Learning Difficulties
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty in learning to read, write and spell. It the difference between what children know and what they are expected to perform. Such children may also show a cluster or pattern of other difficulties.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Children with ADHD are unable to concentrate and focus for a long period of time whether during play or work.
- These children tend to be disruptive during play or work sessions.
- Ignores instructions.
- Easily distracted.
Children with ADD show signs of distraction, forgetfulness, or disorganization.
- Children are easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds.
- They do excessive day dreaming.
- Rarely following instructions carefully and completely.
Memory
Memory and learning are closely related. Learning is the gaining of knowledge and skills, while memory is the expression of what has been learnt. It is the ability to store and retrieve information. Children with poor memory are unable to retain information that is stored and this hinders learning.
Learning Difficulties
Learning Difficulties
A learning difficulty, often referred to as a learning disability, involves challenges in the brain’s ability to process information. Individuals with learning difficulties may not learn at the same pace or in the same way as their peers and might find specific areas, such as basic skill development, more challenging.Since learning difficulties cannot be cured, their impact often extends throughout life, affecting academic performance, workplace productivity, relationships, and daily activities. However, with intervention, support, and sometimes counseling or mental health services, individuals can successfully manage these challenges and achieve their goals.
What Are Learning Difficulties?
Approximately 4 million children and teens face learning difficulties, with many experiencing more than one type. These neurological challenges impact how the brain receives, processes, stores, and analyzes information. Often, learning difficulties affect a person’s ability to develop skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, typically being identified during school years. However, some remain undiagnosed until adulthood, while others might never receive a formal diagnosis but continue to face challenges throughout life.Learning difficulties require alternative learning methods but do not reflect a person’s intelligence. They differ from intellectual disabilities, which stem from sensory handicaps, developmental delays, or environmental disadvantages.While the severity of learning difficulties varies, tailored behavioral strategies and interventions can significantly help individuals. A learning difficulty doesn’t limit potential; many individuals excel academically and professionally despite their challenges.
Possible Causes of Learning Difficulties
The exact causes of learning difficulties remain unclear, but genetic factors, brain development, and environmental influences may play a role.
- Genetics: Learning difficulties often run in families, though researchers are uncertain whether this is due to genetic factors or learned behaviors.
- Brain Development: Premature birth, low birth weight, or head injuries might increase the likelihood of learning challenges.
- Environmental Factors: Early childhood exposure to toxins or poor nutrition may also contribute to the development of learning difficulties.
Types of Learning Difficulties
Learning difficulties, sometimes referred to as “hidden disabilities,” often go unrecognized for years. Despite being of average or above-average intelligence, individuals may struggle due to gaps between their potential and ability to achieve.Learning difficulties can be categorized as verbal or nonverbal:
- Verbal difficulties affect reading, writing, or processing spoken/written words.
- Nonverbal difficulties impact visual information processing or mastering abstract concepts.
- Dyslexia: Challenges with reading, comprehension, writing, and recall.
- Dysgraphia: Difficulty with handwriting, spacing, spelling, and motor skills.
- Dyscalculia: Issues understanding numbers, math symbols, and telling time.
- Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Trouble recognizing and interpreting sounds.
- Language Processing Disorder: Difficulty forming words and sentences from sounds.
- Nonverbal Learning Difficulties: Problems interpreting facial expressions and body language.
- Visual Perceptual/Motor Deficits: Challenges in understanding visual information and coordination.
Differences Between Learning and Intellectual Difficulties
An intellectual difficulty involves significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, often indicated by an IQ score below 75. Learning difficulties, by contrast, do not involve these limitations. Those with learning difficulties often demonstrate average or above-average intelligence and may develop coping strategies independently.
Therapy and Support for Learning Difficulties
A learning difficulty diagnosis can bring mixed emotions—relief for understanding lifelong challenges or anxiety about future opportunities. Parents may worry about their child’s academic success, but with appropriate strategies and support, these concerns can be addressed.Professionals such as teachers, therapists, and educational specialists often work with individuals to create tailored learning plans, like Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). These programs address specific challenges while leveraging the individual’s strengths.
Types of Support:
Types of Support:
- Occupational Therapy: Helps improve motor skills.
- Educational Therapy: Focuses on reading, writing, and math improvement.
- Speech Therapy: Addresses language-based challenges and social communication.
- Solution-Focused Counseling: Supports teens and adults in addressing and managing difficulties.
- Play Therapy: Assists young children in developing social interaction skills.
Emotional Support and Counseling
Coping with learning difficulties can lead to frustration, anxiety, and stress. Students may struggle with low test scores, challenges in understanding assignments, or the start of each school year. These emotions can exacerbate learning difficulties if not addressed.Speaking with a counselor or therapist at I-Dare can provide valuable support. Therapy helps individuals understand their condition, develop coping strategies, and address emotional concerns. Group therapy or support groups can also foster connection and shared learning among individuals facing similar challenges.By fostering self-awareness and providing targeted assistance, I-Dare ensures individuals with learning difficulties are equipped to manage their challenges effectively and pursue a fulfilling future.