Types of Learning Disorders

Types of Learning Disorders

Mathematics

A specific learning disorder with impairment in math can occur in either math calculation or math reasoning. Problems with math calculation include difficulty learning basic math facts and performing basic math operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. A problem with math reasoning includes difficulty solving math problems that is not simply the result of difficulties with math calculation. The two types of mathematics learning disorders can also occur together. Typical signs and symptoms of a mathematics learning disorder include difficulty:

  • Mastering numbers, such as counting or understanding quantities
  • Learning and memorizing basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts, leading to slow and cumbersome calculating strategies
  • Counting by 2’s, 5’s, 10’s, or 100’s
  • Estimating
  • Lining up numbers, resulting in calculation errors
  • Comparing numbers (greater than or less than)
  • Telling time
  • Learning multiplication tables or formulas
  • Interpreting graphs and charts
  • Visualizing mathematics concepts, such as geometric shapes, numerical quantities, or rotation in space
  • Holding mathematical information in their head long enough to complete a calculation
  • Understanding the language aspects of mathematics, such as understanding word problems
  • Moving from concrete mathematical representations (for example, counting objects) to abstract representations (for
    example, using symbols and numbers to perform calculations)

Reading

A specific learning disorder with impairment in reading can occur in one of three areas: basic reading, reading comprehension, or reading fluency. Basic reading refers to the ability to decode words. Reading comprehension is the ability to make sense of and understand written information. Reading fluency refers to the ability to read quickly and fluidly. The three types of reading disorders may, and often do, occur together. 

Typical signs and symptoms of a reading learning disorder include:

  • Difficulty recognizing and remembering sight words (words that good readers should instantly recognize without having to “figure them out”)
  • Frequently losing their place while reading
  • Confusing similar-looking letters, numbers, or words (for example, beard and bread)
  • Reversing letter order in words (for example, saw and was)
  • Poor memory for printed words and new vocabulary
  • Poor understanding of what has been read
  • Significant trouble naming letters and learning to read
  • Problems associating letters and sounds, understanding the difference between sounds in words, blending sounds into words
  • Guessing at unfamiliar words rather than using word analysis skills (sounding them out)
  • Reading very slowly
  • Substituting or leaving out words while reading
  • Disliking and avoiding reading or reading “reluctantly”

Dyslexia

Although not a formal mental health diagnosis, dyslexia is a common term used for a type of reading learning disorder. Dyslexia generally affects a child’s ability to decode and spell words. Dyslexia can occur in children of all different intelligence levels.

Typical signs and symptoms of dyslexia include having difficulty:

  • Learning to speak
  • Organizing language (for example, a child may reverse letters or words)
  • Learning letters and their sounds
  • Spelling
  • Reading
  • Learning a foreign language
  • Calculating math equations
  • Memorizing math facts

Written Expression

Children with a specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression have problems with their writing skills. This disorder often occurs with an oral expression learning disorder.

Typical signs and symptoms of a written expression learning disorder include:

  • Difficulty formulating ideas into a logical, coherent sentences or
    paragraphs
  • Consistent difficulty learning and applying grammatical concepts in written sentences (for example, capitalization,
    punctuation, conjugation, or noun-verb agreement)
  • Poor spelling ability
  • Poor handwriting ability
  • Slow and labored writing (not due to motor disability)

Bypass Strategies

Bypass strategies are a way of “going around” a child’s learning disorder. An example of a bypass strategy is providing a child who has a mathematics calculation disability with a calculator. Another example would be providing books on tape to a child who has a disability of basic reading skills. 

Depending on a child’s specific disorder and age, bypass strategies may be taught to children to help them learn what they can at a better pace. Bypass strategies can help them keep up with classroom instruction and continue to benefit from i instruction at their level or ability. Bypass strategies should not replace appropriate instruction in the area of the learning disorder. This is particularly true when children are still young and are more likely to accept help.

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