INFO HUB
Definition
Learning disabilities are a group of neurological disorders that affect a person’s ability to learn, process, and communicate information effectively. These disorders can affect various areas of learning, including reading, writing, math, and language skills, and may also impact attention, memory, and social skills. Common learning disabilities include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorder. Learning disabilities are not related to intelligence, and individuals with these conditions may have average or above-average intelligence. The exact causes of learning disabilities are not fully understood, but it is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors may play a role. Treatment for learning disabilities typically involves a combination of educational support, accommodations, and interventions, such as specialized instruction, assistive technology, and therapy.
Types of Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that primarily affects reading and related language-based processing skills. It is a neurological condition that interferes with the ability to recognise and decode words, and can also affect spelling, writing, and sometimes, oral language skills. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence or motivation, and individuals with dyslexia often have average or above-average intelligence. The exact causes of dyslexia are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to differences in the way the brain processes language. With appropriate educational support and interventions, individuals with dyslexia can achieve academic success and reach their
Dysgraphia is a specific learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to write coherently and legibly. It is a neurological condition that can cause difficulty with handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper. People with dysgraphia may struggle to write quickly or consistently, have trouble with letter formation, spacing, or sizing, and may have difficulty expressing themselves in writing. Dysgraphia can be caused by a variety of factors, including developmental disorders, brain injuries, and genetic factors. Treatment for dysgraphia typically involves a combination of accommodations and strategies to improve handwriting and written expression skills.
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers and mathematical concepts. It is a neurological condition that can cause difficulty with arithmetic, math reasoning, and problem-solving. People with dyscalculia may have difficulty understanding basic mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and may struggle with basic concepts such as fractions, decimals, and percentages. Dyscalculia can be caused by a variety of factors, including brain injury, genetics, and developmental disorders. Treatment for dyscalculia typically involves a combination of educational support and accommodations, such as specialized instruction, assistive technology, and extra time to complete math assignments or tests.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to process and interpret sounds in the environment. It is a type of sensory processing disorder that can impact language and communication skills, as well as academic performance and social interactions. Individuals with APD may have difficulty distinguishing speech sounds, understanding spoken language in noisy environments, and following verbal instructions. They may also struggle with phonological awareness, which is the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds of language, and may have trouble with spelling and reading. APD can be caused by a variety of factors, including brain injury, developmental disorders, and genetics. Treatment for APD typically involves a combination of accommodations, such as assistive technology and environmental modifications, as well as interventions to improve auditory processing skills, such as auditory training and speech therapy.
