Learning Disabilities and Disorders

Types of Learning Disorders and Their Signs

Does your child struggle with school? Does he or she dread reading out loud,
writing an essay, or tackling a math problem? While every kid has trouble with
homework from time to time, if a certain area of learning is consistently problematic, it
might indicate a learning disorder. By understanding all you can about learning
disabilities, you can ensure your child gets the right help to overcome classroom
challenges and succeed in life.

What are learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities, or learning disorders, are an umbrella term for a wide variety of
learning problems. A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence or motivation.
Kids with learning disabilities arent lazy or dumb. In fact, most are just as smart as
everyone else. Their brains are simply wired differently. This difference affects how they
receive and process information.
Simply put, children and adults with learning disabilities see, hear, and understand
things differently. This can lead to trouble with learning new information and skills, and

putting them to use. The most common types of learning disabilities involve problems
with reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking.

Children with learning disabilities can, and do, succeed

It can be tough to face the possibility that your child has a learning disorder. No parents
want to see their children suffer. You may wonder what it could mean for your childs
future, or worry about how your kid will make it through school. Perhaps youre
concerned that by calling attention to your child's learning problems he or she might be
labeled "slow" or assigned to a less challenging class.
But the important thing to remember is that most kids with learning disabilities are just
as smart as everyone else. They just need to be taught in ways that are tailored to their
unique learning styles. By learning more about learning disabilities in general, and your
childs learning difficulties in particular, you can help pave the way for success at school
and beyond.

Signs and symptoms of learning disabilities and disorders

Learning disabilities look very different from one child to another. One child may
struggle with reading and spelling, while another loves books but cant understand
math. Still another child may have difficulty understanding what others are saying or
communicating out loud. The problems are very different, but they are all learning
disorders.
Its not always easy to identify learning disabilities. Because of the wide variations, there
is no single symptom or profile that you can look to as proof of a problem. However,
some warning signs are more common than others at different ages. If youre aware of
what they are, youll be able to catch a learning disorder early and quickly take steps to
get your child help.
The following checklist lists some common red flags for learning disorders. Remember
that children who dont have learning disabilities may still experience some of these
difficulties at various times. The time for concern is when there is a consistent
unevenness in your childs ability to master certain skills.
Preschool signs and symptoms of learning disabilities

Problems pronouncing words

Trouble finding the right word

Difficulty rhyming

Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, days of the week

Difficulty following directions or learning routines

Difficulty controlling crayons, pencils, and scissors or coloring within the lines

Trouble with buttons, zippers, snaps, learning to tie shoes

Ages 5-9 signs and symptoms of learning disabilities

Trouble learning the connection between letters and sounds

Unable to blend sounds to make words

Confuses basic words when reading

Consistently misspells words and makes frequent reading errors

Trouble learning basic math concepts

Difficulty telling time and remembering sequences

Slow to learn new skills

Ages 10-13 signs and symptoms of learning disabilities

Difficulty with reading comprehension or math skills

Trouble with open-ended test questions and word problems

Dislikes reading and writing; avoids reading aloud

Spells the same word differently in a single document

Poor organizational skills (bedroom, homework, desk is messy and disorganized)

Trouble following classroom discussions and expressing thoughts aloud

Poor handwriting

Paying attention to developmental milestones can help you identify learning

disorders
Paying attention to normal developmental milestones for toddlers and preschoolers is
very important. Early detection of developmental differences may be an early signal of a
learning disability and problems that are spotted early can be easier to correct.
A developmental lag might not be considered a symptom of a learning disability until
your child is older, but if you recognize it when your child is young, you can intervene
early. You know your child better than anyone else does, so if you think there is a
problem, it doesn't hurt to get an evaluation. You can also ask your pediatrician for a
developmental milestones chart.

Problems with reading, writing, and math

Learning disabilities are often grouped by school-area skill set. If your child is in school,
the types of learning disorders that are most conspicuous usually revolve around
reading, writing, or math.
Learning disabilities in reading (dyslexia)
There are two types of learning disabilities in reading. Basic reading problems occur
when there is difficulty understanding the relationship between sounds, letters and
words. Reading comprehension problems occur when there is an inability to grasp the
meaning of words, phrases, and paragraphs.
Signs of reading difficulty include problems with:

letter and word recognition

understanding words and ideas

reading speed and fluency

general vocabulary skills

Learning disabilities in math (dyscalculia)

