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The Most Common Learning Disabilities Today

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 2019/02/27 - Updated: 2023/10/03
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Special Education (Publications Database)

Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main Item

Synopsis: List of common learning disabilities including an explanation of each, and signs or symptoms a child with an LD may display. Because of the wide variations it's not always easy to identify learning disabilities, as there is often no single symptom or profile that you can look to as proof of a problem. It is important to note that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are not the same as learning disabilities.

Introduction

Learning disabilities are broadly defined as neurologically-based processing problems that can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing and/or math.

Main Item

A learning disability is not an intellectual disability, a learning disability is a disability that affects a person's ability to process information. People with learning disabilities possess an average to above average IQ - (ldapei.ca/types-of-learning-disabilities.html). It's important to note that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are not the same as learning disabilities - (webmd.com/children/guide/detecting-learning-disabilities).

Because of the wide variations it's not always easy to identify learning disabilities, as there is often no single symptom or profile that you can look to as proof of a problem. However, some warning signs are more common than others at different ages. Common signs that a person may have learning disabilities can include:

NOTE: These signs alone are not enough to determine that a person has a learning disability. Only a professional can diagnose a learning disability.

Dyslexia - Reading Disability

Approximately 5 to 17% of the US population have dyslexia. The main signs or symptoms of dyslexia are:

Dyscalculia: Disability in Math

Children with Dyscalculia often have problems learning mathematical concepts, and memorizing mathematical facts and/or understanding structure of mathematical problems on the page such as:

Dysgraphia: Writing Disability

Difficulties in handwriting that can cause loss of academic achievement through inability to construct compositions or extended written texts and can include:

Dyspraxia: Motor Skills Disability

Dyspraxia is a nonverbal learning disability, for example:

Dysphasia (Aphasia): Language Learning Disability

Signs of a language based disability may include:

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) - Facts and Information

Auditory Processing Disorders

Auditory processing disorder (APD), also known as central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), is a hearing problem that affects about 5% of school-aged children. Auditory processing disorders may cause a person to struggle with distinguishing similar sounds, as well as other difficulties.

Children with auditory processing disorder are thought to hear normally because they can usually hear sounds that are delivered one at a time in a very quiet environment. However, they may not distinguish slight differences between sounds in words, even when the sounds are loud and clear enough to be heard. Symptoms of APD can include:

Visual Processing Disorders

These are disorders that can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. Visual Processing Disorders can cause people to struggle with seeing differences between similar letters, number, objects, colors, shapes and patterns.

It is important to note that many children may have trouble reading, writing, or performing learning-related tasks however, this does not mean they may have learning disabilities.

Author Credentials:

Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida. Explore for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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3 - - List of common learning disabilities including an explanation of each, and signs or symptoms a child with an LD may display.

Complete Publications Database

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Cite This Page (APA): Weiss, T. C. (2019, February 27 - Last revised: 2023, October 3). The Most Common Learning Disabilities Today. Disabled World. Retrieved November 14, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/education/special/common-lds.php

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