So, this year on the Learning Disability Awareness Month, get yourself abreast of the information on learning disability and measures to overcome it.

What is Learning Disability?

Learning disability (LD) is a disorder in which the child has difficulty in learning or assimilating information that is easy for other children of his/her age. In this disorder the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention is impeded. These learning disabilities occur in very young children, but the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age.

Some of the common types of learning disabilities are as follows:

• Dyslexia is the most common type of LD. Children with dyslexia have problem with language which may include all aspects of language like reading, writing and memorizing. A dyslexic child usually spells words backwards or may inverse the shape of the letter, for instance, he/she may write ‘d’ instead of ‘b’.
• Dyscalculia is another type of LD where the child has problem with mathematics like difficulty in understanding the concept of addition, subtraction, time, money etc. A dyscalculic child may not identify the symbols like ‘+’ and ‘-’ and also may be confused about the use of numbers.
• Dysgraphia is a type of LD that is characterized by an inability to write properly. The child may confuse the shapes of letters, and may write illegibly. The child often has a problem spelling words correctly, which may also be complicated by a problem in hearing.
• Dyspraxia is a problem in the motor activities which leads to difficulty in learning. The child is unable to coordinate his body movements effectively, and has difficulty in manipulating objects. Such a child will have trouble holding a pencil or walking.
• Autism is a disability in which the child has trouble relating to people, and hence, characterized by impaired social interaction and communication. He/she has repetitive stereotyped actions, and learning is more by imitation than by initiative. Mental retardation and LD are almost always associated with autism.
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. The affected child may have difficulty in learning due to extreme distractibility and impulsivity. He/she may have a very short concentration span that does not allow appropriate assimilation of knowledge.

What are the causes of Learning Disability?

LD is a neurological disorder and is basically caused by a structural abnormality in various parts of the brain associated with language, motor activities, spatial relations and visual input.

LD also seems to have a hereditary basis. It may be passed on from parents to their children.

Other factors that may result in LD in a child are prenatal exposure to alcohol, drugs and blood group incompatibility. Also, consumption of alcohol or drugs by the mother during the pregnancy may affect the neurological development of the baby.

Obstructed labour can also a factor causing LD as the child may have to be delivered by forceps, which may damage the brain of the newborn leading to difficulties in learning. Premature birth may also be a cause of LD. Low birth weight babies, i.e., babies weighing less than 2 kg are at an increased risk of brain damage and LD. Nutritional deprivation, child abuse and lead poisoning etc. are some other factors that may also lead to problems in learning after birth.

How is a case of Learning disability managed?

LD can be a lifetime condition. There may be several apparent overlapping learning disabilities in some people while others may have a single, isolated learning problem that has little impact on their lives.

LD is diagnosed by a qualified child psychologist in association with a paediatrician. A series of tests may be required to be done to identify the affected areas. Special education brings some solution to the problems the people affected with LD. Since the educational needs of such children are different they will be given special academic sessions in an integrated set up. Other professionals such as speech therapist for children with speech disorder and physiotherapists to those with motor deficits may be required. In some case psychotherapist may also be involved in the treatment process.

Periodic evaluation of such individuals done to check for improvement will help so that they can be integrated into the mainstream society as soon as possible.