Specific Learning Disability

Specific Learning Disabilities: Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) may struggle with basic academic skills like reading, writing, or math, even though they have average or above-average intelligence. Recognising early signs—such as trouble with language skills, understanding instructions, or grasping basic concepts—can lead to timely diagnosis and support. Identifying these challenges early allows for personalised treatment plans, which may include tailored educational strategies, therapies, and classroom accommodations. With the right intervention, children with SLD can overcome difficulties, thrive in school, and build the foundation for long-term academic and personal success.

What is a Specific Learning Disability(SLD)?

A Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs an individual's ability to read, write, spell, or do math despite having at least average intelligence. SLDs stem from neurological differences in how the brain processes information. They are intrinsic to the individual and can manifest as difficulties with phonological processing, mathematical reasoning, written expression, or understanding and producing language. These disabilities are not due to external factors like economic conditions, educational quality, or cultural differences. Early diagnosis and tailored interventions can significantly help individuals with SLDs achieve academic success and lead fulfilling lives.

Key Symptoms of Specific Learning Disabilities(SLD)

Common signs of SLD in children vary depending on the type of disability and can range from mild to severe. These symptoms often become evident when the demands of the affected skill exceed the individual's capacity to perform. One may notice individuals with SLD avoid tasks requiring affected skills, perform inconsistently in school, experience difficulty with time management, exhibit low self-esteem, and have behavioural problems stemming from frustration with academic tasks.

How to Recognise SLD in Preschool Children

In preschool-aged children, early signs of specific learning disabilities may appear subtly, even before formal schooling begins. Parents and caregivers might notice delays in certain developmental milestones or difficulties in tasks that require basic motor or cognitive skills. Some common early indicators of SLD in preschool children include:

• Speech delays: Some children may find it hard to form complete sentences, pronounce words clearly, or express their thoughts. These speech delays can make communication challenging for their age and may point to early learning difficulties.
• Difficulty recognising letters or numbers: Despite being regularly exposed to educational tools like alphabet books, counting games, or learning toys, some children may still struggle to recognise letters and numbers. This can be an early sign of conditions like dyslexia or dyscalculia, where learning basic skills becomes challenging.
• Challenges with fine motor skills: Tasks that require coordination, such as holding a pencil, cutting paper with scissors, or colouring inside the lines, might be particularly hard for children with learning disabilities. Struggles with these activities can affect their ability to complete tasks that need good hand-eye coordination.
• Problems following directions: Some children may have difficulty remembering or following multi-step instructions, like putting away toys, dressing themselves, or following the rules of a game. This can indicate that they are struggling with processing information.
• Limited attention span: In group environments like preschool or playgroups, children may become easily distracted or lose focus quickly. They might find it hard to complete tasks or stay engaged, which could be a sign of early learning or attention difficulties.

While these early signs may not always directly indicate an SLD, they could suggest the need for further assessment if they persist over time.

Common Behavioural Symptoms in Children with SLD

Children with SLD often exhibit a range of behavioural symptoms that arise from the frustration, anxiety, and stress caused by their learning difficulties. These behaviours can sometimes be misunderstood as attention issues or emotional challenges, but they are often a direct result of struggling to cope with academic demands. Some of the most common behavioural symptoms include:

• Avoiding tasks involving reading, writing, or math: Children with learning difficulties may avoid activities they find hard, like reading books, completing writing assignments, or doing math exercises. This avoidance often stems from feeling frustrated, embarrassed, or afraid of failing at these tasks.
• Inconsistent performance in school: A child with SLD might excel in certain subjects while struggling significantly in others. For instance, they may have excellent verbal skills but find it extremely difficult to read or do math. This uneven performance can be confusing and frustrating for both the child and their parents, as it may not be immediately clear why they are facing these challenges.
• Behavioural issues: Frustration with learning difficulties can lead to children acting out in class or becoming disruptive. They might also withdraw from friends or social situations and show signs of anxiety or sadness when dealing with schoolwork. These behaviours often arise as a way of coping with the stress of learning challenges.
• Difficulty staying organised: Children with SLD may struggle to keep track of their school supplies, remember assignments, or manage their time effectively. They might lose important items like homework or forget about deadlines, which can lead to frustration for both the child and their teachers.
• Low self-esteem: As children become more aware of their learning difficulties, they may develop feelings of inadequacy or believe they are not as capable as their peers. This can cause them to avoid academic challenges, stop participating in class, or believe that they are not smart enough to succeed.‍
• Emotional outbursts: When faced with academic tasks they find overwhelming or impossible to complete, children may have emotional reactions, such as anger, frustration, or tears. These outbursts often occur during homework or tests when the pressure to perform is higher, and the child feels more stressed or anxious.
  

