Learning Disabilities

A learning disability, or LD, is a lifelong disorder that affects the way someone receives, processes or retains information. He or she performs specific tasks with significantly less skill than would be expected for someone of that age and level of intelligence. Learning disabilities affect about 1 in 10 school-age children, most of them boys.

LDs may result from the way the brain handles some kinds of information, making it difficult to acquire certain skills. Learning disabilities tend to run in families. Also, there are risk factors thought to increase the chance that someone will have an LD. Among these are premature birth, low birth weight and central nervous system infection. Learning disabilities are not the result of hearing or vision impairments, poor parenting or lack of proper schooling, although such problems commonly co-exist with LDs.

Learning problems vary widely. There are speech and language disorders, which affect a child's ability to learn to read, write, spell, speak or listen. A child may have difficulty learning math, reasoning, remembering facts, following directions, paying attention or putting things in proper sequence.

If LDs are not identified and addressed early, they can also result in lifelong emotional and behavioural problems. In children, these may include low self-esteem, depression, withdrawal or acting out. Adults may lose interest in learning, do poorly at work and feel like failures. Early treatment and appropriate training can help children learn the skills they need to function successfully as adults and feel good about themselves. Among those who achieved great success despite a learning disability are scientist Albert Einstein, inventor Thomas Edison and artist Leonardo da Vinci.

In preschoolers, signs of possible LDs include delays in language development, trouble with coordination and a short attention span. By 2½ years old, your child should be able to put sentences together. You should be able to understand most of what your 3-year-old says. Between ages 3 and 5, your child should be able to sit still long enough for you to read him or her a short story. By age 5, your child should be able to distinguish shapes and sizes, hop, tie shoes and cut with scissors.

Learning disabilities often do not become evident until after a child starts school. Parents, teachers or the child's healthcare provider may detect symptoms and suggest a complete evaluation. You and your child may be referred to specialists trained to test for and assess LDs.

Children with learning disorders may need special classes, tutoring and therapy. Parents, teachers and healthcare providers can work together to find the best approach for a child's disability.

As a parent, you can contribute greatly. Give your child understanding, support, acceptance and unconditional love. Keep in contact with school and play an active part in your child's education. Joining an LD support group will keep you in contact with parents of children who have similar problems.

Review Date : December 2003

Copyright & Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)