It was estimated in 2001 that learning disabilities affected over 100,000 Canadian children age 5 to 14. Unfortunately, 5 to 14 year olds are school-age youths who need to have the ability to focus on academic information. But learning disabilities make that difficult, if not impossible, for the children who have them.
What are learning disabilities?
“Learning disabilities” encompass many problems related to learning. These learning-related problems do not have to do with a child’s level of intelligence. On the contrary, children with learning disabilities are typically quite intelligent. So what’s the problem? Why can’t they seem to learn like other kids their age? Because their minds work differently that others’ minds.
In other words, “Children and adults with learning disabilities see, hear, and understand things differently. This can lead to trouble with learning new information and skills, and putting them to use.”
What are the most common types of learning disabilities?
Disabilities related to speaking (dysphasia/aphasia), reasoning, math (dyscalculia), listening, reading (dyslexia), and writing (dysgraphia) are common types of learning disabilities.
Who is most likely to have learning disabilities?
Males are about 10 percent more likely to have learning disabilities that females in the 5 to 14 age group.
What are the symptoms of learning disabilities?
Have you wondered before if your child has a learning disability? The following list of symptoms can help you to determine if you should discuss whether or not your child has a learning disability with his or her physician. Just a few signs of learning disabilities include:
– Trouble with rhyming
– Difficulty learning letters, numbers, days of the week, and shapes
– Trouble tying shoes
– Trouble learning routines
– “Difficulty controlling crayons, pencils, and scissors or coloring within the lines”
– Difficulty with buttons, snaps, and zippers
– Difficulty following directions
For grade-specific signs of learning disabilities, see http://www.helpguide.org/mental/learning_disabilities.htm.
If you don’t notice these symptoms in your child but still feel he or she may have a learning disability, go with your gut instinct. Learning disabilities affect each person very differently, so it’s completely possible that the symptoms listed here will not apply to every individual.
Which of these signs do you recognize in your child?
Do you feel your son or daughter may have a learning disability? If so, discuss your concerns with his or her doctor, teacher, or school guidance counselor. And remember, a learning disability does not equal an unsuccessful life. With the right strategies and tools, your child will be on the road to success in no time.
Sources:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-577-x/4065023-eng.htm
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/learning_disabilities.htm
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*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Do you notice any symptoms of learning disabilities in your child? Which ones?
Other than the ones listed in this post, what behaviours does your child exhibit that make you think he or she may have a learning disability?
I am a grandmother of 8 grandkids and another on the way. I was present at my first grandchild’s birth…a boy and I was the first to hold him. I thought it was particuliar that he ust constanly moved and wiggled as soon as he was born! He had a terrible time in the public school and we finally put hm in a private school but he struggled there too. My heart has broken for this little man (he’s 15 now). He was diagnosed with addt or adht but no matter, his life has been hard. We try to help him and even with constant supervision, he can’t seem to put his thoughts on paper. He has a terribly hard time printing and writing and it takes him forever to do a project. The school system is merciless with him and doesn’t give him any breaks at all and he is EXPECTED to keep up with the other kids which makes him a target for bullying and getting picked on. I do’t know what he would do if we hadn’t gotten him into Air Cadets, which he totally loves and really tries to excel in. God bless these children who nobody seems to notice or care about. I wish the government would come up with something to help these poor kids efore it is too late. Sincerely sad….