Causes of SLD

SLD can arise from a complex interplay of factors affecting the brain's development and ability to process information. While the exact cause of SLDs is not always identifiable, research has pointed to several contributing factors:

Family history and genes

A significant risk factor for SLDs is genetics. Children with a family history of learning disabilities are more likely to experience similar challenges, suggesting a hereditary component in the development of SLDs.

Risks before birth and shortly after

Prenatal and neonatal factors, including maternal illness, low birth weight, and oxygen deprivation, can increase the risk of SLDs. Exposure to substances like toxins, such as alcohol and drugs, during pregnancy also plays a role.

Emotional trauma

Experiencing emotional trauma, especially in early childhood, can adversely affect cognitive and emotional development, potentially leading to learning disabilities. Chronic stress and trauma can hinder attention, memory, and information processing.

Physical trauma

Physical trauma, such as head injuries, can impact brain function related to learning and memory. Injuries affecting brain areas responsible for language, reading, and mathematical reasoning can contribute to developing SLDs.

Risk Factors for SLD

Risk factors for SLD include genetic predisposition, environmental exposures such as substance or lead exposure, prenatal and neonatal complications, malnutrition, and insufficient early childhood interactions that stimulate cognitive and language development.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to harmful substances in the womb, such as alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, can adversely affect brain development. Lead exposure, whether prenatal or early childhood, can also contribute to learning disabilities by affecting cognitive and neurological functioning.

Genetic Predisposition

A family history of learning disabilities suggests a genetic component, increasing the risk of SLDs. Children with parents or siblings who have learning disabilities are more likely to experience similar challenges.

Prenatal and Neonatal Difficulties

Complications during pregnancy or birth, including premature birth, low birth weight, and lack of oxygen, can contribute to the development of SLDs by affecting brain development.

Malnutrition

Early childhood malnutrition, particularly deficiencies in essential nutrients, can impact brain development and cognitive functions, increasing the risk of learning disabilities.

Lack of Interaction from Parents

Early childhood interactions that stimulate cognitive development are crucial. A lack of enriching interactions, such as reading, talking, and playing, can hinder language, social, and cognitive skills, potentially leading to learning difficulties.

Types of Specific Learning Disorders(SLD)

There are three prevalent SLDs, including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia involves difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and poor spelling and decoding abilities. It affects reading comprehension and the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia affects writing abilities, making it hard to write clearly and at an appropriate speed. It can impact handwriting, spelling, and the ability to organise thoughts on paper.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia involves challenges with number-related concepts and affects the ability to perform arithmetic operations. It can lead to difficulties with understanding time, measurement, and spatial reasoning.

Severity Levels of SLD

The severity levels of SLD indicate how these disabilities impact an individual's academic performance and day-to-day activities.

Mild SLD

Individuals may experience some difficulties in one or two specific learning areas. Still, they can generally achieve success close to grade level with minimal interventions or accommodations, such as additional time for tasks or differentiated instruction.

Moderate SLD

These individuals face more significant challenges that affect multiple areas of learning. They require substantial accommodations and targeted interventions, such as specialised teaching strategies and possibly technology aids, to support their knowledge and help them reach modified academic expectations.

Severe SLD

Individuals with severe SLD encounter profound difficulties in learning across various domains. They need intensive, individualised support and interventions, including a modified curriculum, one-on-one tutoring, and comprehensive educational and psychological services, to assist their learning and daily functioning. Achieving grade-level expectations may be extremely challenging without significant and ongoing support.

How is SLD diagnosed?

Diagnosing SLD is a multifaceted process that involves gathering comprehensive information from various sources to understand the nature of an individual's learning difficulties. This process typically includes:

Initial Considerations

Early identification efforts may begin with teachers or parents noticing difficulties in specific learning areas. Screening can help identify students who may need further evaluation.

Professional Evaluation

A thorough evaluation by a trained professional, such as a psychologist, educational psychologist, psychological counsellor or neuropsychologist, is essential. This evaluation assesses cognitive, academic, and linguistic abilities, as well as emotional and behavioural functioning.

