Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions about individuals with learning disabilities.
- The term "learning disability" is interchangeable with other disorders.
- Learning disabilities are easily diagnosed.
- Learning disabilities are usually related to having a low IQ.
- More students seem to be diagnosed with learning disabilities in today's society.
- Learning Disabilities get less severe with time.
Types of Learning Disabilities
Firstly, autism, ADHD, mental illness, and intellectual disability are not learning disabilities.
Learning disabilities in reading (dyslexia)
Students may have difficulty with:
Learning disabilities in math (dyscalculia)
Learning disabilities in math vary greatly depending on the child's strengths and weaknesses.
Learning disabilities in writing (dysgraphia)
Students may have difficulty with:
Learning disabilities in motor skills (dyspraxia)
Students may have difficulty with:
Learning disabilities in language (aphasia/dysphasia)
Students may have difficulty with:
ADHD- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while not considered a learning disability, can certainly disrupt learning. Children with ADHD often have problems sitting still, staying focused, following instructions, staying organized, and completing homework.
Autism- Difficulty mastering certain academic skills can stem from pervasive developmental disorders such as autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Austism is a spectrum disorder, and is not considered a learning disability.
Learning disabilities in reading (dyslexia)
Students may have difficulty with:
- letter and word recognition
- understanding words and ideas
- reading speed and fluency
- general vocabulary skills
Learning disabilities in math (dyscalculia)
Learning disabilities in math vary greatly depending on the child's strengths and weaknesses.
- difficulty may occur with sequencing, memory or organization.
Learning disabilities in writing (dysgraphia)
Students may have difficulty with:
- neatness and consistency of writing
- accurately copying letters and words
- spelling consistency
- writing organization and coherence
Learning disabilities in motor skills (dyspraxia)
Students may have difficulty with:
- movement and coordination
- hand-eye coordination
- fine motor skills (cutting, writing)
- gross motor skills (running, jumping)
- sometimes referred to as an “output” activity meaning that it relates to the output of information from the brain. In order for the student to run, jump, write, etc., the brain must be able to communicate with the related limbs correctly.
Learning disabilities in language (aphasia/dysphasia)
Students may have difficulty with:
- verbal language skills, such as the ability to retell a story
- fluency of speech
- understanding the meaning of words, parts of speech, directions, etc.
ADHD- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while not considered a learning disability, can certainly disrupt learning. Children with ADHD often have problems sitting still, staying focused, following instructions, staying organized, and completing homework.
Autism- Difficulty mastering certain academic skills can stem from pervasive developmental disorders such as autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Austism is a spectrum disorder, and is not considered a learning disability.
- communicating
- reading body language
- learning basic skills
- making friends
- making eye contact
Sources
Kane, J. (2012). Five misconceptions about learning disabilities. PBS Newshour. Retrieved from: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/03/five-misconceptions-about-learning-disabilities.html
Kemp, G., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2013). Learning disabilities and disorders. Helpguide.org. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/learning_disabilities.htm.
Kemp, G., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2013). Learning disabilities and disorders. Helpguide.org. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/learning_disabilities.htm.