Learning Disabilities, What Are the Different Types?

Summary

Dr. Sheldon Horowitz from the National Center for Learning Disabilities offers an insightful overview of specific learning disabilities (SLDs), explaining that they are disorders affecting language understanding and use. He clarifies that SLDs encompass various disorders, such as dyslexia in reading, dysgraphia in writing, and dyscalculia in math, each impacting different aspects of these domains. He also discusses the impact on auditory and visual processing, sensory motor skills, and social-emotional functioning, emphasizing that SLDs are distinct from other conditions like autism, intellectual disabilities, or emotional disturbances, and are not caused by environmental disadvantages.

Takeaways

• 📚 Specific learning disabilities (SLDs) are an umbrella term for a range of disorders affecting basic psychological processes related to understanding and using language.
• 🔍 SLDs impact areas such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and math (dyscalculia), each with its own set of challenges and manifestations.
• 🧠 The definition of learning disabilities includes difficulties in receiving, processing, recalling, and communicating information, not just in a vacuum but within specific domains.
• 📖 Dyslexia involves challenges with reading comprehension, speed, and accuracy, extending beyond just decoding words.
• ✍️ Dysgraphia affects not only the physical act of writing but also the organization, planning, and editing processes involved in written expression.
• 🔢 Dyscalculia encompasses a variety of math-related difficulties, including counting, measurement, estimation, and understanding numerical patterns and rules.
• 👂 Auditory processing issues can affect how students receive and process information, particularly if it's presented in a format that doesn't align with their preferred learning style.
• 👀 Visual processing difficulties can arise when information is primarily presented visually, such as through written text on a board, rather than verbally.
• 🤲 Sensory motor issues, including fine motor control and hand-eye coordination, are also relevant within the context of learning disabilities.
• 🤝 Social and emotional functioning can be affected for students with SLDs due to challenges in language and nonverbal cues, which may lead to misunderstandings or ridicule by peers.
• 💪 Self-confidence and empowerment are crucial for students with learning disabilities, as repeated struggles in school can diminish their sense of self-worth and ability to succeed.
• 🔄 Transitions between learning environments can be particularly difficult for students with SLDs, as they may have to adapt to new rules and relationships.

Q & A

What is the term 'specific learning disabilities' considered as?

The term 'specific learning disabilities' is considered as an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of different types of specific disorders.

What are learning disabilities defined as?

Learning disabilities are defined as disorders in basic psychological processes that involve understanding and using language.

What is the term used for a learning disability in reading?

The term used for a learning disability in reading is dyslexia.

What does dyslexia affect besides reading words?

Dyslexia affects not only reading words but also the ability to understand what is being read and the speed and accuracy of reading.

What is the term for a learning disability in writing?

The term for a learning disability in writing is dysgraphia.

What does dysgraphia involve besides the physical act of writing?

Dysgraphia involves not just the physical act of writing but also how individuals organize, plan, and edit their writing.

What is the term used for a learning disability in math?

The term used for a learning disability in math is dyscalculia.

What aspects of math are impacted by dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia impacts various aspects of math, including counting, fluidity and flexibility with numbers, measurement, estimating distances, and understanding patterns and rules.

How do learning disabilities relate to the way we process information?

Learning disabilities are impacted by the ways we process information, including how we listen, view things, and organize new information received through our senses.

What is the term used for difficulties in fine motor control and hand coordination?

Difficulties in fine motor control and hand coordination are referred to as sensory motor issues.

How do students with specific learning disabilities often experience social and emotional challenges?

Students with specific learning disabilities may experience social and emotional challenges due to difficulties with language, leading to misunderstandings or ridicule from peers, and challenges with nonverbal cues and social appropriateness.

Why is self-confidence important for students with learning disabilities?

Self-confidence is important for students with learning disabilities because constant struggles in school can diminish their sense of empowerment and confidence, affecting their overall attitude towards learning.

What are some challenges students with learning disabilities face when transitioning to new situations?

Students with learning disabilities often face challenges with transitions, such as moving from one learning environment to another where they need to adapt to new rules and teacher-student relationships.

What are some misconceptions about the causes of learning disabilities?

Misconceptions about the causes of learning disabilities include poor vision or hearing, being on the autistic spectrum, intellectual disabilities, emotional or mental health issues, and cultural, environmental, or economic disadvantages.