What is a learning disorder?

Question

How do you define a learning disorder? How do you determine if your child has a learning disability?

Answer 1

Adding my "two cents" to the already excellent answers:

"Disorder" and "difficulty" can discourage the student - making them feel they are blocked from success.

I prefer the term "Learning Difference" - highlighting that the student has a unique way of approaching the topic - any topic - and is able to grasp the concepts. My child has thrived with this approach. She understands her "difference" can help others, and I'm amazed at her unique perspective and joy in learning!

As educators, we need to celebrate differences and include the joy of discovery in each lesson! We are "adventurers in the mind" - digging into habits and self-talk the student uses, and changing thinking into a GROWTH MINDSET.

You are the expert in your child - and sometimes, the only one who understands what they need. Testing is great, and will help you evaluate and identify their needs. You are entitled to this through your school.

Answer 2

I do not like when a Clinical psychologists or a school psychologists uses the term "disorder" to diagnose a child. Every child can learn, it's just how they learn. To answer your question; Here are a few examples.

1. Problems reading and/or writing
2. Problems with math
3. Poor memory
4. Problems paying attention
5. Trouble following directions
6. Clumsiness
7. Trouble telling time
8. Problems staying organized
9. Difficulty staying focused; being easily distracted
10. Having a hard time listening
11. Problems dealing with changes in schedule or situations
12. Problems understanding words or concepts

Answer 3

How do you define a learning disorder? How do you determine if your child has a learning disability?

The word "disorder" has a negative connotation and I don't use it. A learning "disability" is a better way to make a blanket statement about a student having difficulties learning a particular skill, such as reading and writing. In my classroom, I often recognize specific traits that would qualify as a learning disability. For example, if a student has a particularly difficult time writing letters by hand, I would perhaps suspect the student to have Dysgraphia: "Dysgraphia can appear as difficulties with spelling and/or trouble putting thoughts on paper. Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder that generally appears when children are first learning to write" - (from the wonderful internet 😊- LDonline.org). I would not make such a diagnosis, however. I would refer the student to our learning support department who will have the student tested for common neurological issues that can interfere with a student learning to read or write. Dyslexia is an other common diagnosis I come across: "Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called reading disability, dyslexia affects areas of the brain that process language". (mayoclinic.org). I follow the individual guidelines the learning support department of my school suggests for how to help these students. These suggestions are research-based proven strategies that we employ to help students based on their diagnosis. As a teacher I can't make an official diagnosis, but I recognize the features of the learning issues I have mentioned here, as well as ADHD, ADD and other issues and I use my best judgement. For example, I may suggest strategies such as using a technology that will make reading easier, audio recordings of a text and reading in manageable chunks, to mention a few ways that may help. I hope this answers your question 😊. - Birgitte

Answer 4

Students with learning disabilities (LD) make up the largest group of students with of special needs. The are many different definitions for a learning disability as they present differently depending on the child (academically, behaviorally, or social-emotionally). Different professionals (psychology, medicine, education, etc..) will define it differently. However, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states: "Specific learning disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. Disorders not included. Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of intellectual disability, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage." (https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.8/c/10)

In order to identify a child with a learning disability schools use response to intervention or RTI in order to provide early intervention to students. If a student still shown underachievement with proper instruction (RTI) a team should decide what the next step is for that student.

This was a lot of information, if you are concerned about a learning disability talk to the school and try to set out a plan for your child. You are their biggest advocate.