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Home » Consumer Information » Children with Disabilities

Learning Disabilities

Students often perform poorly in the classroom, and this is often due to a learning disability. Children diagnosed with a learning disability typically are equipped with normal intelligence and make a concerted effort to follow the rules, pay attention, and behave in school and at home. However, regardless of this endeavor, the child fails to master the educational demands and falls behind. Ten percent of children are affected by learning disabilities.

Medical professionals believe that learning disabilities are the result of an irregular nervous system that impacts the intake, processing, and communication of information. Data also exists to support the theory that learning disabilities are hereditary as well. A portion of children with learning disabilities also exhibit behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and short attention spans.

Child psychiatrists are under the impression that learning disabilities can be treated, but they say that if they are ignored early on, they can have quite a compounding effect. For example, a child who never masters the concept of addition in grade school will never comprehend algebra in high school. Since the child is trying their best to understand in the face of failure, they may become more agitated and could begin exhibiting emotional instability and low self-esteem. Some children with learning disabilities actually behave badly because they prefer being viewed as problematic as opposed to dumb.

Signs of a learning disability

Parents should monitor their children for the following behaviors that may indicate the presence of a learning disability:

  • Trouble interpreting instructions
  • Short-term memory problems
  • Inability to conquer reading, spelling, writing, and/or arithmetic skills
  • Dyslexic tendencies (e.g., reversing letters or numbers)
  • Lack of coordination when engaging in athletic or manual activities
  • Frequently losing personal belongings
  • Confused by the concept of time

Any of these problems should be evaluated by a medical expert who will work in conjunction with the academic staff to establish whether a learning disability is the culprit. Then, a child psychiatrist can make suggestions regarding school placement, special education, and any other necessities that will enhance the child's learning environment. The doctor may prescribe psychotherapy and medication for hyperactivity or depression. It is essential to boost the child's self-worth and assist family members with the challenges they face living alongside the child in order to sanction a healthy atmosphere for growth.

If your child has a learning disability, they may require additional accommodations that are rather costly. Contact a social security disability attorney to find out if you can receive any financial assistance.