How to overcome learning disorders

Posted on April 12, 2007 in Life by byronb

There are a wide variety of learning disorders and millions of people all over the world suffer from them. One of the most well known of these disorders is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This particular disorder involves hyperactivity, problems with paying attention and learning and acting impulsively. This learning disorder usually involves problems with writing, math and writing that is usually in the form of dyslexia. It is thought that around 10% of the population has this learning disorder.

The exact causes of learning disorders aren’ known but many things have been associated with them. It is thought that such things as fetal alcohol syndrome and fragile x syndrome could be two of the reasons. A learning disorder is very difficult to diagnose, but it is crucial that correct diagnosis is made because many learning disorders can be successfully treated.

If however they are left undiagnosed, serious implications can arise. Various behavioral problems can occur and it can seriously affect the person’ self-esteem.

It can often be very difficult to make a diagnosis of a learning disorder; however there are several symptoms that could be present. Common symptoms that could help determine that there are problems learning include: having difficulty in following directions, difficulty in sequencing, poor coordination, poor memory and a short attention span. The earlier the learning disorder can be diagnosed then the better the outcome and quicker the progress can start to be made. Severe learning disorders are normally picked up in childhood and dealt with appropriately. However before diagnosing the problem as a learning disorder other factors have to be ruled out. A complete medical examination will have to be taken along with a physical one, hearing and vision tests will also be conducted to rule out such things as metal retardation.

There are certain signs that parents of pre-school children can look out for and should be considered as warning signs. These include not being able to form a sentence by the time the child is 2 years, by the time the child is 3 you still have trouble understanding what they are saying. The child has trouble with co-ordination such as tying shoelaces; the child is unable to sit still for long periods of time. If there is cause for concern over any problems then it might be recommended that the child/person undergo a series of psychological tests to determine whether or not there are any social problems such as anxiety or depression. If a learning disorder is diagnosed then a psychologist or other specialist may be brought in to help.

If a learning disorder is suspected then testing will be needed to determine the specific area of the problem, levels of reading and writing skills will be measured, mathematics or impairment of any of the five senses. In a minority of people who are thought to have a learning disorder they may be determined to have a disorder that doesn’t fit into a particular category and may include problems in all areas of learning.

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