Learning Disorders Know The Signs How To Help

Learning Disorders Know The Signs, How To Help

Does your child struggle with reading, writing, or math despite putting in the effort? Maybe homework chores feel like intense conflicts, with frustration overshadowing the joy of learning. These could be signs of a learning disability or disorder. Learning disorders, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and dyscalculia, can significantly impact a child’s academic and social development.

Expert treatment for learning disabilities in children combines diagnostic assessments with personalized intervention plans to address each child’s unique needs. A holistic approach ensures that every child receives the necessary support and resources to reach their full potential.

What is a Learning Disability?

Learning disabilities or disorders encompass a range of learning challenges. They do not stem from a lack of intelligence or motivation, and children with learning disabilities are neither lazy nor unintelligent. In reality, they are just as capable as their peers; however, their brains process information differently.

Children and adults with learning disabilities perceive, hear, and understand information uniquely, which can create difficulties in acquiring and applying new knowledge and skills. The most common learning disabilities affect reading, writing, reasoning, listening, and speaking.

Although all children may struggle with homework occasionally, persistent difficulties in a specific area may signal a learning disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms indicating Learning Disabilities?

Learning disabilities or disorders encompass a range of learning challenges. They do not stem from a lack of intelligence or motivation, and children with learning disabilities are neither lazy nor unintelligent. In reality, they are just as capable as their peers; however, their brains process information differently.

Children and adults with learning disabilities perceive, hear, and understand information uniquely, which can create difficulties in acquiring and applying new knowledge and skills. The most common learning disabilities affect reading, writing, reasoning, listening, and speaking.

Although all children may struggle with homework occasionally, persistent difficulties in a specific area may signal a learning disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms indicating Learning Disabilities 2

Learning disability symptoms include the following indicators:

  • Problems pronouncing words.
  • Difficulty finding the right word.
  • Trouble rhyming.
  • Struggles with learning the alphabet, numbers, colours, shapes, and days of the week.
  • Difficulty following directions or learning routines.
  • Issues with controlling crayons, pencils, and scissors or colouring within the lines.
  • Struggling to close buttons, zippers, snaps, or learning to tie shoes.

Ages 5-9

  • Difficulty learning the link between letters and sounds.
  • Inability to blend sounds to form words.
  • Confuses basic words when reading.
  • Slow to acquire new skills.
  • Consistently misspells words and frequently makes errors.
  • Trouble learning basic math concepts.
  • Difficulty telling time and remembering sequences.

Ages 10-13

  • Struggles with reading comprehension or math disability.
  • Trouble in solving open-ended test questions and word problems.
  • Dislikes reading and writing; avoids reading aloud.
  • Poor handwriting.
  • Poor organisational skills, leading to messy bedrooms, homework areas, and desks.
  • Struggling to follow classroom discussions and expressing thoughts aloud or in a proper verbal manner.
  • Spells the same word differently in a single document.

What are the different types of learning disabilities?

What are the different types of learning disabilities?

Following are some of the most common learning disabilities found in children:

Reading (Dyslexia)

Reading disabilities can be categorized into two types:

  • Basic reading issues involve difficulties with the relationship between sounds, letters, and words.
  • Reading comprehension issues involve trouble understanding the meaning of words, phrases, and paragraphs.

Signs of Reading Difficulty:

  • Problems with letter and word recognition.
  • Difficulty understanding words and ideas.
  • Slow reading speed and poor fluency.
  • Weak general vocabulary skills.

Math Disability (Dyscalculia)

Math disabilities vary based on a child’s other strengths and weaknesses, such as language disorders, visual issues, or difficulties with sequencing, memory, or organization.

Signs of Math Difficulty:

  • Trouble with memorizing and organizing numbers, operation signs, and math facts (e.g., 5+5=10).
  • Difficulty with counting principles (e.g., counting by twos) and telling time.
Other Learning Disabilities

Writing (Dysgraphia)

  • Writing disabilities can affect the physical act of writing or the ability to organize thoughts on paper.
  • Basic writing disorder involves difficulty forming words and letters.
  • Expressive writing disability involves trouble organizing thoughts in writing.

Signs of Writing Difficulty:

  • Poor handwriting neatness and consistency.
  • Difficulty accurately copying letters and words.
  • Inconsistent spelling.
  • Poor writing organization and coherence.

Other Learning Disabilities

Motor Skills (Dyspraxia)

Motor skill disabilities involve difficulties with movement and coordination, affecting both fine motor skills (e.g., writing) and gross motor skills (e.g., running).

Signs of Motor Coordination Difficulty:

  • Problems with hand-eye coordination, such as holding a pencil or buttoning a shirt.

Language (Aphasia/Dysphasia)

  • Language disabilities involve challenges in understanding or producing spoken language, requiring the organization of thoughts and the use of the right words for verbal communication.

Supporting Social and Emotional
Skills - How can you help?

Children with learning disabilities often face frustration, especially when they struggle with skills that come easily to their peers. This can be particularly challenging for bright children who also have learning difficulties. They may find it hard to express their feelings, calm themselves, or interpret nonverbal cues, leading to challenges in the classroom and with friends.

As a parent, you can play a vital role in helping your child develop these crucial social and emotional skills. These skills are key predictors of lifelong success and happiness, even more so than academic abilities. By supporting your child in these areas, you can significantly enhance their overall well-being and future achievements.

Supporting Social and Emotional Skills - How can you help?

How to address learning disabilities in children?

Consult a pediatric neurologist who can help you with a well-guided approach as below:

Here’s how they provide a much-needed support system:

  • Diagnosis and Evaluation  – A well-qualified and experienced pediatric neurologist acts as a detective, conducting a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the specific learning disability. This might involve psychological testing, assessments tailored to the suspected learning difficulty (like reading or math), and collaborating with teachers or therapists to get a complete picture.
  • Building Emotional Strength – Learning disabilities can be emotionally taxing, leading to frustration, low self-esteem, and anxiety. For instance, our team of psychology experts, under the guidance of Dr. Arif Khan, creates a safe space for children to express these emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They’ll learn strategies to manage their feelings and build the confidence they need to navigate challenges.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  –  This therapy equips children with superpowers to improve their learning. Through CBT, they develop strategies to enhance focus, organization, and problem-solving skills. They’ll also learn valuable techniques to manage emotions and build unshakable self-belief.
  • Collaboration with Parents and Educators – A pediatric neurologist bridges the gap, fostering communication between parents, educators, and other professionals involved in the child’s life.  This collaboration leads to a comprehensive plan tailored to the child’s unique needs. It might involve creating accommodations at school, recommending specific teaching methods, or suggesting helpful resources to optimize learning.
  • Medication – In some cases, medication might be recommended to manage co-existing conditions like ADHD or anxiety. These conditions can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn, and medication can provide an extra layer of support to help them reach their full potential.

By providing a holistic approach that addresses both the learning challenges and the emotional impact, Dr. Arif Khan empowers children with learning disabilities to not just cope but thrive in school and life.

Dr. Arif Khan offers expert treatment for learning disabilities in children, using a combination of diagnostic assessments and personalized intervention plans to address each child’s unique needs. As a veteran doctor in this field, his holistic approach ensures that every child receives the support and resources necessary to reach their full potential.

Book an appointment and help your child overcome learning obstacles and thrive both academically and emotionally.