A problem in the brain’s ability to process information is referred to as a learning difficulty. Individuals with learning difficulties or disabilities may not learn in the same way or at the same rate as others, and they may find particular parts of learning difficult, such as the acquisition of basic skills. Learning disabilities are a category of conditions characterised by severe difficulties in acquiring and applying abilities such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, and mathematics. These are disorders that are unique to the child. Finding out that your child has a learning difficulty can be a scary process for both you and your child. It is normal to have various emotions while processing that your child has a learning difficulty, but you do not need to despair. Learning disabilities and difficulties are not uncommon. In fact, approximately ten per cent of children present with a learning difficulty. Consulting a paediatrician who has experience with learning difficulties will help you better understand and care for your child.
Types of learning difficulties
There is an array of learning difficulties that a child may present with, and these include:
- ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not a learning disability, but studies suggest that 30 to 50 per cent of children have both ADHD and a specific learning disability. When these two factors combine, learning might become even more difficult. - Auditory processing disorder
APD (central auditory processing disorder) means that the brain does not “hear” noises in the way it usually should. - Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a group of learning disorders that impact a child’s ability to comprehend, learn and perform math or number-based tasks. - Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a neurological condition that affects writing and fine motor abilities. - Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disability characterised by difficulties recognising spoken sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words. - Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia, commonly known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a condition that affects physical coordination. It causes a child to perform less well than expected for their age in daily tasks and appear clumsy. - Executive functioning
Executive function refers to mental abilities that help people execute activities and communicate with others. An executive function disorder might harm a person’s capacity to arrange themselves and manage their actions. - Language processing disorder
A language processing disorder (LPD) is a condition that makes it challenging to communicate through spoken language. - Non-verbal learning disabilities
A learning disability that affects motor, visual-spatial and social skills is a non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD). - Oral or written language disorder and specific comprehension deficits
People with spoken/written language disorder and specific reading comprehension deficits have difficulty understanding and expressing language in both oral and written formats. These people frequently have a specific language impairment, which is caused by problems with semantic and syntactic processing. - Visual perceptual or visual motor deficit
Visual perceptual/visual motor deficits have an impact on a child’s ability to comprehend what they perceive visually. This has an effect on a child’s ability to read, as well as their ability to draw or copy, and frequently results in a short attention span.