Learning disabilities in math vary greatly depending on the childs other strengths and
weaknesses. A childs ability to do math will be affected differently by a language
learning disability, or a visual disorder or a difficulty with sequencing, memory or
organization.
A child with a mathbased learning disorder may struggle with memorization and
organization of numbers, operation signs, and number facts (like 5+5=10 or 5x5=25).
Children with math learning disorders might also have trouble with counting principles
(such as counting by 2s or counting by 5s) or have difficulty telling time.
Learning disabilities in writing (dysgraphia)
Learning disabilities in writing can involve the physical act of writing or the mental
activity of comprehending and synthesizing information. Basic writing disorder refers to
physical difficulty forming words and letters. Expressive writing disability indicates a
struggle to organize thoughts on paper.
Symptoms of a written language learning disability revolve around the act of writing.
They include problems with:

neatness and consistency of writing

accurately copying letters and words

spelling consistency

writing organization and coherence

Other types of learning disabilities and disorders

Reading, writing, and math arent the only skills impacted by learning disorders. Other
types of learning disabilities involve difficulties with motor skills (movement and
coordination), understanding spoken language, distinguishing between sounds, and
interpreting visual information.
Learning disabilities in motor skills (dyspraxia)
Motor difficulty refers to problems with movement and coordination whether it is with
fine motor skills (cutting, writing) or gross motor skills (running, jumping). A motor
disability is sometimes referred to as an output activity meaning that it relates to the

output of information from the brain. In order to run, jump, write or cut something, the
brain must be able to communicate with the necessary limbs to complete the action.
Signs that your child might have a motor coordination disability include problems with
physical abilities that require hand-eye coordination, like holding a pencil or buttoning a
shirt.
Learning disabilities in language (aphasia/dysphasia)
Language and communication learning disabilities involve the ability to understand or
produce spoken language. Language is also considered an output activity because it
requires organizing thoughts in the brain and calling upon the right words to verbally
explain something or communicate with someone else.
Signs of a language-based learning disorder involve problems with verbal language
skills, such as the ability to retell a story and the fluency of speech, as well as the ability
to understand the meaning of words, parts of speech, directions, etc.
Auditory and visual processing problems: the importance of the ears and eyes
The eyes and the ears are the primary means of delivering information to the brain, a
process sometimes called input. If either the eyes or the ears arent working properly,
learning can suffer.

Auditory processing disorder Professionals may refer to the ability to hear

well as auditory processing skills or receptive language. The ability to hear
things correctly greatly impacts the ability to read, write and spell. An inability to
distinguish subtle differences in sound, or hearing sounds at the wrong speed
make it difficult to sound out words and understand the basic concepts of reading
and writing.

Visual processing disorder Problems in visual perception include missing

subtle differences in shapes, reversing letters or numbers, skipping words,
skipping lines, misperceiving depth or distance, or having problems with eye
hand coordination. Professionals may refer to the work of the eyes as visual
processing. Visual perception can affect gross and fine motor skills, reading
comprehension, and math.

Common Types of Learning Disabilities

Dyslexia

Difficulty reading

Problems reading, writing,

spelling, speaking

Dyscalculia

Difficulty with math

Problems doing math

problems, understanding time,
using money

Dysgraphia

Difficulty with writing

Problems with handwriting,

spelling, organizing ideas

Dyspraxia (Sensory
Integration Disorder)

Difficulty with fine motor skills

Problems with handeye

coordination, balance, manual
dexterity

Dysphasia/Aphasia

Difficulty with language

Problems understanding
spoken language, poor
reading comprehension

Auditory Processing
Disorder

Difficulty hearing differences

between sounds

Problems with reading,

comprehension, language

Visual Processing Disorder

Difficulty interpreting visual

information

Problems with reading, math,

maps, charts, symbols,
pictures

Other disorders that make learning difficult

Difficulty in school doesnt always stem from a learning disability. Anxiety, depression,
stressful events, emotional trauma, and other conditions affecting concentration make
learning more of a challenge. In addition, ADHD and autism sometimes co-occur or are
confused with learning disabilities.

ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while not considered a

learning disability, can certainly disrupt learning. Children with ADHD often have
problems sitting still, staying focused, following instructions, staying organized,
and completing homework.

Autism Difficulty mastering certain academic skills can stem from pervasive
developmental disorders such as autism and Aspergers syndrome. Children
with autism spectrum disordersmay have trouble communicating, reading body
language, learning basic skills, making friends, and making eye contact.

Compensate for weaknesses.

