Specific Learning Disorders
Specific learning disorders referred to as learning disabilities are neurodevelopmental conditions that hinder a person's ability to gain and adapt to academic skills properly. People with specific learning disorders face challenges in writing, reading, and mathematics, even in other aspects of learning. Specific learning disorders (SLD) impacts a person's academic performance, self-esteem, and daily functioning.
What Are the Types of Specific Learning Disorders?
Specific learning disorders (SLD) contain three types, people face challenges.
1- Dyslexia
Dyslexia is known as difficulties in reading, spelling, and decoding words. It comes with struggles with recognizing words, reading in fluency, and understanding the written text.
3- Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia refers to challenges with writing,
spelling, and organizing thoughts in writing on paper. People with
dysgraphia may also face problems with fine motor skills which impacts
their ability to write clearly and neatly.
2- Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is known as problems in math-related tasks, such as counting, performing calculations, and recognizing the patterns of numbers. Difficulty with understanding concepts of time, directions, or measurements can be faced.
People with SLD (Specific learning disorders) may also face problems with memory, attention, and organization. Despite facing problems, people with SLD (Specific learning disorders) often have strengths in various areas such as visual thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
What Are the Risk Factors for Specific Learning Disorders?
There are a few factors that can play a role in increasing the likelihood of developing a Specific learning disorders (SLD).
Genetic Factors: Genetic factors play a vital role as those with a family history of SLD (Specific learning disorders) are more likely to develop it.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors can also play a crucial role in the development of SLD (Specific learning disorders). Prenatal factors, such as maternal substance use, exposure to toxins, and complications during childbirth can heighten the risk of developing it. Negative childhood experiences such as neglect, and trauma may also contribute to an increasing risk of developing SLD (Specific learning disorders).
Co-Occurring Conditions: Specific learning disorders (SLD) can also co-occur with other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may co-occur with SLD (Specific learning disorders) by demonstrating challenges with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, impacting on the learning. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disorders, and Mood or Anxiety Disorder may also co-occur with SLD (Specific learning disorders).
The diagnosis can be made by qualified professionals such as psychologists, in learning specialists who specialize in the evaluation of learning disabilities.
Note: Not all of these risk factors can lead to the development of SLD but they may increase the risk of developing Specific learning disorders (SLD).
Understanding the Management of Specific Learning Disorders
Understanding the management of Specific learning disorders (SLD) is essential for overcoming their impacts and achieving academic success.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
People with SLD (Specific learning disorders) need special educational support such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to facilitate their educational goals. This program may include assistive technology, extra time for completing the assignments, and alternative helping educational material.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology tools and software can help in enhancing learning and overcoming challenges with specific difficulties. Tools like text-to-speech software, speech recognition software, electronic organizers, and spelling-checking tools can help and support in areas such as writing, reading, and organization skills.
Specialized Instruction
Specialized instruction is an evidence-based instructional strategy that can help target specific learning difficulty areas. In the case of dyslexia, the strategies may focus on phonological awareness, decoding, reading comprehension, and spelling. Structured programs such as Orton-Gilingham, can be effective for enhancing reading skills. For Dysgraphia, the strategies can utilized such as handwriting strategies, keyboard skills, and strategies for organizing thoughts in writing.
Remedial Interventions
Remedial interventions are a helpful strategy to target specific areas of difficulty, which can help to fill the gaps. These can include one-on-one or small instructions, multi-sensory techniques, explicit instructions, and repeated practices.
Therapeutic Approaches
Therapeutic approaches are effective and helpful in the management of Specific learning disorders (SLD). Educational therapy can support in helping with educational areas such as reading, writing, or math. Speech and language therapy contributes to managing specific learning disabilities by focusing on improving communication, language, and speech skills. It can help with pronunciation, vocabulary, and organizing thoughts, achieving academic goals. Occupational therapy may be utilized to focus on improving organization and fine motor skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be utilized to address issues like frustration, anxiety, or self-esteem associated with learning difficulties.
Supportive Learning and Emotional Support
A supportive learning environment is vital for people with Specific learning disorders (SLD) as they require special support in learning. This support can include visual aids, modified assignments, and classroom activities. Emotional support is also crucial in supporting people with SLD (Specific learning disorders) such as building self-esteem and resilience.
Specific learning disorders (SLD) are the neurodevelopmental conditions that affect a person's ability to learn and academic skills efficiently. A collaborative approach including professionals such as psychologists, special educators, speech-language therapists, and occupational therapists, is crucial for the management of SLD (Specific learning disorders). Early recognition plays a crucial role in the managing the impacts and improving the academic success timely.