LD are neurologically based problem which can interfere with learning basic skills such as a reading, writing or mathematics. A learning difficulty (also referred to as a learning disability) can be described as an issue with the way, brain processes information. Individuals who have a learning difficulty may not learn in the same way or as quickly as their peers, and they might find certain aspects of learning, such as the development of basic skills, to be challenging. Besides that, Lds can also interfere with higher level skills such as organization, memory attention and abstract reasoning. It is important to realize that LD can affect individual’s life beyond academic and can also impact relationships with family, friends and others.

LD is an umbrella term, describing a number of difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia etc.

LD are most often diagnosed during the time children are in school since difficulty with three Rs are generally recognizable problems during school years. However, some individuals unfortunately do not receive any evaluation till very late or never and go through life never knowing why they have difficulties with academic issues, and why they may be having difficulty getting jobs or in relationships.

Good thing is, lot of research has shown that although LD cannot be cured, or fixed and is a lifelong challenge, with appropriate support and interventions with people with LD too can achieve success.

LD is not an intellectual disability (one must have an IQ over 85 to be diagnosed with a learning disability), a behavior or emotional disturbance, attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD), or autism.

There is no medication or medical treatment to help improve a learning disability, although it is common for children who have comorbid conditions such as ADHD and LDs, see improvement in both when following a treatment plan that includes ADHD medication. Usually, educational strategies are incorporated by the specialists such as Educational Psychologists, to help the affected person.

LDs are a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean a child with a learning disability can’t succeed. The child with LD can manage the difficulties and still succeed well but the key to management is early detection and intervention. Educational and Specialist teachers, Psychologists, Doctors are some of the key people in this area.

People with LDs can be found in every type of occupation. Famous people with LDs include: Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, George Washington, Agatha Christie, and Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Cruise etc.

The term learning disability encompasses many different learning difficulties. The below is the overview of the three main types of learning disabilities: reading disabilities, written language disabilities, and math disabilities. (There are other, less common learning disorders that impact memory, social skills, and executive functioning)

Dyslexia or Reading Difficulty

A specific learning difficulty which affects reading and related language-based processing skills. It can affect reading, fluency, decoding, recalling, writing spelling and can exist with other related field of work. There are two types of learning disabilities in reading, 1) basic reading problems and 2) reading comprehension problems.

BR problems can occur when there is difficulty understanding the relationship between sounds, letters and words. Reading comprehension problems occur when there is an inability to grasp the meaning of words, phrases, and paragraphs.

Signs of reading difficulty include problems with:

• Letter and word recognition.
• Understanding words and ideas.
•  Reading speed and fluency.
•  General vocabulary skills

Learning disabilities in math (dyscalculia)

A child with a math-based learning disorder may struggle with memorization and organization of numbers, operation signs, and number “facts” Children with math learning disorders might also have trouble with counting principles (such as counting by twos or counting by fives) or have difficulty telling time.

Learning disabilities in math vary greatly depending on the child’s other strengths and weaknesses. A child’s ability to do math will be affected differently by a language learning disability, a visual disorder, or a difficulty with sequencing, memory, or organization

Learning disabilities in writing (dysgraphia)

Learning disabilities in writing can involve the physical act of writing or the mental activity of comprehending information. Basic writing disorder refers to physical difficulty forming words and letters. Expressive writing disability indicates a struggle to organize thoughts on paper.

Symptoms of a written language learning disability revolve around the act of writing.
They include problems with:

• Neatness and consistency of writing.
• Accurately copying letters and words.
• Spelling consistency
• Writing organization and coherence.

Tips to the Parents:

If you are concerned about your child’s performance, difficulties in academics or your child is having problems with issues such as low self-esteem, crying spells or not interested in school, or shying away from friends, do not sit back, lament and/or wait for the problems to go away on their own. Speak to your child’s doctors or teachers or seek advice from an Educational Psychologist. Besides that, along the way …and for both of you, it is likely that talking to a therapist can also be one form of vital help. As emotional distress can occur as a result of the classroom experiences and/or diagnosis of LD, talking through these anxieties in therapy may prove to be extremely beneficial.

Parents whose child has been identified with poor reading, writing or mathematical skills or those who have been already identified, do have a tough time, coping with the diagnosis or with the thought of the ‘uphill task that lies ahead’ of them. Through the talk therapy of counselling, they not only find a safe place to unburden themselves and find validation of their pain and difficulties, they can also learn about supporting their child from their end after identifying their child’s strengths and weaknesses and their own uniqueness. This way, instead of feeling angry, sad or dejected, they are enabled to maximise their support to their child. This is because, a good parental attitude, although will not solve the problems associated with a learning disability, it can give your child hope and confidence that, with appropriate help, things can improve and that he can eventually succeed.