Learning Disorders in Kids

Understanding Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities, sometimes called specific learning disorders, change how a child’s brain takes in and uses information. These differences can make schoolwork harder, even when the student has average or above-average intelligence. Children often perform below what is expected for their age or grade in reading, writing, or math. Types of learning challenges include:

Reading Disorders (like dyslexia): Children have trouble recognizing sounds in words or connecting letters to sounds, which makes reading, spelling, and understanding text difficult.
Writing Disorders (like dysgraphia): Kids struggle with handwriting, spelling, grammar, or organizing ideas on paper.
Math Disorders (like dyscalculia): Some children find it hard to understand numbers, use math symbols, follow math rules, and solve problems.
Speech and Language Difficulties: Children may have trouble understanding or using spoken or written words.
Nonverbal Learning Disorders: These cause challenges with visual-spatial tasks, coordination, understanding social cues, or organizing tasks.

Manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) list criteria for learning disabilities. Common examples in children include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, auditory and visual processing disorders, language disorders, and developmental coordination disorder.

Possible Causes of Learning Difficulties

Several factors can contribute to learning disorders. Some of the most frequent include:

Cause	Description
Heredity and Genetics	Children with close relatives who have learning difficulties may be at higher risk.
Prenatal and Early Risks	Slow growth in the womb, premature birth, very low birth weight, or exposure to drugs or alcohol before birth can play a role.
Emotional Stress and Trauma	Severe stress or emotional hardship early in life can affect brain development.
Physical Injuries	Head injuries or certain illnesses that affect the nervous system might contribute.
Exposure to Toxins	Harmful substances like lead may be linked to a higher risk of learning problems.

The brain processes information differently in children with learning disabilities. These differences are not caused by lack of effort or parenting style.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Learning difficulties often show up as ongoing challenges in school or daily tasks. While all students struggle at times, a child who keeps having trouble for at least six months, even with extra help, could have a learning disorder. Common symptoms include:

Academic Warning Signs:
- Struggles to read, write, spell, or do basic math at grade level.
- Takes more time to complete schoolwork or reading assignments.
- Difficulty understanding instructions or word problems.
Memory and Organization:
- Problems remembering new information or what was just explained.
- Frequently loses homework, books, or other items.
- Trouble finishing assignments on time.
Social and Emotional Clues:
- Acts out, gets angry, or shows strong emotions during academic activities.
- Avoids homework and reading tasks.
- Low self-esteem, lack of motivation, or signs of sadness or anxiety.
Other Observations:
- Clumsiness, trouble with fine motor tasks like pencil use.
- Difficulty paying attention or organizing tasks (sometimes seen in ADHD).
- Problems understanding basic time concepts or organizing steps in a task.

Examples by Disorder

Type of Disorder	Possible Symptoms
Dyslexia	Difficulty matching sounds to letters, slow reading, poor spelling
Dysgraphia	Slow writing, poor letter formation, struggles to put thoughts into words
Dyscalculia	Weak number sense, trouble remembering math facts, gets confused by symbols
Dyspraxia	Poor coordination, trouble with handwriting or buttoning clothes
Auditory Processing	Difficulty following spoken directions, misunderstanding words in lessons
Visual Processing	Struggles copying from the board, trouble judging space or distance

How to Get Help If You Suspect a Learning Issue

Parents, teachers, or health professionals can notice signs early and request a learning assessment if concerns arise.

Steps in the Evaluation Process

Request an Evaluation: Parents or teachers can ask the school for an academic evaluation, or contact an outside specialist.
Start with Basic Health Checks: Doctors check vision, hearing, or physical issues that could affect performance.
Complete In-Depth Testing:
- Psychologists test thinking and learning skills.
- Special education teachers assess academic skills.
- Occupational therapists check motor skills.
- Speech and language professionals evaluate communication.
- Social workers review emotional health.
Team Approach: A team of professionals, such as a psychologist, special educator, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and sometimes a nurse or social worker, works together to understand the child’s needs.

Information Considered

Results from standardized tests.
Teacher observations and feedback.
Parent or guardian input.
History of the child’s performance at school.

Mental health screenings for anxiety, depression, or ADHD can also help, since some children face more than one challenge at a time.

Available Interventions and Supports

Many approaches can help a child with a learning difference succeed. Support depends on the specific needs of the child. Some common strategies include:

Teaching and Classroom Supports

Specialized Instruction: Teachers use methods that break tasks into small steps or use visual aids and hands-on learning.
Individual Education Plan (IEP): This written plan lists learning goals and special supports at school.
504 Plan: Some children get classroom adjustments (like extra time or different settings) if they do not need an IEP.
Multi-sensory Programs: These use sight, sound, and touch together to teach reading or spelling, especially for dyslexia.

Skill-Building and Tutoring

Reading Specialists provide targeted reading help for dyslexia.
Math Tutors teach practical strategies for math disorder or dyscalculia.
Writing Support includes exercises to strengthen fine motor skills and organization for dysgraphia.
Speech-Language Therapy helps children with language or speech challenges.

Assistive Technology

Text-to-speech software lets students listen to text if reading is difficult.
Audiobooks and recorded lessons support understanding for reading disorders.
Word processors with spell-check help with writing disorders.
Math apps and calculators assist those with math-related learning disabilities.

Organizational and Behavioral Strategies

Time Management Tools: Timers, planners, and checklists help students stay organized.
Behavioral Strategies: These address attention issues, ADHD, or emotional responses to academic stress.
Physical Activity and Coordination Therapy: These help children with dyspraxia, developmental coordination disorder, or fine motor challenges.

Support Outside of School

Counseling helps with emotional or self-esteem issues related to learning struggles.
Support groups connect children and families with others facing similar challenges.
Parental Involvement: Parents stay involved in the education process and encourage their child’s progress.

What Families and Caregivers Can Do

Watch for early warning signs and take action quickly.
Work with the child’s healthcare and school teams to create a support plan.
Encourage strengths outside of schoolwork, like sports, music, or art.
Be patient and praise efforts, not just results.
Stay organized with school communication and monitor progress.

Quick Reference: Types of Common Specific Learning Disabilities

Disorder	Area Affected	Description
Dyslexia	Reading/Spelling	Trouble decoding words, slow reading, poor spelling
Dysgraphia	Writing	Difficulty with handwriting, spelling, organizing ideas
Dyscalculia	Math	Problems with numbers, calculation, understanding symbols
Auditory Processing Disorder	Listening/Speaking	Struggles understanding and processing sounds
Visual Processing Disorder	Visual Tasks	Problems copying, visual memory, interpreting visual info
Nonverbal Learning Disorder	Spatial/Social Skills	Difficulty reading body language, low coordination
Developmental Coordination Disorder	Motor Skills	Clumsiness, lack of manual dexterity