Learning Disabilities, What Are the Different Types?

The National Center for Learning Disabilities

27 Apr 201207:30

Summary

TLDRDr. 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.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities

Dr. Sheldon Horowitz introduces the concept of specific learning disabilities (SLDs) as an umbrella term encompassing various disorders affecting psychological processes related to language understanding and use. He explains that SLDs are not isolated to a single area but impact several domains including reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and math (dyscalculia). Furthermore, he discusses the impact of SLDs on auditory and visual processing, sensory motor skills, and social and emotional functioning. Dr. Horowitz emphasizes that SLDs are distinct from other conditions such as poor vision or hearing, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbances, or disadvantages stemming from cultural, environmental, or economic backgrounds.

05:01

🤔 Challenges and Considerations for Students with SLDs

This paragraph delves into the challenges faced by students with specific learning disabilities, such as difficulties with transitions, self-confidence issues, and social cues. It highlights the importance of self-confidence, as students with SLDs might feel anxious about being called upon to read, which can affect their classroom experience and self-esteem. The paragraph also addresses the need for support in transitioning between different learning environments and the misconceptions surrounding the causes of learning disabilities, clarifying that they are not a result of poor vision, hearing, or disadvantages related to cultural, environmental, or economic factors. Additionally, it invites viewers to engage with the National Center for Learning Disabilities by sharing comments or additional information about SLDs.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)

Specific Learning Disabilities refer to a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to understand or use spoken or written language. In the video, Dr. Sheldon Horowitz explains that SLD is an umbrella term encompassing various types of learning disorders, which are distinct from other conditions like autism or intellectual disabilities. The script emphasizes that SLDs impact basic psychological processes involving language, affecting areas such as reading, writing, and math.

💡Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects an individual's ability to read. It is not limited to just reading words but also includes understanding, speed, and accuracy of reading. In the context of the video, dyslexia is presented as a subset of SLDs that particularly impacts the reading domain, highlighting its significance in the broader discussion of learning disabilities.

💡Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a type of learning disability that affects writing skills. It is broader than just pencil grip or handwriting and also involves the organization, planning, and editing of written work. The script mentions dysgraphia as part of the writing domain within SLDs, illustrating how it can manifest in various forms and impact a student's ability to express themselves in writing.

💡Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a learning disability related to math. It involves difficulties with various aspects of numerical operations, such as counting, measuring, estimating, and understanding patterns and rules with numbers. The video script describes dyscalculia as a part of the math learning disabilities under the SLD umbrella, emphasizing its complexity and the range of skills it can affect.

💡Auditory Processing

Auditory Processing refers to how individuals process and interpret information that they hear. In the video, it is mentioned that some children with learning disabilities have strong preferences for how information is presented to them, such as verbally. Challenges can arise if the teaching method does not align with their preferred auditory processing style, affecting their ability to learn and remember information.

💡Visual Processing

Visual Processing is the ability to interpret and understand visual information. The script discusses how some students with learning disabilities might struggle if information is presented visually, such as through written text on a board, without accompanying verbal explanation. This can impact their learning experience and the way they engage with educational content.

💡Sensory Motor

Sensory Motor involves the coordination between sensory input and motor actions. In the context of the video, it is highlighted that fine motor control, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination can be affected in individuals with learning disabilities. This can lead to difficulties in tasks that require physical manipulation and coordination.

💡Social and Emotional Functioning

Social and Emotional Functioning relates to an individual's ability to interact socially and manage their emotions effectively. The video script notes that while students with SLDs are not inherently socially impaired, they may face challenges due to language misunderstandings or difficulties in picking up nonverbal cues, which can affect their self-confidence and social interactions.

💡Self-Confidence

Self-Confidence is an individual's belief in their own abilities and worth. In the video, Dr. Horowitz discusses how children with learning disabilities might feel diminished self-confidence due to repeated failures or challenges in areas like reading. This can impact their overall attitude towards learning and their willingness to participate in class.

💡Transitions

Transitions refer to the process of moving from one situation or stage to another. The script mentions that students with learning disabilities can find transitions, such as moving to a new classroom or school, particularly challenging. This is because they may have become comfortable with certain routines and relationships, and new environments can require adjustments that are difficult for them.

💡Cultural, Environmental, or Economic Disadvantage

Cultural, Environmental, or Economic Disadvantage refers to the various forms of disadvantage that can affect an individual's opportunities and resources. The video script clarifies that learning disabilities are not caused by such disadvantages. This distinction is important to understand that the root of SLDs lies in cognitive processes rather than external factors.

Highlights

Dr. Sheldon Horowitz provides an overview of specific learning disabilities at the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

Specific learning disabilities (SLD) is an umbrella term encompassing various types of disorders.

SLDs are disorders in basic psychological processes involving language understanding and use.

Dyslexia is a learning disability in reading, affecting comprehension, speed, and accuracy.

Dysgraphia is a learning disability in writing, impacting organization, planning, and editing.

Spelling is a learning disability area often connected to reading and writing.

Dyscalculia is a learning disability in math, involving counting, measurement, estimating, and understanding patterns.

Learning disabilities can affect how information is processed through auditory and visual senses.

Children with SLD may have preferences for information presentation, impacting their learning.

Auditory processing difficulties can arise from inconsistent teaching methods with a child's preferred processing style.

Fine motor control and hand coordination are aspects of sensory motor integration related to SLD.

Social and emotional functioning can be affected by SLD due to language miscues and misunderstandings.

Self-confidence may be diminished in children with SLD due to daily academic challenges.

Transitions between learning environments can be particularly difficult for students with SLD.

SLDs are not caused by poor vision, hearing, or disadvantages such as cultural, environmental, or economic factors.

SLDs are distinct from autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and emotional or mental health issues.

Dr. Horowitz invites comments and further information sharing on specific learning disabilities through the NCLD website.