What Is A Learning Disability?}

What is a Learning Disability?

by

Wendy Greif

Learning and behavioral disabilities have an adverse affect on the lives of millions of children. According to the data I have researched, one in five children in the United States suffers from a learning disability. Many of them have more then one learning disability. But, of course, not all learning problems are necessarily learning disabilities. Some children naturally learn slower then other children. The question is, how does one tell the difference between a slow learner and a child with a learning disability?

Learning disabilities cover a broad range that include problems with speech, language, reading, mathematics, concentration and reasoning. Until recently, learning disabilities were not well defined, poorly understood and often placed in other categories. Research in the last 20 years or so, has been delving into the underlying issues involved in various learning disabilities. The use of medications, various forms of therapy and assistive technology has also helped in the treatment and understanding of learning disabilities.Specific learning disability is defined as – a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which disorder may manifest in imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations (according to IDEA of 1997 -PL 105-17).Specific learning disability includes such conditions as perceptual handicaps, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia; to name a few. It does not include children whose conditions are primarily caused by visual, hearing, or motor problems, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, or due to environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. During the development of the brain and spinal cord, a child is most at risk of any number of malformations. These malformations may contribute to any number of developmental disabilities, including but not limited to language skills, social-adaptive skills, gross motor development and fine motor development. Doctors continue to research and study the brain and how it functions in children and adults with learning disabilities.Let’s briefly define a view of the more prevalent learning disabilities.Dyslexia – the impaired ability to read, spell and write words, despite the ability to see and recognize words. Affects approximately 8% of the population. Often accompanied by strengths in areas such as creativity or physical coordination. Can be a slight problem to a very severe problem.Dyscalculia – the inability to apply mathematical concepts, functions, and procedures. It affects between 2 and 6% of the children in the USA. Poor mental math ability, often with problems in using money.Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) – this includes hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Children who are hyperactive tend to be restless and are constantly in motion. Those who are impulsive will say or do whatever is on their mind. They act before they think. Between 3 to 5% of school aged children have ADHD. It is believed that there are several factors for the cause of ADHD, including genetic problems, abnormal brain structure, or low levels of certain brain chemicals. Up to 4% of these children will continue to have problems with ADHD into adulthood.Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – difficulty focusing and maintaining attention.

Wendy Greif is a mother and graduate of USF in Special Education. She has taught children with various disabilities in both South Carolina and Florida. Mrs. Greif operates an informational website for parents and caregivers of children and/or adults with special needs ( http://www.specialneedschildrenandadults.com ).

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What is a Learning Disability?}