Learning
Disorders
What are learning disorders?
A student may have a learning disorder if
his/her achievement in reading, writing, or mathematics falls below what is expected for
the child's age, grade level, and intelligence. To be called a learning disorder, the
problems must have a negative impact on the person's academic success or another important
area of life requiring math, reading, or writing skills.
What are the different types of learning
disorders?
There are three major types of learning
disorders:
- Reading disorder
- Mathematics disorder
- Disorder of written expression
What signs are associated with learning
disorders?
In addition to the problems associated with the
specific type of learning disorder, many students also suffer from:
- Low self-esteem
- Socialization problems
- Increased dropout rate at school
Learning disorders may also be associated with:
- Conduct disorder
- ADD and ADHD
- Depression
Do learning disorders affect males,
females, or both?
Learning disorders can affect both males and
females. However, in the United States more boys than girls are diagnosed with learning
disorders.
At what age do learning disorders appear?
Although learning disorders are most likely
present when a child is quite young, the specific type of learning disorder is usually
diagnosed in early elementary school when reading, math, and writing begin to be used in
the classroom.
How prevalent are learning disorders in our
society?
About five percent (5%) of students in the
United States have learning disorders.
How are learning disorders diagnosed?
Because standardized, group testing is not
accurate enough for this purpose, it is very important that special, psychoeducational
tests be individually administered to the child to determine if he/she has a learning
disorder. In administering the test, the examiner should give special attention to the
child’s ethnic and cultural background.
How are learning disorders treated?
Learning disorders are treated with specialized
educational methods. In addition to special classroom instruction at school, students with
learning disorders frequently benefit from individualized tutoring which focuses on their
specific learning problem.
What can people do if they need help?
If you, a friend, or a family member would like
more information and you have a therapist or a physician, please discuss your concerns
with that person.
Source: John L. Miller, MD
Reviewed 7/2008
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