Does your child struggle with school? Does he or she dread reading out loud,writing an essay,or tackling a math problem? If a certain area of learning is consistently problematic,it might indicate a learning disability.
What are learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities or learning disorders are an umbrella term for a wide variety of learning issues. First of all,it is essential to know that a learning disability is not a problem with intelligence or motivation. 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.
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.
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 child’s other strengths and weaknesses. A child’s 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 math-based learning disorder may struggle with memorization and organization of numbers,operation signs,and numbers of facts. Children with math learning disorders might also have trouble with counting principles 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 problem with;
Neatness and consistency of writing
Accurately copying letters and words
Spelling consistency
writing organization and coherence
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 actions.
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 Disability 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 is required for organizing thoughts in the brain and calling upon the right words to explain something to communicate with someone else. Signs of a language based learning disorder were 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.
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