Background
"Learning Disorders" (LD) is a term that encompasses more than the more common term, "learning disabilities." When we talk of a learning disorder, we are referring to any neurodevelopment disorder that impedes the learning of academic or social skills. The brain is kept from effectively processing the information that it receives – whether this involves numerical calculations, written or spoken language, or coordination of movement.
A person with a learning disorder possesses achievement levels in math, writing, or reading that are considerably lower than the standard for that person's age and intelligence, and for a child, his or her grade level. This disorder may impact not just that person's success in academics but also other areas of life that involve math, reading, and writing skills.
Thus, learning disabilities such as reading disability (RD), mathematics disorder (MD), or dyslexia comprise a subgroup of learning disorders. This subgroup also covers developmental disabilities like developmental coordination disorder (DCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability (ID, termed 'mental retardation' in the past), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), language impairment (LI), and speech sound disorder (SSD).
Possible causes
Because learning disorders are not thoroughly understood, scientists continue an on-going research on the causes and potential cures of the disorder. Many various factors may prevent the brain from properly processing information, such as poor memory, deficient linguistic processes, and poor visual perception.
Learning disorders have also been linked to fetal alcohol syndrome, lead poisoning, and fragile X syndrome (a condition where the X chromosome is damaged, causing mental retardation). Heredity is also a factor in LD, as many patients have been found to have relatives with this condition as well.
The significance of treating learning disorders
A learning disorder may be so debilitating in students as to making them feel like failures, that they risk loss of their motivation to learn. Apart from the possibility of dropping out of school because of this, many even develop behavioral problems. It is therefore extremely important for educators, administrators, and parents to facilitate early diagnosis of learning disorders in order to offer remedial interventions at the earliest possible time.
Types of learning disorders
Learning disorders may be any, or a combination, of the three major types: Mathematics disorder, Reading disorder, and Disorder of written expression.
Dyscalculia is the term used for a math disorder. Coupled with difficulty in dealing with numbers, the person also has difficulty telling time, could not conceptualize the passage of time as well as others, and is bogged down when interpreting graphs and charts.
Reading disorders, one of which is dyslexia, make it difficult for individuals suffering from it to correctly process images or written words from the eyes to the brain.
Dysgraphia, or the LD falling under disorder of written expression, involves struggling with both thinking of what to write and the physical act of writing text.
Diagnosing learning disorders
It is important to note that learning disabilities do not just go away. Many parents erroneously believe that a child who is found to have a form of learning disorder will simply outgrow it as he ages. Some also think that LD could be treated by medication, expert tutoring, or simple therapy.
And because there are slight differences in levels of achievement between kids of the same age, parents and teachers should be more vigilant in devoting attention to lags or unevenness in the mastery of behaviors and skills. Learning disorders could be detected in kids who are as young as 4 or 5 years old. In the United States, about 5% of public school students are affected by a type of learning disorder. Studies have also shown that more boys are afflicted with learning disorders than girls, and according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2-10% of the general population has some form of learning disorder.
The earlier the recognition of warning signs, the better! Assessment and screening should follow any suspected cases of LD, followed by the appropriate intervention methods. It is also extremely crucial to document the diagnostic process, including all important impressions and observations, because learning disorders can co-occur with other conditions.
These records should be shared between individuals who have significant roles to play during a child's developmental years. In fact, all the people interacting with the child affected by a learning disorder should play their part in helping the child succeed in learning, at home, and eventually, at the workplace and society.
Using a checklist
The National Center for Learning Disabilities has developed a checklist that parents and administrators may use to see if an individual suffers from LD. This is categorized into X groups of domains and behaviors, and a few examples are given under each:
1. Gross and fine motor skills (has limited success with activities and games that require eye-hand coordination; avoids/dislikes drawing and writing tasks);
2. Language (has difficulty naming objects or people; has little interest in stories or books);
3. Reading (reverses letter order when reading words; reads slowly);
4. Written language (avoids and dislikes copying; spells poorly);
5. Math (has difficulty estimating and/or has trouble telling time);
6. Social/Emotional (has trouble expressing feelings; demonstrates poor self-control when frustrated).
Individual testing instead of standardized group testing should be administered because of the need for the findings to be accurate. The child's ethnic and cultural history should also be taken into consideration when proposing intervention.
These are just a few examples of the things adults have to look out for in children when they suspect the existence of a learning disability. In addition, there are signs common among LD patients, such as low self-esteem, problems with socialization, and lack of interest in his or her studies. LD may also be associated with depression or conduct disorder.
Treatment
Since the combination of LD symptoms is unique to individuals, it is recommended that specialized methods of teaching be employed with LD patients, and if possible, tutoring should be conducted on a one-on-one basis. This makes it easier to deal with specific learning difficulties and significantly improves the child's progress.
Medication has been utilized for learning disabilities such as ADHD. Although the drugs, such as Cylert, Dexedrine, or Ritalin are stimulants that are similar to speed, they have been found to be effective with ADHD patients since they temporarily improve the children's focusing ability.