A learning disorder, as defined by Math and Reading Help, is a neurological disorder that affects one ore more psychological processes involved in processing or using language. In general, learning disorders cause a discrepancy between the potential for learning and what is actually learned. Learning disorders affect approximately 10 percent of the population, according to the Child Development Institute. There are many different types of learning disorders; they cannot be cured, but most can be overcome, especially when detected early.
Auditory Processing Disorder
Auditory processing disorder (APD) affects approximately 5 percent of all school-aged children, according to KidsHealth. Children with this learning disorder have trouble processing words that they hear. Although their hearing functions normally, there is a miscommunication between the ears and the brain, which results in the brain interpreting some things incorrectly. This disorder can be diagnosed by an audiologist; however, it should not be done until the age of 8 or 9, because most children will not have the skills necessary to be evaluated until then.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a writing disability that is characterized by poor handwriting. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke indicates that dysgraphia is a neurological disorder that affects fine-motor skills. Symptoms of dysgraphia are exhibited when a child writes. They include a lack of punctuation, poor spatial planning on a page, incorrect pencil posture, number reversal and difficulty when thinking and writing together. Those with dysgraphia will also have inconsistent writing in that they often use capital letters incorrectly and may incorporate print and cursive together.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia affects the ability to learn and understand numerical skills. In simple language, it is a math disability. SEN Teacher reports that dyscalculia affects approximately 6 percent of children in the United States. Dyscalculia does not have a single cause. It may be caused by an inability to process language, problems with visual-spatial relationship or basic trouble with understanding numbers.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning disability that Learning Inside-Out reports affects up to 20 percent of the population. This disorder is caused by the brain’s inability to translate written images into correct and meaningful language. Children and adults with this disorder usually have normal speech and average to above-average intelligence, according the Mayo Clinic, but they read at a significantly lower level. There is no instant cure for dyslexia, but those who suffer can overcome their disability through tutoring and remedial education.
Visual Processing Disorders
Visual processing disorders occur when the brain is not able to process visual information the way it should. There are several different types of visual processing disorders. Some have difficulty with visual discrimination, which is the inability to distinguish the features of one item from another. Others have problems with visual sequencing, which means that they cannot determine the order of words, images or symbols. Visual memory disorders affect the ability to recall things seen either short-term or long-term.
About this Author
Stephanie Chandler is a freelance writer whose master’s degree in biomedical science and over 15 years’ experience in the scientific and pharmaceutical professions provide her with the knowledge to contribute to health topics. Chandler has been writing for corporations and small businesses since 1991. In addition to writing scientific papers and procedures, her articles are published on LIVESTRONG.com, eHow, Overstock.com and Helium.com.
