Learning Disabilities FAQs

What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is a neurological disorder; it has to do with the way the brain is "wired." There is a broad spectrum of learning disabilities that may involve difficulty reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and/or organizing information.

What are some types of learning disabilities?
Dyslexia: a language-based disability in which a child has difficulty understanding written words. Also referred to as reading disability or reading disorder.

Dyscalculia: a mathematical disability in which a child has difficulty solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts.

Dysgraphia: a writing disability that affects a child's ability to form letters or write within a defined space.

Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders: sensory disabilities in which a child has difficulty understanding language despite normal hearing and vision.

Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: a neurological condition originating in the right hemisphere of the brain. Causes problems with visual-spatial, intuitive, organizational, evaluative, and holistic processing functions.

What are some signs of learning disabilities?
Parents are often the first to recognize that something doesn't seem right. Here are a few characteristics to look for:

Ages 2-4:

• Speaking ability lags behind other children that age
• Pronunciation difficulties
• Slow vocabulary growth
• Difficulty rhyming words
• Trouble learning colors, shapes, numbers, alphabet
• Extremely restless and easily distracted
• Trouble interacting with peers
• Difficulty following directions or routines
• Fine motor skills slow to develop

Ages 5-8

• Difficulty learning the connection between letters and sounds
• Consistently makes reading and spelling errors
  • letter reversals (b/d)
  • inversions (m/w)
  • transpositions (felt/left)
  • substitutions (house/home)
  • Transposes number sequences and confuses arithmetic signs (+, -, x, /, =)
• Difficulty remembering facts
• Slow to learn new skills
• Impulsive, difficulty planning
• Unsteady pencil grip
• Trouble learning to tell time
• Poor coordination
  • unaware of physical surroundings
  • prone to accidents

Ages 9-12

• Reverses letter sequences (soiled/solid, left/felt)
• Difficulty learning prefixes, suffixes, root words, and other spelling strategies
• Won't read aloud
• Trouble solving word problems
• Difficulty with handwriting
• Awkward, fist-like, or tight pencil grip
• Avoids writing assignments
• Slow or poor recall of facts
• Difficulty making friends
• Trouble understanding body language and facial expressions

You may see one or two of these warning signs in your children. This can be normal. However, if you see several of these characteristics over a long period of time, consider the possibility that your child has a learning disability. You may want to also consider obtaining an evaluation.

How common are learning disabilities?
It is estimated that 1 in 7 Americans has some type of learning disability. The most common learning disabilities are difficulty with basic reading and language skills.

Are learning disabilities hereditary?
Learning disabilities often run in families.

Can a learning disability be cured?
A learning disability is a lifelong issue. With proper intervention, children with most learning disabilities can succeed in school and later in life.

What about attention disorders?
Attention disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD), and learning disabilities often occur at the same time, but are not the same condition.

What is ADD?
The acronym of ADD is normally used whether or not hyperactivity is present.

What are the symptoms of ADD?
ADD is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, distractibility, and difficulty sustaining attention for periods of time. Symptoms may be different in each child with ADD. Some may have an inability to focus, while others may have more difficulty with impulsiveness.

What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a developmental and behavioral disorder that affects 3% to 5% of all school-age children. The condition usually manifests in childhood and can persist into adulthood if not recognized and treated.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity that are inappropriate for a person's age level. Children with ADHD often:

• Are easily distracted by stimuli in their environment
• Are unable to concentrate for long periods of time on low stimulation tasks
• Are restless and impulsive
• Have a tendency to daydream
• Are slow to complete tasks

What can a parent do to help their children with learning disabilities?
Children with learning disabilities are often very intelligent, possess leadership skills, or excel in music, arts, sports, or other creative endeavors.

• Encourage their strengths
• Know their weaknesses
• Understand your educational system
• Advocate on their behalf
• Work with professionals
• Learn strategies for dealing with specific difficulties

Meet regularly with your child's teachers, tutors, and school support personnel to understand performance levels. Observe your child's ability to study, complete homework, and finish tasks assigned both at school and at home.