Types of Learning Disabilities

A Learning Disability is characterized as a brain-based processing problem. This means that children or adults with a learning disability do not process information the same as children without a learning disability. This processing problem can interfere with a child’s ability to learn in reading, math and writing, and other classes. It can also interfere with organization, time management, social skills, attention, and abstract thinking. It is estimated that 1 in 7 children today have some sort of learning disability.

It is commonly believed that children with learning disabilities have lower than average IQ’s, but in reality, that is not the case. Most children with learning disabilities have average or above average IQ’s. However, because the learning disability often causes a struggle in school, the child often does not work to his or her full potential, and his or her grades are usually poor.

There are many types of learning disabilities. If your child is diagnosed as learning disabled it is essential that you know just what specific type of disability he or she has, thus ensuring the best possible ways to compensated for it.

The following are the different types of Learning Disabilities:

Dyslexia: Perhaps the most common and the most famous of all the learning disabilities, this particular type of disability results in the child having trouble identifying word sounds. The child may not be able to read, or may be a slow reader due to this disability. The child may reverse letters when reading. Spelling is also affected by Dyslexia.

Dyscalculia: This disability results in the child having problems with math. The child may have problems completing calculations, doing abstract problems and using money or time wisely. Often the child will see numbers reversed, which causes math completion to be difficult.

Dysgraphia: This disability is in the writing area. Most children with Dysgraphia have trouble with handwriting and often cannot make sentences that are sensible to others. Children with Dysgraphia often have trouble organizing his or her thoughts on paper.

Dyspraxia: This disability results in a child having trouble with fine motor skills. Children may have trouble cutting with scissors, using buttons and drawing because very often coordination is affected and manual dexterity is affected.

These types of academic learning disabilities often go hand in hand with speech or language disabilities. These other disorders are as follows:

Developmental Articulation Disorder: This learning disability results in the child having difficulty producing speech sounds. The child may have trouble pronouncing certain letters and letter combinations.

Developmental Receptive Disorder: This learning disability results in a child who has difficulty understanding what is said to them. The child can hear the words but literally doesn’t understand or can’t process what is being spoken.

Developmental Expressive Language Disorder: This learning disability results in a child who has trouble expressing his or herself using verbal expression. The child may know what she or he wants to communicate, but has trouble getting the words out to do so.

If you are concerned that your child may have any of the above learning disabilities, please consult with your child’s school. Tests can be completed to determine if your child has any type of learning problems.