5 Types of Learning Disorders — Plus How to Manage Them

Has your child been diagnosed with a learning disability? You’re not alone. About one in five children in the United States has a disability that makes learning difficult. 

Board-certified pediatric neurologist Dr. Charles Niesen and our team at AMS Neurology in Pasadena, California, diagnose and treat children with learning disorders. 

Five types of learning disorders

Following are five common learning disorders that can make school harder than it should be for your child. 

1. Dyslexia

Does your child have a hard time learning to read, spell, and write? Perhaps they see a “b” instead of a “d” when they read the word “dog.” Your child may have trouble spelling simple words. Dyslexia is a brain-based difference in processing written language and the most common learning disability. 

Dyscalculia

If your child has dyscalculia, they have difficulty understanding numbers, money, and how to tell time. They have trouble with basic operations like adding and subtracting as well as more complex math topics and concepts. 

Dysgraphia 

Does your child start crying or become frustrated when trying to complete a written assignment? They may have a difficult time beginning a writing assignment or aren’t able to organize thoughts and write sentences using correct sentence structure. These are symptoms of dysgraphia. 

Dyspraxia 

Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder that impairs your child’s fine and gross motor skills. With this condition, it’s difficult for them to coordinate their movements, whether it’s using a pencil or playing soccer. Some of your loved one’s handwriting may be almost indecipherable. They might have balance problems as well. 

Auditory or visual processing disorder

Your child has trouble processing what they hear or see when they have an auditory or visual processing disorder. They hear you speak but may not be able to immediately follow a direction. These disorders make it hard to read, write, follow directions, and complete assignments. 

Comorbidity of learning disorders 

Sometimes these disorders overlap. For example, a majority of those with dyslexia also have an auditory processing disorder. If your child has a learning disability, they might also have ADHD; the disorders may occur together. Almost half of children with ADHD have a learning disability. 

Managing your child’s learning disorder 

As a parent, you’re your child’s pillar of emotional support in handling their learning disorder. The following are important tips. 

Seek professional help 

It’s important to seek professional help when your child has a learning disorder. Your child is more likely to be bullied in school, and studies show that 18% of teens with learning disabilities drop out of school — a significantly higher rate than the group as a whole. 

Our caring staff provides ongoing treatment for your child and also connects you with a world of excellent resources on managing learning disorders, including online helps and support groups. 

Be proactive in advocating for your child at school 

It’s important for you to become your child’s advocate. Your child may need 504 accommodations or an Individual Education Plan (IEP). You need to communicate with the school to push for services your child is entitled to by law. 

Use multi-sensory strategies 

Use a multi-sensory approach to helping your child with school tasks. If they have difficulty reading, get books on tape. If your loved one has trouble organizing thoughts, use outlines or diagrams. If they have a hard time following directions, make lists together. 

Focus on strengths 

Focus on your child’s strengths and help them develop hobbies or interests they’re passionate about. At the same time, help your child acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses and explain yours. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. 

Focus on problem-solving 

Focus on problem solving. Involve your child in thinking about how to overcome obstacles. Teach your child that asking for help to accomplish a task in a different way is a strength. Role-play situations with your child so they feel comfortable asking for help. 

Help your child learn about successful people with disabilities 

Talk about perseverance and its importance to success. Find stories of famous individuals who persevered and overcame obstacles. For example, Albert Einstein, Jay Leno, and Richard Branson all have dyslexia. 

Call our office at AMS Neurology or book an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment of learning disorders.