Learning disorders are neurologically based problems which can affect an individual’s reading or writing skills. It can also affect other skills such as abstract reasoning, organization, attention and memory. This disability can further impact an individual’s life in relationships with family or workplace. Some of the learning disabilities can be recognized during school years while others continue their life without knowing the reason of their difficulties. The learning disabilities cannot be cured but with appropriate support and early intervention, they can achieve success. Some of the types of learning disorders include dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia.
Dyslexia
This is a life-long condition where the affected individual finds it difficult to read. They may find it difficult to understand what they have read but when it’s read to them, they can answer the questions. These individuals often have the problem with spelling, writing, math and reading comprehension. The symptoms of dyslexia vary among the cases and one of the important indications is the difficulty with decoding words where they are not able to match matters to the sound and read the words. This condition becomes evident as early as preschool or in some cases, it may not be detected until they have trouble with complex skills such as grammar, sentence structure and in-depth writing. This appears to be an inherited condition that runs in families and is linked to genes that are responsible for the development of the brain. The treatment can consist of educational techniques that involve hearing and vision to help the affected individual improve reading skills.
Dyspraxia
This affects the fine and the gross motor coordination of the affected individuals. This is a life-long condition and the difficulties vary among the cases. They present problems with self-care, typing, writing and other recreational activities. In addition, they can also have problems with memory, speech, processing and perception. The exact cause of this condition is not known although it is believed to the result of disruption of messages from the brain to the body which affects their ability to perform movements in a coordinated manner. Treatment can include various therapies that can help the affected child. This can include occupational therapy, speech therapy and perceptual-motor training.
Dyscalculia
This is the condition that affects the individual’s ability to understand numbers and math. The signs of dyscalculia include difficulty with
- sequencing information
- the process involved in math operations
- understanding fractions
- handling money
- understanding concepts such as time
Although the exact cause of dyscalculia is not known, research indicates possible causes to be the genetic factor as this condition can run in family, brain development, brain injury and exposure to alcohol in the womb. These affected individuals may require special education or support in the school such as response to the intervention that provides extra help. In some cases, a psychologist may be able to assist the children with the management of stress.
References
https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/basics/treatment/con-20021904
