What is a Learning Disability

What is a learning disability ?

A common concern that leads parents to seek a psychoeducational evaluation for their children is whether or not there is a learning disorder present that is interfering with their functioning in school. It’s not at all unusual for children to experience challenges in school or to have a more difficult time in certain subjects than others. A learning disorder, however, is more than that. It’s considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, which basically means that it develops during the time period of a child’s brain (neuro) development (developmental). So it’s not something simply caused by low effort, school placement, or parenting. Rather, it’s a biological challenge of not being able to perceive and process information quickly enough and accurately enough to perform well in that particular subject. Even when a child with a learning disorder is able to perform well in school, it may take them much more effort than other kids their age.

There are three types of learning disorders, which are classified by subject, including reading, writing, and math. The formal names for these and what they look like are listed below:

Specific Learning Disorder With impairment in reading

Also known as: Dyslexia

Difficulties can look like reading the wrong words, reading really slowly or in a choppy way, or having trouble understanding what they’re reading

Specific Learning Disorder With impairment in written expression

Also known as: Dysgraphia

Difficulties can look like making errors when spelling, having trouble using proper grammar when writing, and writing stories/essays in disorganized ways

Specific Learning Disorder With impairment in mathematics

Also known as: Dyscalculia

Difficulties can look like making errors in calculating, having trouble with math logic (like word problems or reasoning), not remembering every day math facts used in class, and calculating answers very slowly

“Diagnosing a learning disability takes more than just checking off the boxes from these descriptions. It requires a comprehensive psychological assessment that directly tests these skills.”

In case you didn’t notice, there are no science disorders or history disorders or anything else of the like! However, science takes math and comprehension skills, the same way that history can take comprehension and even writing skills, if you’re having to compose essays about historical events being studied in class. So a learning disorder can overlap into other subjects. It’s not always 100% clear-cut. Also, these symptoms listed are just examples, as no learning disorder is exactly like the next person’s. There are different levels of severity, or how significant the difficulties are for each person, and there are many different symptoms or challenges with academic skills that a person may experience.

Diagnosing a learning disability takes more than just checking off the boxes from these descriptions. It requires a comprehensive psychological assessment that directly tests these skills. An assessment also determines whether or not there is a better explanation for what is going on with your or your child’s performance in school. This can include mood disorders, like anxiety or depression, that can significantly impact a child’s confidence or decrease their motivation/physical energy needed to perform well in school.

If you suspect that your child may have a learning disorder or you’re not sure if something else is making their work difficult for them, you can request an evaluation from your child’s school. In the case that the request is not granted, there is too long of a waiting list, or you’d like a second opinion, private testing with a local licensed provider may be the right option for you. Strengths and Solutions provides psychoeducational evaluations in Hallandale Beach, Florida. To learn more about our testing for learning disabilities, please contact us today.