Learning Difficulties
A learning difficulty (also referred to as a learning disability) can be described as an issue with the brain’s ability to process information. Individuals who have a learning difficulty may not learn in the same way or as quickly as their peers, and they might find certain aspects of learning, such as the development of basic skills, to be challenging.
Because learning difficulties cannot be cured, their effects may impact an individual’s performance throughout life: academically, in the workplace, and in relationships and daily life. Intervention and support, which may be supplemented by counseling or other mental health care services, can help an individual with a learning difficulty to achieve success.
While some learning difficulties are mild, others may have a severe impact on an individual’s academic performance. However, behavioral teachings tailored specifically to the type of difficulty can help an individual develop strategies to address and work with a particular challenge, and intervention can be of significant benefit. Simply having a learning difficulty does not mean an individual will be unable to succeed academically or hold an intellectually demanding position.
Signs and symptoms of learning disabilities: Preschool age
- Problems pronouncing words.
- Trouble finding the right word.
- Difficulty rhyming.
- Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, or days of the week.
- Difficulty following directions or learning routines.
- Difficulty controlling crayons, pencils, and scissors, or coloring within the lines.
- Trouble with buttons, zippers, snaps, or learning to tie shoes.
Signs and symptoms of learning disabilities: Ages 5-9
- Trouble learning the connection between letters and sounds.
- Unable to blend sounds to make words.
- Confuses basic words when reading.
- Slow to learn new skills.
- Consistently misspells words and makes frequent errors.
- Trouble learning basic math concepts.
- Difficulty telling time and remembering sequences.
Signs and symptoms of learning disabilities: Ages 10-13
- Difficulty with reading comprehension or math skills.
- Trouble with open-ended test questions and word problems.
- Dislikes reading and writing; avoids reading aloud.
- Poor handwriting.
- Poor organizational skills (bedroom, homework, and desk are messy and disorganized).
- Trouble following classroom discussions and expressing thoughts aloud.
- Spells the same word differently in a single document.