Learning difficulties or disabilities is an umbrella term for a wide variety of learning problems. Children and adults with learning disabilities have brains that are wired differently affecting how they receive and process information. They see, hear, and understand things differently, which can lead to trouble with learning new information and skills. As the eyes and ears are the primary means of delivering information to the brain, difficulties with auditory or visual processing are often a component of learning disabilities. The most common types of learning disabilities involve problems with reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), math (dyscalculia) language comprehension and expression (dysphasia) and sensory integration (dyspraxia).

 

Learning difficulties can severely hinder your child's learning and enjoyment of school. As most children are not aware they suffer from a learning disability they, and others, may misinterpret their learning difficulties as evidence they are stupid or lazy. This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety and social problems.

 

Assessments can be particularly useful where a child has a learning difficulty as the increased understanding is used to provide direction for targeted learning programs at school. Furthermore managing the social and emotional implications of a learning difficulty is vital and may involve consultation with, and strategies at school. If you are worried your child suffers from a learning difficulty or disability it is important to identify the underlying problems and put in place strategies as early as possible, thereby helping to pave the way for success at school and beyond.

 

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