Learning Disability: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Evidence based Interventions. Dr Nadeem Ghaya

August 16, 2024

Learning disability is a typical neurodevelopment disorder that influences the way a child takes, processes, and utilizes information. Learning disability is not an indicative of a low intelligence but rather a set of particular problems in reading, writing, mathematics or executive functioning. It is a complete guide on what causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of learning disabilities and provides evidence based strategies of same to parents, teachers, and professionals. Meta description: The learner can learn about learning disability, causes, symptoms, types including dyslexia and dyscalculia, diagnosis, early intervention, classroom strategies, as well as evidence based treatment to enable the learner to achieve success in academics.

What Is a Learning Disability.

A learning disability is a neurological condition that disrupts the brain in terms of reception, processing, storage, and reaction of information. It is also commonly used to describe Specific Learning Disorder, which is a category of diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that the academic achievement of millions of children in the world is influenced by learning problems. These obstacles are chronic and targeted, which implies that they do not take place due to intellectual disability, sensory disabilities, deprivation of educational access, and emotional upheaval in isolation.

Children with learning disabilities are usually average or better in intelligence. Nevertheless, they can be having difficulties trying to read accurately, spelling, written expression, mathematical logical reasoning or organizational skills. Early intervention and special care positively affect the long term results.

Learning Disability types.

Dyslexia

The most common form of learning disability is dyslexia which mostly involves the reading ability. Children having dyslexia experience problems in phonological processing, word decoding, reading fluency and comprehension. Studies show that 5 to 10 percent of the population has dyslexia but estimates have indicated that the condition is higher American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

Neuroimaging research indicates that there are differences in brain regions that process language in persons with dyslexia Shaywitz and Shaywitz, 2020. The use of early intervention involving the phonemic awareness and systematic teaching of literacy has been proven to significantly enhance reading results.

 Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a disorder of writing skills such as handwriting, spelling, grammar, and written organization. Dysgraphic children may not be able to compose letters, separate words, or communicate in a way that is clear in written form. There is often a deficit in fine motor coordination and working memory.

Students with dysgraphia can be assisted by use of educational strategies like occupational therapy, assistive technology and explicit teaching about the mechanics of writing.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a condition of inability to comprehend numbers, mathematics and problem solving. Children can have difficulties with counting, memorizing mathematics facts and calculation. Research indicates that dyscalculia occurs in about 3 to 7 percent of school-going children Butterworth et al., 2011.

Specialized math interventions with a focus on conceptual learning and visual modeling enhance mathematical in performance of affected students.

Nonverbal Learning Disability.

The nonverbal learning disability is related to visual spatial processing as well as social perception and the executive functioning. Although it is not addressed as a separate disorder in every diagnostic scheme, it is well realized in educational settings as a learning profile of significant importance.

Reason and Risk Factor of Learning Disability.

The cause of learning disabilities is neurobiological. Genetics is also a major factor since learning problems tend to be familial. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development study reveals that reading disorders are linked to some variations of genes.

Other risk factors include:

• Maternal exposure to alcohol or drug.
• Low birth weight and premature birth.
• Lead exposure
• Childhood disease or brain damage.

Learning disabilities are not as a result of environmental deprivation but they may deteriorate academic performance without adequate support.

Signs and Symptoms of Learning Disability.

The symptoms can manifest themselves in preschool age, especially in the language development. Warning signs include:

• Late language and talking development.
• Problems with rhyming or the identification of letters.
• Difficulty with instructions.
• Poor memory for sequences
• During primary school, the symptoms may be:
• Slow or inaccurate reading
• Poor spelling
• Problem with sentence writing.
• Difficulty in math concepts.
• Lack of organization and memory loss.

Repeated academic failure can cause adolescents to have low self esteem, anxiety and school avoidance.

Diagnosis of Learning Disability.

Diagnosis is a psychoeducational assessment by a competent psychologist or multidisciplinary group. Evaluation will normally involve:

• Standardized intelligent testing.
• Testing of academic achievement.
• Speech and language assessment.
• Behavioral observations
• Developmental history

According to the American Psychiatric Association, academic problems should have at least six months of duration during which specific measures are taken and yet they do not improve the condition before a diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorder is reached American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

Early onset of screening at kindergarten and lower primary grades is highly encouraged by the National Institute of child health and human development.

