What Are Learning Disabilities?
By Michelle Rexach
Previously published in Families-On-The-Go Magazine; January/February 2008 Issue

 For many parents, the term “learning disability” or “learning disorder” can sound scary at first. But it is important to know that a learning disability has little to do, if anything, with a person's intelligence. Did you know for example, that many successful icons such as Walt Disney, Alexander Graham Bell, and Winston Churchill all had learning disabilities?

There are many kinds of learning disabilities and most students with a LD have more than one kind. Some LDs can interfere with a student's ability to concentrate or focus, causing their mind to wander. Other LDs can make it difficult to read, understand what is being read, write, spell, or solve math problems. In any case, it is crucial to detect LDs as early on as possible. Early detection will ensure that the child does receive the proper help he or she needs to succeed in school and in life .

What Are the Signs of Learning Disabilities?

As important as it is to make detection as early as possible, LDs are relatively hard to diagnose, especially before the age of 7. Most LDs become more noticeable by second grade when specific academic skills, such as reading and writing, are expected to be mastered. Some of the most common warning signs to look for are:

- Difficulty communicating verbally

- Significant delays in reading, writing or figuring out math problems

- Paying attention in class

- Impulsive and disrruptive behavior in school and at home

However, some LDs are diagnosed as early as first grade, when a parent or a teacher notices a child can't follow directions for a game or is struggling to do work he or she should be able to do easily. Another issue that can make LDs hard to diagnose is when the child develops sophisticated ways of “covering up” their learning issues, overcompensating areas of weakness with areas of strength. Like for instance, a child who has difficulty writing (form of dyslexia) but is able to speak fluently and uses a rich vocabulary, will often be overlooked as having any problems and thus labeled as a "lazy writer". The result is a teenager or young adult having a very hard time writing essays or term papers due to their undetected LD. This is a very common problem seen in high schools and colleges. In summary, unless you are very in tune with your child's strengths and weaknesses, a learning disorder (including Reading, Writing and Mathematical Disorders) won’t become evident until high school or even at college level, when schoolwork - and life - gets more and more challenging.

The most common and best-known learning disability is dyslexia, which is defined by trouble recognizing or processing letters and the sounds associated with them.

Some dyslexics may be able to read or write just fine, but they have difficulty with other aspects of language such as comprehension skills.

Others may have difficulty with non-verbal LDs involving making sense of visual details like numbers and signs on a blackboard. These often confuse mathematical signs (plus sign with the sign for division for example) or will make frequent mistakes with similar numbers (such as confusing 13 with 31).

In higher grades, abstract concepts like fractions and algebra equations may be especially difficult to master for students with nonverbal learning disabilities.

Making LD diagnosis more complicated, is a behavioral condition called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) which very often is associated with LD.

Students with ADHD are often easily distracted, have trouble concentrating and some are excessively active or have trouble controlling their impulses. These behaviors may potentially cover up, be confused with, or enhance a LD.

How Can I be Sure My Child Has a LD?

Just because your child has trouble studying for a test doesn't mean they necessarily have a LD. There are as many learning styles as there are individuals. Some early academic problems in school can be overcome by doing and practicing more or with remedial tutoring. Some kids are just naturally slower readers or learners than others, but they can still perform within the expected level for their age. Other times, what seems to be a learning disability is simply a delay in development and will eventually catch up with - and perhaps even surpass - his or her peers.

If you are concerned about your child’s performance in school, my advice is to begin by sharing your thoughts with the teacher. Gather as much information as you can, such as samples of his schoolwork and tests. Next, rule out vision or hearing problems. If your child’s academic problems are not due to a physical issue, consult a psychologist and have him tested. There are specific tests to help diagnose LDs, pinpoint learning strengths and weaknesses and reveal areas where the child may need additional help.

The important thing is to NOT ignore the problem. A LD will not disappear by itself. Remember that early detection is essential, but it’s never too late to get help. The resources are readily available to assist you in this process. For more information, consult your school counselor or local school psychologist.

Florida Licensed School Psychologist . Testing Services for:

• ADHD
• ADD
• Giftedness
• Specific Learning Disorders
• IQ Testing
• Dyslexia (Reading and Writing Problems)
• Academic Achievement 

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