Learning Disability: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Learning disability is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how an individual understands, processes and communicates data. This term typically covers numerous difficulties which affect diverse aspects of the life of an individual like work, education, social skills, etc. Learning disabilities do not exhibit a symptom of laziness or poor intelligence. It means the kids have different methods of learning and processing data. LDs usually occur at a young age and are diagnosed during the school years of an individual. Our post offers a comprehensive overview of learning disabilities, including causes, diagnoses and treatment.

Causes of Learning Disability

The exact cause of learning disabilities is not known. However, researchers have determined numerous risk factors which may lead to this:

Genetics

Parents with a learning disability are more prone to have children with it.

Individual Brain Differences 

Learning disabilities affect the way the brain processes data.

Issues During Pregnancy

Sometimes, a learning difficulty is before they are born or during their birth. It can be:

• Issues during birth that stop sufficient oxygen from reaching the brain. 
• Mother becoming sick in pregnancy.

Factors that affect a developing fetus include the use of: 

• Drug
• Alcohol 

Medical Conditions

Few medical conditions like meningitis, premature birth, injury during early childhood or diabetes affect the potential of the brain to learn new skills and process data. It enhances the risk of LDs.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors like lead exposure in paint/water, exposure to drugs, alcohol or harmful toxins during early childhood or pregnancy stage can even cause a learning disability.

Health Conditions

There are a few health conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and Down’s syndrome that increase the risk of a learning disability.

After Birth Incidents

Another cause could be incidents after baby birth like lack of nutrition, head injuries or exposure to deadly substances.

How to Diagnose Learning Disability in Child?

Diagnosis of a learning disability helps determine the weaknesses and strengths of a kid, accommodations and best interventions. It involves numerous steps and tests of academic skills, language skills, cognitive potential, and emotional or behavioural working. 

Here is what parents can expect:

Evaluation Request 

If your kid struggles with an LD, you can legally request an evaluation. 

Learning Disability Testing 

Now, the next step is to start testing. The professional performs an IQ test and other standard tests in maths, reading and writing to evaluate the processing potential of a kid.

Educational History Review and Parental Input

Then, the expert reviews the educational history of a kid and asks numerous questions from parents. It helps him/her find difficulties that the kid is struggling with.

Medical Examination

To exclude other causes of the kid’s signs, you’ll get a complete evaluation of his/her learning disabilities using a neurological exam.

Social, Developmental, and School Records Review

Finally, the professional reviews the social, developmental and school records of your child. 

Treatment of Learning Disability

Here we will explain how do you treat students with learning disabilities:

Therapies and Tutoring

One-on-one tutoring and a few therapies like occupational or speech therapy are also beneficial.

Educational Interventions

Education interventions are customized according to the particular strengths and needs of every person. They typically include:

• Accommodations.
• Tutoring.
• Counselling
• Assistive technology.
• Specialized instructions.

Medications

Few medicines can manage and treat co-existing conditions such as depression, ADHD and anxiety. But make sure you use them under the supervision of a skilled health expert.

Assistive Technology 

Assistive technologies such as speech-to-text software are also helpful for students with LD’s.

Behavioural Interventions

Behavioural interventions develop skills, positive habits, and strategies in kids with a learning disability. It helps them cope with tasks, behaviour and time.

Psychological Interventions

Psychological interventions help learning-disabled children manage low- self-confidence, anxiety, and other emotional problems effectively that may affect their learning.

Benefits of Learning Disability Schools Near Me

Learning disability schools are special educational institutes that meet the needs of students with diverse learning problems.

Advantages of learning disabilities schools near me include:

• They provide the necessary resources and a special curriculum to handle emotional academic and social challenges.
• Learning disability schools give individualized support and instructions as per the speed and learning style of the student.
• They help kids with learning difficulties develop smart strategies and coping skills. 
• These specialized schools create a supportive learning ambience to enhance their self-esteem.

What Are the Needs of Students with Learning Disabilities? | Learning Disability Needs

Learning disability needs are the particular requirements that kids with learning disabilities require. These may be health care, employment, education and social services. LD needs may differ depending on: 

• The severity and kind of disability.
• Preferences and strengths of a patient.

A few examples of learning disability needs include:

• Accommodations (like minimal distractions, alternative assessment formats, etc.)
• Support services (like mentoring, tutoring or counselling). 
• Awareness and training (like courses, workshops or resources).
• Assistive technology (like screen readers, calculators, etc.)

FAQ’s

What are sped learning disabilities?

SPED learning disabilities are a group of disorders that affect how an individual understands, processes and uses data. They are typically diagnosed in childhood and lead to problems in writing, listening, reading, reasoning, speaking or math.

Can learning disabilities be diagnosed at any age?

Yes. A learning disability diagnosis can be performed at any age. For example, you can diagnose your kid at birth or during early childhood. 

Can learning disabilities be cured?

Although learning disabilities have no cure, you can manage them effectively using an appropriate blend of educational, medical and psychosocial interventions. A comprehensive early intervention is the perfect way to minimize the effects of LD.

What are some common interventions for learning disabilities?

Depending on the severity and kind of learning disability, the following interventions are beneficial: 

Special Education

Kids with learning disabilities can take advantage of special education. Specially trained teachers use smart and unique strategies to meet the learning needs of students. You can check the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for special education of your kid and related services.

Medicines 

Medications are also beneficial in boosting the focus, mood and attention of those with learning difficulties. 

Bypass Interventions 

These are strategies that include bypassing or circumventing the weaknesses of a child. They help him/her use their strengths. For example, a kid with dysgraphia can use a word processor rather than writing using his/her hands.

Therapy

Occupational, psychotherapy, physical or speech therapy allows students with learning difficulties to boost their communication, and motor skills and manage their emotions.

Learning Strategy and Direct Instructions

It involves teaching diverse strategies and a skill set directly using demos and lectures.

Home-Based Support 

Home-based support is a great way to alter the emotional climate and environment.  

Additional Help

Taking assistance from a math tutor, reading specialist, or other well-trained expert is another good way to teach your kid how to organize study and do schoolwork.

Multi-Sensory Technique

It includes using multiple senses to improve learning of written symbols and memory.