| |
Learning Disorders - Learning Disorders Symptom, Cause, Treatment
The term includes such conditions as dysgraphia (writing disorder), dyslexia (reading disorder), dyscalculia (mathematics disorder) and developmental aphasia. Learning Disorders occur in three major categories: reading, mathematics, and written expression. Reading problems generally occur before the age of 7. This is followed usually by problems with spelling and written language expression by the age of 8. Mathematical learning disorders often are not detected until after rote memorization mathematics work has ended, and application of more abstract skills is necessary. In the United States and Canada, the term learning Disorders is used to refer to psychological and neurological conditions that affect a person's communicative capacities and potential to be taught effectively. In the United Kingdom, the term learning disability is used more generally to refer to developmental disability.
Symptoms of Learning Disorders
There are warning signs, however, that can help parents know if their children have a learning disability. Although learning disabilities occur in very young children, the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age. It may not be easy to detect learning disabilities in children. This type of problem does not reveal itself in a day or a week. The other symptoms are includes
- LDs are specific neurological disorders that affect the brain's ability to store, process or communicate information.
- "Specific learning disability" (SLD) is the term used in the federal law for any LD.
- LDs can affect different aspects of learning and functioning - see the chart below for specific types of learning disabilities and related disorders.
- LDs can be compensated for and even overcome through alternate ways of learning, accommodations and modifications.
- According to the US Department of Education, LDs affect approximately 5% of all children enrolled in public schools.*
- LDs can occur with other disorders (AD/HD, Information Processing Disorders).
- LDs are NOT the same as mental retardation, autism, deafness, blindness, behavioral disorders or laziness.
- LDs are not the result of economic disadvantage, environmental factors or cultural differences.
Causes of Learning Disorders
Various theories have been posited for the cause or causes of learning disabilities. They are thought to involve the brain in some fashion. The most common causes are thought to be:
- defects or errors in brain structure
- drug abuse
- poor nutrition
- passed on in parents' genes
- lack of parental involvement during early development stages in the infant
- lack of communication between various parts of the brain
- incorrect quantities of various neurotransmitters , or problems in the brain's use of these transmitters
- common neurotransmitter problems include insufficient dopamine , improper serotonin regulation, and excessive dopamine reuptake where emitting neurons reabsorb too much dopamine after releasing them to communicate with other neurons (also implicated in depression ).
Treatment of Learning Disorders
Mental Health Matters is an informational site only. The resources on this site are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be used to replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional. The most common treatment for learning disabilities is special education. Specially trained educators may perform a diagnostic educational evaluation assessing the child's academic and intellectual potential and level of academic performance. Some medications may be effective in helping the child learn by enhancing attention and concentration. Once the evaluation is complete, the basic approach is to teach learning skills by building on the child's abilities and strengths while correcting and compensating for disabilities and weaknesses. Other professionals such as speech and language therapists also may be involved. Psychological therapies may also be used.
|
|
|
