"There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more." - Robert M Hensel
Learning disabilities are the type of neurological disorders that can affect the ability to comprehend, or understand written, or spoken language, solve mathematical calculations, direct attention, or concentration, or to coordinate movements. These types of disabilities are often diagnosed in children. These disorders typically get recognized when the child reaches school age.
There is a lot of stigma and myths relating to learning disabilities, and that is also the reason many people who struggle with these disorders are unable to receive proper help. So many of us also seem to be unaware as to how to help them, but there are many ways in which we can be kind and understanding, and offer them support.
Common Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
This is a type of disorder that can affect a person’s language skills, mainly their ability to spell, read, write and speak. Such children may not be able to write correct spellings, and may struggle with enunciation. It is said to be caused due to genetic predisposition which is why it can run in families. This occurs due to the parts of the brain supposed to be processing language not being activated.
Dyscalculia
This is a type of learning disorder in mathematics. People who have this may struggle in various areas of calculation. Some may genuinely struggle doing basic problems whereas some may not understand the difference between the concept of ‘greater than or less than’. It is also said to be caused by genes, and inheriting them from their families. Brain development is also different in people having dyscalculia as their structures function differently.
Dysgraphia
This is a type of disorder associated with having trouble with writing and transcription. This disorder impacts skills like spelling, typing, and more importantly handwriting. People who struggle with this may take a long time in conveying what they want to write. The cause of this disorder is mostly unknown, but some researchers say that it occurs because of the parietal lobe being damaged.
Auditory/Visual Disorders
Auditory processing and visual processing disorders are when the brain struggles to receive and respond to the information that comes through the senses. In such disorders a person may be unable to process the images shown to them or to understand, and filter the sounds that they are hearing. The causes for these types of disorders are also unknown, but some researcher say that it can happen because of lead poisoning, head trauma, chronic ear infections, or if they are prone to seizures.
Non-verbal learning disabilities
These are the type of disabilities that are related to facing challenges with a specific group of skills that are not based, on language like reading and writing. These skills include social, motor, visual-spatial skills and sometimes even poor academic performance. As of now NVLD is not an official diagnosis. These are said to occur if there is an alteration in the cognitive functions which are linked to the right hemisphere.
How to spot a learning disability?
There are many signs you can spot to see if someone has a learning disability. It is very important to note that you should consult a qualified psychologist for a proper diagnosis because getting an incorrect diagnosis can be harmful for the person.
The common signs are: Struggling to read or write Struggling with basic math Bad memory Unable to stay focused or pay attention for a long time Unable to follow directions Being clumsy Not knowing how to tell the time Being unorganized
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development also points out that a child with a learning disability may also have one or more of the following:
Acting on impulse Acting out and throwing tantrums in school or other places Not being able to express thoughts and feelings coherently Poor performance in school frequently Having a tough time listening Being unable to adjust with schedule changes Speaking like a small child by using shorter phrases, or leaving out sentences Problems in understanding concepts and words
Furthermore, it is also important to know that every learning disability has its own signs, and they may differ from one person to another. They also do not always have a cure, but instead the person having the disorder can be helped to be able to deal with it, and carve out their own strengths.
Myths
There are various myths associated with learning disabilities.
All learning disabilities are the same
This is extremely incorrect; as there are different types of disorders with different degrees of severity on the person. The umbrella term is learning disability, but it has various disorders under it such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia etc.
People with learning disabilities are ‘abnormal’ or weird
This is a very wrong statement; as the only thing different about them is how they perceive various situations. They are just as capable of being friendly like every other child, though it may not always be true.
People with learning disabilities have low IQ
This is wrong because having a neurological condition is not a sign of low IQ. On the other hand, it has been found that children with learning disabilities have average or above average Intelligence Quotient.
All learning disabilities get cured over time
This may be true in certain cases but for the most part learning disabilities cannot be cured. With knowing this, if the child receives proper care and support, they will be able to work around their shortcomings, and be able to use their strengths to get ahead in life.
People with learning disabilities are lazy
This is also a very harmful statement as more often than not, children with learning disabilities have to work harder, but their efforts do not display the expected results. This to outsiders, looks as if they are not trying hard enough and being lazy.
Takeaway Message
In conclusion, people with learning disabilities should not be shunned, but instead be helped with proper care and resources, so that they too can succeed in life. We should also consciously make sure that we do not stereotype people as lazy or strange when they too are trying their best. This issue should also be treated with proper sensitivity so that misunderstandings do not happen.
References
ldaamerica.com
webmd.com
medicinenet.com
childmind.org
understood.org
ldonline.org
churchillstl.org
whiteswanfoundation.org
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