If you have attended school, you have likely interacted with someone with a learning disability. A learning disability does not mean someone is not smart or able to understand information. Often, they simply need some support and coping strategies to help them learn in their own unique way. But what is a learning disability, and what are the common types? Read on and learn the basics today.
What Is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability affects how you perceive and process information. It may make learning new things, retaining information you’ve learned or applying it to new scenarios very challenging. Some common signs of a learning disorder include challenges in:
- Reading.
- Writing.
- Problem-solving.
- Following written or oral directions.
- Staying on task.
- Completing projects.
- Verbal expression.
- Coordination.
- Understanding social cues.
What Causes Learning Disabilities?
Because learning disabilities are a group of conditions, there is no one cause for them. Most experts believe the cause is genetic (inherited), environmental or both. Potential risk factors may include:
- Family members with learning disabilities
- Premature birth or fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
- Exposure to lead or other environmental contaminants
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Learning Disability vs. Learning Disorder — Is There a Difference?
In everyday life and conversation, there is no difference between a learning disability and disorder. The real difference is in how the terms are used professionally:
- Learning disability: This term is used by legal professionals. It refers to the protected class of people diagnosed with a learning disorder.
- Learning disorder: This term is used by doctors, psychologists and other medical professionals. It is a diagnosis listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
What Are the Most Common Learning Disabilities?
There are dozens of learning disabilities, and they affect everyone differently. Some of the most common conditions are:
- Dyslexia: A learning disability that affects reading, spelling and comprehension.
- Dysgraphia: A condition that affects one’s ability to write and spell.
- Dyscalculia: A learning disability that affects arithmetic, mathematics and problem-solving.
- Speech apraxia: A condition that makes verbal expression challenging.
- Nonverbal learning disorder: A disorder that affects the ability to process nonverbal communication such as body language and facial expressions.
- Central auditory processing disorder: A condition characterized by difficulty processing sounds.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A disorder that, while not technically a learning disability, causes a lack of focus that can be addressed with similar strategies.
Discover How to Get Help With a Learning Disability Today
If you or someone in your life may be struggling with a learning disability, Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates is here to help. Let our counselors and psychologists help you feel more confident in yourself and find ways to improve your abilities with our learning disability services today. Contact us to learn more!