Specific Learning Disorders
Specific learning disorders, referred to as learning disabilities, are neurodevelopmental conditions that hinder a person's ability to gain and adapt to academic skills properly. People with Specific Learning Disorders face challenges in writing, reading, and mathematics, even in other aspects of learning. Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) impact a person's academic performance, self-esteem, and daily functioning.
What Are the Types of Specific Learning Disorders?
There are three types of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) that people suffer from.
1: Dyslexia
Dyslexia is known as a difficulty in reading, spelling, and decoding words. Dyslexia comes with struggles with recognizing words, reading fluency, and understanding the written text.
2: Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia refers to challenges with writing,
spelling, and organizing thoughts in writing on paper. People with
dysgraphia may also face problems with fine motor skills, which impact their ability to write clearly and neatly.
3: Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is known as a problem in math-related tasks, such as counting, performing calculations, and recognizing the patterns of numbers. In dyscalculia, difficulty with understanding concepts of time, directions, or measurements can be faced.
People with SLD (Specific learning disorders) may also face problems with memory, attention, and organization. Despite facing problems, people with SLD (Specific learning disorders) often have strengths in various areas such as visual thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
Risk Factors for Specific Learning Disorders
There are a few factors that can play a role in increasing the likelihood of developing Specific Learning Disorders (SLD).
Genetic Factors: Genetic factors play a vital role, as those with a family history of Specific Learning Disorders are more likely to develop it.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors can also play a crucial role in the development of SLD (Specific Learning Disorders). Prenatal factors, such as maternal substance use, exposure to toxins, and complications during childbirth, can heighten the risk of developing it. Negative childhood experiences, such as neglect and trauma, may also contribute to increasing the risk of developing SLD (Specific Learning Disorders).
Co-Occurring Conditions: Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) can also co-occur with other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may co-occur with SLD (Specific Learning Disorders) by demonstrating challenges with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, impacting learning. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disorders, and Mood or Anxiety Disorder may also co-occur with SLD (Specific Learning Disorders).
The diagnosis can be made by qualified professionals, such as psychologists in learning specialists who specialize in the evaluation of learning disabilities.
Note: Not all of these risk factors can lead to the development of SLD, but they may increase the risk of developing Specific Learning Disorders (SLD).
Management of Specific Learning Disorders
Understanding the management of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) is essential for overcoming their impacts and achieving academic success.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
People with specific learning difficulties need special educational support, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), to facilitate their educational goals. Educational support may include assistive technology, extra time for completing the assignments, and alternative educational material.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology tools and software can help in enhancing learning and overcoming challenges with specific learning difficulties. Tools like text-to-speech software, speech recognition software, electronic organizers, and spelling-checking tools can help and support in areas such as writing, reading, and organization skills.
Specialized Instruction
Specialized instruction is an evidence-based instructional strategy that can help target specific learning difficulty areas. In the case of dyslexia, the strategies may focus on phonological awareness, decoding, reading comprehension, and spelling. Structured programs such as Orton-Gillingham can be effective for enhancing reading skills. For Dysgraphia, the strategies can be utilized, such as handwriting strategies, keyboard skills, and strategies for organizing thoughts in writing.
Remedial Interventions
Remedial interventions are a helpful strategy to target specific areas of learning difficulty, which can help to fill the gaps. These can include one-on-one or small instructions, multi-sensory techniques, explicit instructions, and repeated practices.
Therapeutic Approaches
Therapeutic approaches are effective and helpful in the management of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). Educational therapy can support in helping with educational areas such as reading, writing, or math. Speech and language therapy contributes to managing specific learning disabilities by focusing on improving communication, language, and speech skills. It can help with pronunciation, vocabulary, organizing thoughts, and achieving academic goals. Occupational therapy may be utilized to focus on improving organization and fine motor skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be utilized to address issues like frustration, anxiety, or self-esteem associated with learning difficulties.
Supportive Learning and Emotional Support
A supportive learning environment is vital for people with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) as they require special support in learning. This support can include visual aids, modified assignments, and classroom activities. Emotional support is also crucial in supporting people with SLD (Specific Learning Disorders), such as building self-esteem and resilience.
Final Thoughts on SLD
Specific learning disorders (SLD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect a person's ability to learn and academic skills efficiently. Seeking professional support, including a collaborative approach with professionals such as psychologists, special educators, speech-language therapists, and occupational therapists, is crucial for the management of SLD (Specific Learning Disorders). Early recognition of specific learning difficulties plays a crucial role in managing the impacts and improving academic success on time.