Learning Disorder

Many children may struggle in school with some topics or skills from time to time. When children
try hard and still struggle with a specific set of skills over time, it could be a sign of a
learning disorder. Having a learning disorder means that a child has difficulty in one or more
areas of learning, even when overall intelligence or motivation is not affected.


Some of the symptoms of learning disorders are
  * Difficulty telling right from left
  * Reversing letters, words, or numbers, after first or second grade
  * Difficulties recognizing patterns or sorting items by size or shape
  * Difficulty understanding and following instructions or staying organized
  * Difficulty remembering what was just said or what was just read
  * Lacking coordination when moving around
  * Difficulty doing tasks with the hands, like writing, cutting, or drawing
  * Difficulty understanding the concept of time

Examples of learning disorders include
  * Dyslexia – difficulty with reading
  * Dyscalculia – difficulty with math
  * Dysgraphia – difficulty with writing

Children with learning disorders may feel frustrated that they cannot master a subject despite
trying hard, and may act out, act helpless, or withdraw. Learning disorders can also be present
with emotional or behavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
or anxiety. The combination of problems can make it particularly hard for a child to succeed in
school. Properly diagnosing each disorder is crucial, so that the child can get the right kind of
help for each.

Treatment for learning disorders

Children with learning disorders often need extra help and instruction that are specialized for
them. Having a learning disorder can qualify a child for special education services in school.
Schools usually do their own testing for learning disorders to see if a child needs intervention.
An evaluation by a healthcare professional is needed if there are other concerns about the child’s
behavior or emotions. Parents, healthcare providers, and the school can work together to find the
right referrals and treatment.


https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/learning-disorder.html