School-Based Identification

Schools often have processes in place for identifying students with learning disabilities. This may involve response to intervention frameworks, where students are provided with increasing levels of support and monitored for progress.

Academic and Psychological Testing

Comprehensive testing assesses students' intellectual capabilities, academic achievements, processing skills, and emotional and behavioural profiles. These tests help pinpoint the specific areas of difficulty.

In-Depth Evaluation

An in-depth evaluation may include a variety of specialists, such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and neuropsychologists, to understand the full scope of the child’s needs.

Treatment Approaches for Specific Learning Disabilities

Helping children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) requires different methods that target both learning and behaviour challenges. Here are some key ways to support children with SLD:

Tailored Education Plans for Children with SLD

Children with SLD benefit from personalised learning plans that address their unique needs. These plans may include:

• Modified teaching methods, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps or using visual aids.
• Classroom accommodations, like extra time for tests or using alternative learning materials.
• Progress tracking is used to check regularly how well the child is meeting academic goals.

Working together with teachers, specialists, and parents ensures the child gets the right support to succeed.

Role of Occupational Therapy in Treating SLD

Occupational therapy helps children with SLD develop essential skills needed for school and daily life. This includes:

• Improving fine motor skills, like handwriting or using tools like scissors.
• Building organisational skills to help with planning and completing tasks.
• Addressing sensory issues so children can focus better in noisy or busy environments.

Occupational therapy helps make school tasks easier and boosts a child’s confidence.

Using Assistive Technology for Children with SLD

Assistive technology can help children with SLD overcome learning challenges. Common tools include:

• Text-to-speech software, which reads aloud text for children who struggle with reading.
• Speech-to-text software allows children to speak their thoughts, which are then turned into text.
• Math software, which provides visual aids and interactive tools to help children understand math concepts.

These tools make learning more accessible and help children stay engaged in their education.

Behavioural Therapy for Managing SLD-related Challenges

Behavioural therapy helps children with SLD manage frustration and emotional challenges. It focuses on:

• Coping with frustration, teaching children how to handle stress or anxiety related to schoolwork.
• Improving social skills, helping children better understand and interact with others.
• Addressing behavioural issues, such as acting out in class or avoiding difficult tasks.

This type of therapy helps children manage the emotional side of learning difficulties, making school and social life easier.

How to Find a Qualified Specialist?

Those navigating the challenges of SLDs in their children understand that securing the right support is essential. Cadabams provides a network of qualified specialists dedicated to offering guidance through diagnosis and personalised intervention strategies. Uncertainties don't have to be a barrier. Reaching out to Cadabams connects parents with experts who comprehend the needs of their children and can guide them towards a successful path.

Get to Know Your Child’s Specific Diagnosis

It involves familiarising yourself with the nature of the disability, how it impacts learning and daily activities, and recognising its symptoms. By consulting with educational psychologists or specialists and engaging in your own research, you can gain insights into effective strategies and interventions. This knowledge empowers parents to advocate for their children's needs, ensuring they receive the appropriate accommodations and support to thrive academically and personally.

Request Classroom Accommodations

Seek accommodations like extra time on tests or modified assignments to support your child's learning needs. Communication with educators is crucial in implementing these adjustments effectively.

Create an Individualised Education Plan (IEP)

An IEP outlines tailored educational goals and support strategies. Collaborate with school staff to ensure it addresses your child's unique needs, promoting their academic success.

How to Manage SLD Effectively: Practical Tips for Supporting a Child

Helping a child with SLD can be easier with the right strategies. Here are some simple tips:

• Focus on Strengths: Celebrate what they’re good at, like art or problem-solving, to boost their confidence.
• Stick to a Routine: Set a daily routine for homework, breaks, and play. This keeps them organised and reduces stress.
• Break Tasks Into Steps: Split big tasks into smaller parts so they’re easier to handle and less overwhelming.
• Use Visual Aids: Use pictures or charts to explain things. Visuals help make learning clearer and more fun.
• Try Assistive Technology: Tools like text-to-speech apps can make reading and writing easier.
• Communicate with Teachers: Work with teachers to make sure they get extra help, like more time on tests.
• Stay Positive and Patient: Encourage effort, not just results. Praise small wins and be patient during struggles.
• Boost Self-Esteem: Help them feel proud of their efforts and remind them it’s okay to ask for help.
• Take Care of Yourself: Support yourself, too, so you have the energy to support your child.

These simple steps can help a child with SLD feel more confident and successful in their learning journey.