Some Types Of Learning Disabilities Can Be Treated Through Proper Testing And Training

A learning disability is a neurological disorder. It is the result of the brain functioning in a pattern that is different from the normal cognitive pattern of the human mind. Children who have learning disabilities have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and/or organizing information. A misconception that was prevalent in the past but quickly dying as a result of research and spreading awareness, is that a child with a learning disability lacks in intellect. The fact is that children with learning disabilities are as smart as, and in certain cases even smarter than, their peers.

While it is not possible to cure a learning disability, it is a lifelong condition, some types of learning disabilities can be treated through proper testing and training. With the right support system and intervention at the early stages of life, children can succeed through school and go on to have a normal happy life. Many famous people had learning disabilities but despite that, they made distinguishing careers for themselves.

Some common learning disabilities are;

1. Dyslexia: a language-based disability in which a person has trouble understanding written words. It may also be referred to as reading disability or reading disorder.

2. Dyscalculia: a mathematical disability in which a person has a difficult time solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts.

3. Dysgraphia: a writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters or write within a defined space.

4. Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders: sensory disabilities in which a person has difficulty understanding language despite normal hearing and vision.

5. Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: a neurological disorder which originates in the right hemisphere of the brain, causing problems with visual-spatial, intuitive, organizational, evaluative and holistic processing functions.

If you are a parent of a child with a learning disability, there are a number of things you can do to help improve your child's reading ability. Some of these are;

1. Participate in Library Reading Programs: while school is out, many libraries have reading programs designed for children at different school levels. These reading programs very often feature some of the best literary works that have been written for the children at that level. Not only do children have a friendly environment where they can be among other children, they are exposed to interesting accounts that are still informative, but deviate from the standard curriculum. Libraries sometimes take children on trips to further augment and give an in-depth understanding of what they read, something that helps draw the child to reading and learning.

2. Different Forms of Reading Material: reading material is now available in more forms than it ever was. From book tapes to CDs to digital versions, there are a lot of options for you to teach your child how to learn to read. The bottom line is to maintain your child's attention in the activity and communicate things of his or her interest. This will make reading and comprehension easier for the child.

3. Compare Books to Films: reading a book with the child and then watching the move is a good way to help the child make cognitive judgments about the differences between the two mediums. It will also help him or her to identify characters and plots from the text as enacted in the movie.

• Matt Thompson
• 07/01/2009, 6:59 AM
• 0 Comments