Learning Disorders
Specific learning disorders are considered to be disorders of basic brain processes. There are several types of learning disorders, including mathematics, reading, and written expression. A child may have a learning disorder in a single area of functioning, such as reading, or may have multiple, overlapping learning disorders. The learning disorder may be mild, moderate or severe based on the level of difficulty and need for support. Although many children have trouble learning in school from time to time, a child who is consistently having trouble with an academic subject or subjects at school may have a learning disorder.
All learning disorders are life-long conditions that do not go away. The treatment of a learning disorder varies by the specific diagnosis, as well as the child’s age, development level, and strengths and weaknesses. A psychologist or a speech-language pathologist, depending on the specific disorder, can provide treatment.
Some children with learning disorders may benefit from psychotherapy to address their social, behavioral, and emotional symptoms. This psychotherapy should be tailored to the child’s language and cognitive abilities. Treatment may also include parent supports, including parent management training.
Children with learning disorders may also need adjustments made to their education program.
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