Understanding differences between learning disabilities and learning problems

It has been found that there are four specific learning disabilities or LDs (not to be confused with learning problems) as follows.

-Dyscalculia: LD affecting a child's ability to understand numbers and learn math operation, concepts and facts.
-Dysgraphia: LD affecting writing ability and fine motor skills
-Dyslexia: LD affecting reading and related language-based processing skills
-Non-Verbal LD: LD affecting the interpretation nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language and lack of coordination skills

It needs to understood that learning difficulties cannot be medically treated or fixed. However, with special interventions and patience basic cognitive skills can be can be achieved for mild and moderate LDs.

Cause and effects

LDs are due to genetic and/or neurobiological (neurological) factors / brain mis-functioning or neurological factors that affect adversely one or more cognitive processes related to basic or lower order learning skills such as reading, writing and/or math. The higher order skills such as organization, time planning, abstract reasoning, long term memory and long spans of attention are almost impossible.

Thus, LDs are related to abstract symbols' recognition, reading, writing and/or math become apparent during the early school years and should be diagnosed properly and certified during that time.

Confusion with learning problems

At times, LDs are called hidden disabilities since the child appears to be normal while behaving in the social setting and normal IQ. Generally speaking, children with learning disabilities are of average or above average intelligence.

WE should confuse LDs with learning problems which often arise due to visual, hearing, or locomotion. Such problems can also be due intellectual disability; emotional disturbance; as well as due to bad home environment, cultural discrimination and economic disadvantages.

Generally speaking, children with learning disabilities are of average or above average intelligence. There often appears to be a gap between the individual’s potential and actual achievement. This is why learning disabilities are referred to as “hidden disabilities”: the person looks perfectly “normal” and seems to be a very bright and intelligent person, yet may be unable to demonstrate the skill level expected from someone of a similar age.