A learning disability is a problem with how the brain takes in, makes sense of, or expresses information. This can affect how your child listens, speaks, reads, writes, spells, or does math. Your child won't outgrow a learning disability. But they can build new learning skills that help with success.
It's important to know what kind of disability your child has. It also helps to know what their strengths are. If your child hasn't been tested, talk to their school about doing a team assessment. Your child may be able to get help from a learning specialist at school. If so, your child will get a learning plan, such as an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP.
If your child doesn't qualify for special services and an IEP, work with the school to find the best ways to help your child learn. For example, your child may need extra time to finish tests and schoolwork.
Learning disabilities can affect the basic processes involved in understanding or using the spoken or written language. They can cause difficulty with listening, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or doing math calculations.
Learning disabilities are distinct from learning difficulties that are a result of visual, motor, or hearing problems.
Learning disabilities may be caused by:
The signs of learning disabilities vary depending on age. They are often discovered in elementary school, when a child has trouble doing tasks that involve reading, writing, or math.
The most common signs are:
Your child also may:
A learning disability is treated with educational tools for your child. For most children, federal law requires that a public school create an Individualized Education Program (IEP). It details your child's disability, suggested teaching methods, and goals for the school year.
Your doctor or a school professional will ask you what signs of a learning disability you and your child's teachers have seen. Your child will also be asked questions. Your child may take reading, writing, personality, and learning style tests. Your child's language skills, problem-solving skills, and intelligence quotient (IQ) may also be tested.
You can help your child by finding out about their learning style. And then show your child how to plan and study based on how they learn. It may help to get a tutor. Give your child love and support by praising them when they reach a goal or do well at school.
Most of the time, experts don't know the reason for learning disabilities. But these disabilities tend to run in families.
Some learning disabilities may be caused by illness or injury during or before birth or by the use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.
After a child is born, a head injury, poor nutrition, exposure to toxins (such as lead), or child abuse can contribute to learning disabilities.
Learning disabilities make it hard for your child to learn in certain areas. Your child may have trouble with listening, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or doing math. One example of a learning disability is dyslexia. A child with dyslexia has a hard time reading, writing, and spelling.
Learning disabilities aren't the same as learning challenges that are caused by problems with seeing, hearing, or moving. But many children with learning disabilities have other conditions that make school hard. These include ADHD and issues with behavior or memory.
Taking steps to manage a learning disability in early childhood can help with success in school and other areas. This success can continue into adulthood.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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