Learning Disorders In Children

learning Disorders In Children13learning Disorders In

Abstract Different disorders are suffered by human beings and more so in their childhood. These disorders range from psychological disorders to psychological disorders. Learning disorders are among disorders that can be seen in a child during their stage of development. There are different types of learning disorders, as will be discussed in this paper. This paper tackles each of these disorders differently to offer deep insight into each.

For the clear scope of each disorder, this paper covers what causes each of these disorders, probable signs and symptoms, treatment, and the role of patients towards the management of each disorder.

Paper For Above instruction

History of learning disorders

The history of learning disorders among children dates to the 1860s, although the concept had to wait a century later for its proper development. After this century was over, the concept started to emerge, and understanding shifted over time. In 1960, educators and doctors began acknowledging the challenges of learning among children, prompting action. The development and recognition of these disorders progressed from 1960 to 1980, with the introduction of inclusion classes despite limited understanding of how to support affected children.

Between the 1980s and 1990s, efforts to develop targeted interventions increased, culminating in the early 1990s with the creation of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which defines the educational rights of children with disabilities. Advances in science from 2000 onward have enabled detailed studies into various learning disorders, enhancing understanding and treatment options.

Types of learning disorders

1. Dyslexia

Scope and Causes

This is perhaps the most common learning disorder, characterized by difficulties in sight and intelligence challenges. Children with poor eyesight struggle with reading text correctly, while those with underdeveloped intelligence find it hard to conceptualize what they read. Genetic factors play a significant role, with familial history increasing risk. Environmental influences, such as premature birth, substance exposure during pregnancy, and stressful socioeconomic conditions, also contribute.

Signs and Symptoms

Detection can be challenging; children often show difficulty spelling, memorizing reading material, and understanding text. Delayed speech development and slow reading skills may be evident (Alonzo et al., 2020). Children may also struggle with reading comprehension and exhibit poor phonological processing.

Treatment

Interventions include specialized educational programs tailored to individual needs, speech therapy, and neurological assessments (Lopez et al., 2018). Assistive technologies like text-to-speech software can help improve reading skills. Parental involvement is crucial; parents should support their child's learning through consistent practice, creating conducive environments, and avoiding comparisons with peer children.

2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Scope and Causes

This disorder manifests as challenges in paying attention and remaining focused, with children easily distracted. It remains a subject of debate whether ADHD should be classified strictly as a disorder or a normal variation of behavior. Genetic predisposition is the primary cause, with head injuries and environmental toxins (e.g., lead exposure) also implicated (Merrill et al., 2017).

Signs and Symptoms

Children with ADHD often display hyperactivity, impulsivity, mood swings, irritability, and difficulty maintaining attention. They may exhibit abnormal behavioral patterns and have trouble following instructions. Anxiety and boredom are common co-occurring symptoms.

Treatment

Management includes behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), anger management, psychoeducation, and medication. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate, help increase neurotransmitter activity, improving focus (Merrill et al., 2017). Parental strategies, including structured routines and distraction-free environments, support behavioral improvements.

3. Dyscalculia

Scope and Causes

This specific learning disability affects mathematical processing. Children with dyscalculia struggle with arithmetic concepts because their brains cannot process numerical and spatial information efficiently. Hereditary factors and neurological differences are primary causes.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs include difficulty counting backward, poor estimation skills, high anxiety around math tasks, and slow problem-solving (Suri et al., 2020). These children often show challenges with memorization of arithmetic facts and difficulty understanding numerical relationships.

Treatment

Interventions involve multisensory instruction techniques, use of assistive technology like calculators and visual aids, and targeted therapy. Parents' involvement in practicing mathematical concepts using educational games like board games or puzzles enhances understanding and retention (Lopez et al., 2018).

4. Non-verbal Learning Disorders

Scope and Causes

This disorder involves difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and gestures, often due to deficits in the right cerebral hemisphere. It affects social cognition and communication (Westwood, 2017).

Signs and Symptoms

People with this disorder struggle with inferring meanings from body language or facial expressions, ask numerous questions about social cues, and display poor psychomotor coordination. These challenges limit social interactions and understanding of implicit messages.

Treatment

While no direct cure exists, therapies focusing on social skills training, non-verbal cue recognition, and psycho-motor coordination are beneficial. Consistent exposure to structured social environments and parental coaching can help children improve non-verbal communication skills.

5. Dysgraphia

Scope and Causes

This disorder affects handwriting due to difficulties in forming letters and organizing written expression. It results from damaged orthographic coding and motor coordination issues (Lopez et al., 2018).

Signs and Symptoms

Indicators include inconsistent letter sizing, improper spacing, handwriting that is difficult to read, and frequent spelling errors. Children may also pronounce words loudly while writing, indicating effort and confusion (Lopez et al., 2018).

Treatment

Occupational therapy focusing on fine motor skills, handwriting practice with adapted tools, and using computers for writing tasks is effective. Parents should engage in regular practice with spelling and word recognition exercises to support progress.

Conclusion

Learning disorders are complex conditions that can significantly impact a child's academic and social development. They manifest in various forms such as dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, non-verbal learning disorder, and dysgraphia, each with distinct causes, signs, and treatment strategies. Early diagnosis and intervention are vital, with tailored educational programs, therapies, and supportive parental involvement playing key roles in managing these conditions. While some disorders can be mitigated with appropriate interventions, others require ongoing support to cope effectively. Collaborative efforts among educators, healthcare professionals, and families are essential to ensure children with learning disorders achieve their full potential and integrate successfully into society.

References

• Alonzo, C. N., McIlraith, A. L., Catts, H. W., & Hogan, T. P. (2020). Predicting Dyslexia in Children With Developmental Language Disorder. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 1-12.
• Merrill, B. M., Morrow, A. S., Altszuler, A. R., Macphee, F. L., Gnagy, E. M., Greiner, A. R., & Pelham, W. E. (2017). Improving homework performance among children with ADHD: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 85(2), 111.
• Suri, S., Tirkey, A., Delphy, J., & Aurelia, S. (2020). Detection and Behavioral Analysis of Preschoolers with Dyscalculia. In Human, Behaviour Analysis Using Intelligent Systems (pp. 45-67). Springer, Cham.
• Westwood, P. (2017). Learning disorders: A response-to-intervention perspective. Taylor & Francis.
• Lopez, C., Hemimou, C., Golse, B., & Vaivre-Douret, L. (2018). Developmental dysgraphia is often associated with minor neurological dysfunction in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Neurophysiologie Clinique, 48(4).