About Learning Disabilities
What are the signs of a learning disability?
Learning disabilities can affect people’s performance in reading, written expression and mathematics. Sometimes, multiple areas are impaired. Here is a list of frequent symptoms, according to the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual (DSM-5):
Reading:
- Word reading accuracy
- Reading rate
- Reading fluency
- Reading comprehension
Written expression:
- Spelling accuracy
- Grammar and punctuation accuracy
- Clarity or organization of written expression
Mathematics:
- Number sense
- Memorization of arithmetic facts
- Accurate or fluent calculation
- Accurate math reasoning
When can a learning disability be diagnosed?
A learning disability can be diagnosed when one’s ability level in an academic skill is substantially lower than the level expected for his/her age. The difficulties must have persisted for at least 6 months and they cannot be accounted for by low intelligence, vision and/or hearing impairments, psychosocial adversity or lack of adequate educational instruction. Learning disabilities affect 5 - 15% of children.
What can parents do to help afflicted children?
Research indicates that students with learning disabilities profit from two things:
1. An early diagnosis
An early diagnosis, which is possible as soon as 6 months into the first grade.
2. Effective treatment
Children with learning disabilities need special programs that explicitly teach aspects of mathematical thinking or language that their peers grasp intuitively, rather than traditional tutoring. Luckily, researchers have developed and tested such programs. Early diagnostic work enables professionals to select an empirically tested program that matches your child's needs. The diagnostic report you receive will help you advocate for your child at school. It contains suggestions for teachers about which classroom accommodations would benefit your child. These may include extra time on tests, oral tests, providing graph paper or lined paper, etc.
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