Learning disabilities are often diagnosed in childhood and may include deficits in several areas of functioning. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) outlines three main learning disorders that may be diagnosed in childhood: reading, writing and math. Other learning deficits may include motor skills, visual processing, auditory processing and listening/oral comprehension. Children with learning disabilities often show delays in functioning that lead to poor academic progress and difficulties. A discrepancy between a child's abilities and their performance is often evident in those children with learning disabilities.
Reading
The most common learning disability is a reading disability, often referred to as dyslexia. Children with reading disabilities may struggle in different areas. The ability to identify letters by name and sound, and to break down language into phonemes---individual letter sounds or combinations---is often impaired in children with reading disabilities. Understanding how letters connect to sounds and combine to form words provides children with the ability to sound out words and understand written language as well. However, a child with a reading disability often demonstrates difficulties with these skills, which may lead to deficits in fluency and comprehension. Children who cannot use basic reading skills will struggle to become efficient readers and have more difficulty inferring meaning from what they read.
Math
A learning disability in the area of math, also known as dyscalculia, may involve a wide range of difficulties. Basic math skills such as counting and computation are often difficult for children with a math disability. Difficulties remembering math facts and processes, and using poor problem solving strategies make it difficult to solve more complex math problems as well. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, these deficits may stem from problems with processing language and/or visual spatial difficulties.
Writing
A learning disability in the area of written expression, also known as dysgraphia, involves difficulties in the process of writing as well as in areas such as spelling and handwriting. The process of writing includes the ability to plan, translate and review. Children with writing disabilities tend not to plan out their writing, having little organization and preparation before beginning. They also demonstrate difficulty with translation, getting their thoughts out and onto their paper. Additionally, these children often do a poor job of reviewing or editing their work. Difficulties with spelling and handwriting often accompany this disability, with children showing difficulties with pencil grip, legibility and grammar.
Fine Motor Skills
Children with dyspraxia show deficits in executing fine motor skills. Their ability to plan fine motor actions and follow through with them are impaired. Difficulties may include actions such as handwriting, tying shoes, poor coordination, riding a bike and speech impediments.
Other Possible Learning Difficulties
Learning disabilities may also occur in other areas, including listening, oral comprehension, reasoning, visual processing and auditory processing. Often, many of these difficulties overlap with one another. For example, a child with difficulties in reading who cannot distinguish phonemes will be unable to hear how individual words are separated and sounded out. This makes it difficult to understand spoken language as well, meaning that their ability to listen and understand spoken language is also impacted.
References
- "Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology"; Robert Weis; 2008
- National Center for Learning Disabilities: Dyscalculia: A Quick Look
- National Center for Learning Disabilities: Dyspraxia
