Learning Disabilities and Disorders: Signs, Symptoms and Diagnosis

learning-disability


What are Learning Disabilities?


Different medical illnesses that impair a person's capacity to acquire, process, and apply information are referred to as learning disabilities and disorders. The ability to read, write, speak, spell, reason, and make mathematical computations can all be impacted by these diseases.


 Dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and ADHD are a few examples of learning difficulties and disorders. Although they can be diagnosed in adults, these illnesses are mainly diagnosed in children. They can range in severity and are thought to be brought on by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Special education, tutoring, therapy, and medication are all possible forms of treatment.


Signs and symptoms of learning disabilities and disorders


The signs and symptoms of learning impairments and disabilities can vary depending on the individual and the disease, but some typical ones include:

  • reading, writing, and/or math challenges
  • spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation issues
  • Problems with planning and managing time
  • Problems with adhering to instructions and finishing jobs
  • Memory and attention issues
  • Problems with logic and reasoning
  • Understanding and utilising spoken and written language
  • Understanding and using abstract concepts
  • Struggles with memory and focus
  • coordination and motor skills issues

Many individuals with learning disabilities or disorders may be able to compensate for their difficulties, and may not show all of these signs or symptoms. 



Diagnosis and testing for learning disabilities and disorders


In order to diagnose and test for learning impairments and disabilities, a multi-step approach usually entails a thorough evaluation by a trained expert, such as an educational psychologist or neuropsychologist.


Usually, the evaluation procedure entails:

  • A detailed medical and developmental history, maybe including a look back at the person's birth, health, and growth milestones
  • A review of one's academic and behavioural history, including evaluations of one's performance at work and/or at school, report cards, and test results
  • Interviews with the person, their parents, and their teachers to learn about their strengths and limitations as well as any worries or observations about their behaviour and learning
  • Testing cognitive and academic abilities, which may include IQ tests, academic success tests, and tests of particular skills like reading, writing, and math
  • Observations of the person in various contexts, such as the workplace or a classroom, to understand more about their behaviour and learning preferences
  • The expert will then be able to diagnose the situation and provide the best actions and accommodations based on the evaluation's findings.


It's crucial to remember that not all learning challenges are a sign of a learning disability; instead, they could be caused by other issues including socioeconomic disadvantage, a lack of educational opportunities, or a lack of access to the right resources.


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