How Common Are Learning
Disabilities?
Parents are often worried and disappointed when their child has
problems learning in school. There are many reasons for failure in
school; a common one is a specific learning disability. A child with a
learning disability is usually bright and initially tries very hard to
follow instructions, concentrate, and "be good" at home and in school.
Yet despite this effort he or she is not mastering school tasks and
falls behind. Some learning disabled children also have trouble
sitting still or paying attention.
Learning disabilities affect as many as
15 percent of otherwise able schoolchildren.
What Causes Learning Disabilities?
It is believed that learning disabilities are caused by a
difficulty with the nervous system that affects receiving, processing,
or communicating information. Some learning disabled children are also
hyperactive, easily distracted, and have a short attention span.
Early Detection and Treatment is
Important
Child and adolescent psychiatrists point out that learning
disabilities are treatable, but if not detected and treated early,
they can have a serious "snowballing" effect. For instance, a child
who does not learn addition in elementary school cannot understand
algebra in high school. The child, trying very hard to learn, becomes
more and more frustrated, and develops emotional problems such as low
self-esteem in the face of repeated failure. Some learning disabled
children misbehave in school because they would rather be seen as
"bad" than "stupid."
Warning Signs
Parents should be aware of the most frequent signals of learning
disabilities.
Does your child:
- have difficulty understanding and
following instructions.
- have trouble remembering what
someone just told him or her.
- fail to master reading, writing,
and/or math skills, and thus fails schoolwork.
- have difficulty distinguishing right
from left, for example, confusing 25 with 52, "b" with "d," or "on"
with "no."
- lack coordination in walking,
sports, or small activities such as holding a pencil or tying a
shoelace.
- easily lose or misplace homework,
schoolbooks, or other items.
- not understand the concept of time;
is confused by "yesterday," "today," and "tomorrow."
Work With A Mental Health
Professional
Such problems deserve a comprehensive evaluation by an expert who
can assess all of the different issues affecting the child. A child
and adolescent psychiatrist can help coordinate the evaluation and
work with school professionals and others to evaluate and test your
child to determine if a learning disability exists. After talking with
the child and family and reviewing the educational testing and
consulting with the school, the child and adolescent psychiatrist will
make recommendations on appropriate school placement, the need for
special help such as special educational therapy or speech-language
therapy, and help parents assisting their child in maximizing his or
her learning potential.
Treatment for Learning Disabilities
Sometimes individual or family psychotherapy ("talking" about your
child's problems) will be recommended. Psychotherapy may help to
strengthen your child's self-confidence; which is vital for healthy
development. Therapy also helps parents and other family members
better understand and cope with the realities of living with a child
with learning disabilities. Medication may be prescribed for
hyperactivity or distractibility.
Source: National Mental Health
Association
