What is a learning disability?

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Conditions that affect a child’s ability to learn are clubbed under learning disabilities. Learning disability (LD) can cause issues with:

• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing
• Solving math problems
• Focusing and paying attention
• Understanding what people speak

 

What causes learning disability?

Learning disability has nothing to do with intelligence. LD is caused by certain differences in the brain which affect the way the child’s brain processes information. Such differences are present at birth in most cases. Genetics, environmental factors like lead poisoning and certain maternal factors like drug use by mother in pregnancy have been known to trigger these differences.

 

What are the types of learning disability?

Types of learning disability:

1. Dysgraphia: affects handwriting and fine-motor skills
2. Dyslexia: affects reading and related language-based processing skills
3. Dyscalculia: affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts
4. Non-verbal Learning disabilities: interpreting nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language
5. Oral / Written Language Disorder and Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit– difficulty understanding written or spoken language. This impacts the child’s ability to express through oral language.

 

Very often, more than one kind of learning disability may be seen in a child. Additionally, there can be other conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) present, which may render learning further difficult for these children.

 

When should I suspect a learning disability in my child?

The earlier one can suspect a learning disability, the better it is for diagnosis and treatment. However, due to lack of awareness in masses, learning disabilities are not recognized until a child is in school.

If you suspect that your child is struggling with learning of any form (alphabets, basic calculation) talk to the teachers/healthcare providers and request an evaluation by an expert.

Evaluation may include a medical exam, detailed family history taking, intellectual testing and/or school performance testing.

Can learning disabilities be treated?

Yes. Special education can help a child overcome learning disabilities. A learning specialist or a specialized teacher can help your child develop the skills. They make this possible by enhancing the strengths and find ways to compensate for the weakness. Educators device a tailor-made plan for each child using:

1. Special teaching methods
2. Make changes to the classroom
3. Use technologies to cater to your child’s learning needs
4. Speech or language therapy, as needed

What else does a child with learning disabilities need?

A child with a learning disability may face other issues like frustration, low self-esteem too. Help from mental health professionals may be required to understand the child’s feelings better and help develop coping mechanism and build healthy relationships.

If another condition such as ADHD exists, the child will need treatment for that condition as well.

Remember, the difference between your child and Thomas Edison or Albert Einstein may not be a learning disability, it may be parents’ belief in their child’s ability.

 

References

1. NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

2. Learning Disability Association of America

 

Source:

Dr. Mamta Lele- Pawara

(MD Ayurveda-Internal Medicine, CRAV-Kayachikitsa, MA Sanskrit)