What is a Learning Disability?

What Is a Learning Disability?

From DyslexiaMyLife.org Sam Sagmiller

A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects the way the brain works.  A learning disorder or disability does not affect intelligence.  Individuals with learning disabilities are as smart as or smarter than their peers.  The condition can affect children and adults alike.  The disorder affects the way the brain communicates, receives, and processes information, and individuals affected by a learning disability have difficulty processing information that they see and hear because the brain processes the information in a number of different ways.  A learning disability does not affect an individual’s ability to work hard or achieve success.  There is no way to cure a learning disability, but there are innovative interventions and support groups that provide assistance.

What are the facts about learning disabilities?

·         According to the National Institutions of Health, one in seven Americans has a learning disability, meaning fifteen percent of the population has some type of learning disability. 

·         It is a known fact that learning disabilities run in families.

·         Nearly 80% of children affected by learning disabilities have reading problems.  Language skills and basic reading are the most common problems.

·         It is possible for attention disorders, such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to affect an individual at the same time as a learning disability, but these disorders are not one in the same.

·         Gifted children may also have learning disabilities despite their IQ score of 140 and above.

What are a few common types of learning disabilities?

Learning Disabilities affect individuals in varying ways, but there are common conditions that are universal.

·         Auditory Processing Disorder affects an individual’s ability to distinguish between differences in sounds.  The disorder causes problems in reading comprehension, language, and reading skills.

 * Dyscalculia affects math skills.  Those affected by this type of disability experience problems using money, understanding time, and completing mathematical problems.

·         * Dysgraphia refers to a difficulty with writing, which causes problems with spelling, organizing ideas, and handwriting.

·         * Dyslexia poses a problem with properly processing language.  Individuals have trouble in the areas of speaking, writing, reading, and spelling appropriately.

·         * Dyspraxia is a sensory integration disorder that affects fine motor skills.  Difficulty with balance, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity are common problems individuals may experience. 

·         Visual Processing Disorder creates difficulty with interpreting visual information correctly.  Common problems individuals experience occur with symbols, reading, maps, math, pictures, and charts.

What is the solution for learning disabilities?

A learning disability is a lifelong issue, but it does not have to hinder a person’s life.  The disability only affects the way an individual learns, not their intelligence. The following are a few basic solutions to assist with learning disabilities:

·         Solicit the appropriate intervention as early as possible

·         Find support groups that provides a positive image of your condition

·         Focus on learning strengths, not weaknesses

·         Get educated on learning disabilities and advocate for the cause

Many famous people have learning disabilities, including Michael Phelps, Cher, Tommy Hilfiger, Whoopi Goldberg, and Vince Vaughn.  Learning disabilities did not stop any of these individuals from meeting success in their lives.  Getting educated on learning disabilities and supporting organizations that support learning disabilities is the most important step toward success.  Become an advocate so that others are equally informed. 

From DyslexiaMyLife.org