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Learning Disabilities For many families, "back to school" is an exciting time; children and parents alike are eager for classes to begin. For some however, school may be viewed as threatening and even fearful, especially if the child has a learning disability. Imagine having the thoughts and ideas to communicate with others but lacking the verbal skills to do so. Or, imagine not being able to concentrate on a thought long enough to communicate it to another individual. Many people don't have to imagine these scenarios because they experience them on a daily basis. These difficulties in communication, learning, and processing are some of the characteristics of various types of learning disabilities, and far from the worst-case scenario. Learning disabilities encompass various types of difficulties including problems understanding or using language, math, and difficulties with speaking or understanding people. There are many different features that characterize learning disabilities but common to all is the experience of some level of difficulty in the areas of learning and expressing thoughts. Because learning disabilities are fairly common in both children and adults, numerous interventions have been developed and are readily available once a disability is properly identified. Interventions for helping an individual cope with a learning disability may be as simple as changing ways in which new skills are taught to that person, for example, using more 'direct instruction.' The number of children currently living with a learning disability is estimated to range between 1% to 30% of the general population. This estimate is equivalent to over 12 million Americans having been identified as learning disabled (almost 1 in 6 families is effected). This wide range may be reflective of the broad definitions in which learning disabilities encompass. With increased awareness of and focus being paid to learning disabilities in the past 10 years, the public is becoming more and more aware that learning disabilities are real problems for both children and adults that deserve attention. Learning disabilities are generally broken down into four major categories including spoken language, written language, arithmetic, and reasoning. Because one cannot 'see' a learning disability, it is often called the 'hidden disability.' This makes assessment somewhat more difficult to determine and often leaves many individuals with learning disabilities to suffer in silence and isolation. Learning disabilities typically originate in childhood and if identified early, parents and teachers can use various interventions to help the child cope with his or her disability. Some important signals that parents can look for that may be a sign of a learning disability include: difficulty understanding and/or following directions; poor memory; failure to master major milestones in scholastic development on time (i.e. reading, math, writing) usually resulting in poor performance in school, problems with reversing letters and/or numbers, lack of hand-eye-movement coordination, and other behaviors that seem out of the ordinary when considering the child's age and developmental stage. Probably the most well known learning disability is Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). ADHD/ADD affects both children and adults and many individuals suffering from ADHD/ADD are unaware that they have a treatable condition. Of the approximate 4 million children with a learning disability, about 20% are thought to have a type of disability that effects his or her attention span, such as ADD or ADHD. There are three hallmark characteristics of ADHD/ADD to look for; these include:
In children, ADHD/ADD tends to effect the child negatively in terms of his or her ability to learn and focus on specific tasks in school and at home. ADHD/ADD may also cause a barrier for the child in relation to his/her ability to get along with peers and follow directions given by authority figures. The child with ADHD/ADD is often identified as having problems with impulsivity, excessive activity, fidgeting, and increased talking, which can lead to problems with school performance and the development of social skills. In adulthood, the hyperactivity aspect of ADHD/ADD tends to diminish, but problems with disorganization and lack of focus or attention tend to increase. ADHD/ADD among adults may lead to problems in the workplace due to one's inability to manage time, keep organized and focused, resulting in decreased productivity. However, if recognized and accurately diagnosed, adults can learn to cope with their disability and even use it to their advantage. For example, adults with ADD are thought to be highly creative and with the appropriate skills training can learn to funnel their creativity into improving their work and overall productivity. Other types of learning disabilities in adults may create major barriers or difficulties in areas of employment, education, and activities of daily social life. Adults today are less likely to have received proper diagnosis and assistance for their learning disability while growing up, as compared to services available to children today. This is primarily due to the fact that much was unknown about learning disabilities a few decades ago and only now are instructors, parents, and other professionals beginning to understand the various types of learning disabilities that exist. For adults who realize they have a learning disability later in life, there are many resources available offering additional assistance in the areas of adult education, literacy programs, and vocational rehabilitation. Parents involved in raising a child with ADHD/ADD or any other learning disability may often feel frustrated or challenged in trying to negotiate assistance with schools, Individual Education Plans (IEP), testing, day care, and peers. Often the child with a learning disability may be exhibiting behavioral problems, in school or at home, as a direct result of his or her learning impairment. There is support available for parents of children with learning disabilities in the forms of support groups, specialists, training / educational classes, and interventions for learning disabilities. With increased knowledge about learning disabilities, parents can be empowered to take action to help enable their children to develop the necessary skills to succeed throughout school and into adulthood. It is essential to remember that learning disabilities do not effect all aspects of an individual's life. People with a learning disability are still able to learn, but they might need instruction that provides information in a manner that is understandable and able to be processed. For ADD/ADHD, medication coupled with family counseling and education can be helpful in treating the problem behavior(s). Additionally, there are a number of cognitive and behavioral therapies available for the child with ADHD/ADD or other type of learning disability. How do you know if you or your child may be struggling with a learning disability? The best way to determine whether or not a learning disability is present in your life or your child's life is to be tested by a trained clinician or professional. Your EAP can assist you in finding a qualified person to test for learning disabilities. Treatment for ADHD/ADD, as well as other learning disorders in both children and adults relies heavily on early detection. If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from a type of learning disability, contact you doctor, Health Unit, EAP, or other expert for additional information. As mentioned above, treatment can come in the form of simple learning exercises or changes in work habits. It is also important to note that if you discover you or your child has a learning disability, remember, you are not to blame. Learning disabilities are similar to medical conditions and are not a sign of weakness on either the child or the parent's part. Reading Recommendations
If you need additional information or assistance, please contact your EAP.
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