities do not necessarily affect intelligence.

What causes learning disabilities?

The exact cause of learning disabilities is not known. The structure and functioning of your child’s brain may play a role.

Learning disabilities are more likely to develop in:

  • Children who:
    • Have a family history of learning disabilities.
    • Have problems with vision, speech, language, or hearing.
  • Children who:
    • Were born early (prematurely or preterm).
    • Were exposed to drugs or alcohol before they were born.
  • Children who:
    • Have poor nutrition.
    • Have been exposed to a poison (toxin), such as lead.
    • Have had infections of the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system).
    • Have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
    • Have less physical or mental development than normal for their age.

How do I know if my child has a learning disability?

Symptoms of learning disabilities vary depending on your child’s age and the type of disability that your child has. Symptoms may include difficulty with:

  • Concentrating.
  • Saying words correctly (pronunciation).
  • Reading and spelling. Your child may read at a speed that is slower than normal. Your child may not want to read aloud, and he or she may avoid reading. Your child may make frequent mistakes, such as writing or reading letters out of order. Mistakes may include:
    • Letter reversal. This means that your child flips letters so they turn into other letters. For example, he or she may flip “d” and “b,” causing him or her to read or write “bog” for the word “dog.”
    • Word reversal. This means that your child reverses the order of the letters in a word. For example, he or she may read or write “tip” for the word “pit.”
    • Letter transposition. This means that your child mixes up the order of letters within words. For example, he or she may read or write “felt” for the word “left.”
  • Learning new skills or concepts.
  • Interacting with others.
  • Understanding ideas that are expressed through talking (orally).
  • Understanding general ideas (abstract concepts).
  • Expressing thoughts or feelings.

How can I find out if my child has a learning disability?

Learning disabilities are usually diagnosed during childhood. A learning disability may be diagnosed based on:

  • Observation. Your child’s health care provider may ask people who interact with your child to share their observations about your child’s behavior or performance. Signs that your child may have a learning disability may include:
    • Acting out.
    • Depression or anxiety.
    • Difficulty with:
    • a. Paying attention.
    • b. Using writing utensils or scissors.
    • c. Buttoning and zipping clothing.
    • d. Learning new things, such as numbers, letters, colors, or shapes.
    • e. Organiziation and memory.
  • A physical exam.
  • Tests of your child’s ability to use his or her hands and finger muscles (motor skills).
  • MRI or a CT scan of your child’s brain to rule out physical conditions.

How can I manage my child’s learning disability?

There is no cure for a learning disability. However, you can manage your child’s learning disability by educating yourself, your child, and other people about your child’s condition. In some cases, your child’s health care provider may recommend medicines to help with managing any related conditions that your child has.

General Instructions

  • It is important to work with the people around your child, such as people at school, at work, or at home. This can include having frequent meetings about:
    • Your child’s performance at work or at school.
    • How to care for your child.
    • How others can care for your child.
    • Adjusting teaching methods to help your child learn.
    • Arranging help for your child.
  • If your child has difficulty writing, have your child try typing instead of writing when possible.
  • Help your child to stay organized. Making lists can be helpful.
  • Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Education

  • Enter your child in an early intervention program. Assistance for your child should continue throughout school, and special teaching methods can be helpful.
  • Consider hiring a tutor to help your child.
  • Find out what assistive services may be available through your child’s school.
  • Encourage your child to keep a positive attitude about learning. Focus on your child’s strengths.
  • Set up a quiet study space at home to help your child practice new skills.

Interacting With Others

  • Encourage your child to be patient with himself or herself and with the people around him or her.
  • Help your child to develop strategies for solving problems with other people.
  • Help your child to develop problem-solving and coping skills to deal with frustration.
  • Educate yourself, your child, and other people about your child’s learning disability. Attending a support group may be helpful.

When should I seek medical care?

Talk with your child’s health care provider if:

  • Your child’s behavior or school performance gets worse.
  • You or your child have questions about any aspect of your child’s condition.
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