Diagnosis and testing for learning disabilities and disorders
As youve already learned, diagnosing a learning disability isnt always easy. Dont
assume you know what your childs problem is, even if the symptoms seem clear. Its
important to have your child tested and evaluated by a qualified professional.
That said, you should trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong, listen to your
gut. If you feel that a teacher or doctor is minimizing your concerns, seek a second
opinion. Dont let anyone tell you to wait and see or dont worry about it if you see
your child struggling. Regardless of whether or not your childs problems are due to a
learning disability, intervention is needed. You cant go wrong by looking into the issue
and taking action.
Keep in mind that finding someone who can help may take some time and effort. Even
experts mix up learning disabilities with ADHD and other behavioral problems
sometimes. You may have to look around a bit or try more than one professional.
In the meantime, try to be patient, and remember that you wont always get clear
answers. Try not to get too caught up in trying to determine the label for your childs
disorder. Leave that to the professionals. Focus instead on steps you can take to
support your child and address his or her symptoms in practical ways.
The diagnosis and testing process for learning disabilities
Diagnosing a learning disability is a process. It involves testing, history taking, and
observation by a trained specialist. Finding a reputable referral is important. Start with

your child's school, and if they are unable to help you, ask your insurance company,
doctor, or friends and family who have dealt successfully with learning disabilities.
Types of specialists who may be able to test for and diagnose learning disabilities
include:

Clinical psychologists

School psychologists

Child psychiatrists

Educational psychologists

Developmental psychologists

Neuropsychologist

Psychometrics

Occupational therapist (tests sensory disorders that can lead to learning

problems)

Speech and language therapist

Sometimes several professionals coordinate services as a team to obtain an
accurate diagnosis. They may ask for input from your child's teachers.
Recommendations can then be made for special education services or speechlanguage therapy within the school system.

A nonpublic school that specializes in treating learning disabilities might be a good

alternative if the public school is not working out. For a list of nonpublic schools in your
area go to the website for your state's Department of Education.
Integration, sequencing and abstraction: Technical terms for how the brain works
A professional learning disorders specialist might refer to the importance of integration
to learning. Integration refers to the understanding of information that has been
delivered to the brain, and it includes three steps: sequencing, which means putting
information in the right order; abstraction, which is making sense of the information; and

organization, which refers to the brains ability to use the information to form complete
thoughts.
Each of the three steps is important and your child may have a weakness in one area or
another that causes learning difficulty. For example, in math, sequencing (the ability to
put things in order) is important for learning to count or do multiplication (as well as
learn the alphabet or the months of the year). Similarly, abstraction and organization are
important parts of numerous educational skills and abilities. If a certain brain activity
isnt happening correctly, it will create a roadblock to learning.

Getting help for children with learning disabilities

When it comes to learning disabilities, it's not always easy to know what to do and
where to find help. Turning to specialists who can pinpoint and diagnose the problem is,
of course, important. You will also want to work with your child's school to make
accommodations for your child and get specialized academic help. But don't overlook
your own role. You know your child better than anyone else, so take the lead in looking
into your options, learning about new treatments and services, and overseeing your
child's education.

Learn the specifics about your childs learning disability. Read and learn
about your childs type of learning disability. Find out how the disability affects the
learning process and what cognitive skills are involved. Its easier to evaluate
learning techniques if you understand how the learning disability affects your
child.

Research treatments, services, and new theories. Along with knowing about
the type of learning disability your child has, educate yourself about the most
effective treatment options available. This can help you advocate for your child at
school and pursue treatment at home.

Pursue treatment and services at home. Even if the school doesnt have the
resources to treat your childs learning disability optimally, you can pursue these
options on your own at home or with a therapist or tutor.

Nurture your childs strengths. Even though children with learning disabilities
struggle in one area of learning, they may excel in another. Pay attention to your
childs interests and passions. Helping children with learning disorders develop

their passions and strengths will probably help them with the areas of difficulty as
well.
Social and emotional skills: How you can help
Learning disabilities can be extremely frustrating for children. Imagine having trouble
with a skill all of your friends are tackling with ease, worrying about embarrassing
yourself in front of the class, or struggling to express yourself. Things can be doubly
frustrating for exceptionally bright children with learning disabilitiesa scenario that's not
uncommon.
Kids with learning disabilities may have trouble expressing their feelings, calming
themselves down, and reading nonverbal cues from others. This can lead to difficulty in
the classroom and with their peers. The good news is that, as a parent, you can have a
huge impact in these areas. Social and emotional skills are the most consistent
indicators of success for all childrenand that includes kids with learning disorders.
They outweigh everything else, including academic skills, in predicting lifelong
achievement and happiness.
Learning disabilities, and their accompanying academic challenges, can lead to low selfesteem, isolation, and behavior problems, but they dont have to. You can counter these
things by creating a strong support system for children with learning disabilities and
helping them learn to express themselves, deal with frustration, and work through
challenges. By focusing on your childs growth as a person, and not just on academic
achievements, youll help him or her learn good emotional habits that set the stage for
success throughout life.

Finding support while helping a child with learning disabilities

All children can be both exhilarating and exhausting, but it may seem that your child
with a learning disability is especially so. You may experience some frustration trying to
work with your child, and it can seem like an uphill battle when you dont have the
information you need. After you learn what their specific learning disability is and how it
is affecting their behavior, you will be able to start addressing the challenges in school
and at home. If you can, be sure to reach out to other parents who are addressing
similar challenges as they can be great sources of knowledge and emotional support.