Learning Disabilities and Academic and Social Development.

There is more than just academic performance affected by learning disability. Continuous educational difficulties may cause emotional stress, behavior disorders, and lack of motivation. Inclusion of educational systems is important to the reduction of stigma and egalitarianism according to the World Health Organization.

Children with learning disabilities can be rejected or bullied by peers especially when their problems are not understood. Positive reinforcement and early support play a critical role in safeguarding mental health and resiliency.

Learning Disability Evidence Based Interventions.

Structured Literacy Instruction.

Structured literacy is a methodical and explicit method of teaching reading. It consists of phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and strategies of comprehension. The studies are strongly in favor of the structured literacy of students with dyslexia Shaywitz and Shaywitz, 2020.

Response to Intervention Model.

Response to Intervention is a multi level system that offers more and more support depending on the progress of the student. It facilitates early identification and avoids failure to achieve academically in the long run.

 Individual Education Program.

An Individualized Education Program presents certain educational objectives and provisions. It can involve giving extended time on tests, special assignment, assistive technology, or special instruction.

Assistive Technology

Learning independence is promoted by using technology tools like text to speech software programs, speech recognition programs, and digital graphic organizers. It has been indicated that assistive technology can be used to enhance writing capabilities and reading comprehension in students with learning disabilities.

 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is helpful with children who have co occurring anxiety or low self esteem. This will enhance coping and academic confidence.

The Strategies in Classrooms to Support Learning Disabled Students.

Practical strategies that teachers can engage are:

• Dividing tasks into smaller steps.
• Multisensory methods of teaching.
• Such visuals and graphic organizers.
• Giving more time in assignments.
• Offering frequent feedback

Differentiated instruction in inclusive classes enhances performance among learners.

Parental roles in dealing with a child with Learning Disability.

Parents are very crucial in advocacy and support. Strategies that will work are:

• Routine activities.
• Encouraging reading at home
• Frequent communication with teachers.
• Marketing strengths and interests.
• Early pursuing professional appraisals.

The participation of the family is closely linked with a higher level of academic success and emotional health.

Long-term consequences and Adulthood.

Through proper intervention, learners with learning disabilities would be able to succeed in academics and in their professions. There are numerous examples of successful entrepreneurs, scientists and artists who have been found to have dyslexia or other learning differences.

Career counseling, self advocacy training and post secondary accommodations should be part of the transition planning in adolescence. Disability support services are being offered in colleges and work places as a way of providing equal opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Learning Disability.

Do learning disability and intellectual disability differ?

No. Learning disability involves the impairment of certain academic performance whereas intellectual disability entails profound impairment on general intellectual performance and adaptive behavior.

 Is it possible to cure learning disabilities?

Learning disorders are permanent neurological disorders. Nevertheless, early intervention and evidence based plans can also be used to minimize their effects.

What is the age of the learning disability diagnosis.

In preschool it may manifest signs, but it is normally diagnosed in early primary school when academic demands are heightened.

 Do learning disabilities have a genetic origin?

Studies show that there is a high genetic factor especially in dyslexia.

H3: What is the prevalence of learning disability?

It has been estimated that between 5 and 15 percent of school-age children have experienced some type of specific learning disorder American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

Conclusion

Learning disability is a common and influential neurodevelopment disorder that influences reading abilities, writing abilities, mathematics and other related areas of study. Nevertheless, children with learning disabilities are normal intelligent people with high potential. Long term success depends on early diagnosis, systematic teaching of literacy, individual educational planning and family support. Through integration of scientific studies, inclusive learning, and understanding, the society can encourage people with learning disabilities to take full advantage of their potential.

 References

1. American Psychiatric Association, 2013. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5th ed. Author Washington, DC.
2. Butterworth, B., Varma, S., and Laurillard, D. 2011. Brain to education dyscalculia. Science, 332 6033, 1049 to 1053.
3. Disease control and prevention centers. 2022. Statistics and information regarding learning disabilities. Atlanta, GA: Department of Health and Human Services, US.
4. Shaywitz, S. E., and Shaywitz, B. A. 2020. Overcoming dyslexia 2nd ed. New York, NY: Knopf.
5. World Health Organization. 2023. Inclusive education of disabled persons. Geneva: WHO.