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How Common Are Learning
Disabilities?
Parents are often worried and disappointed when their child has
problems learning in school. There are many reasons for failure in
school; a common one is a specific learning disability. A child
with a learning disability is usually bright and initially tries
very hard to follow instructions, concentrate, and �be good� at
home and in school. Yet despite this effort he or she is not
mastering school tasks and falls behind. Some learning disabled
children also have trouble sitting still or paying attention.
Learning disabilities affect as many as 15 percent of otherwise
able schoolchildren.
What Causes Learning
Disabilities?
It is believed that learning disabilities are caused by a
difficulty with the nervous system that affects receiving,
processing, or communicating information. Some learning disabled
children are also hyperactive, easily distracted, and have a short
attention span.
Early Detection and Treatment
is Important
Child and adolescent psychiatrists point out that learning
disabilities are treatable, but if not detected and treated early,
they can have a serious "snowballing" effect. For instance, a child
who does not learn addition in elementary school cannot understand
algebra in high school. The child, trying very hard to learn,
becomes more and more frustrated, and develops emotional problems
such as low self-esteem in the face of repeated failure. Some
learning disabled children misbehave in school because they would
rather be seen as "bad" than "stupid."
Warning Signs
Parents should be aware of the most frequent signals of learning
disabilities. Does your child:
- have difficulty understanding and following instructions.
- have trouble remembering what someone just told him or
her.
- fail to master reading, writing, and/or math skills, and thus
fails schoolwork.
- have difficulty distinguishing right from left, for example,
confusing 25 with 52,
�b� with �d,� or �on� with �no.�
- lack coordination in walking, sports, or small activities such
as holding a pencil or tying a shoelace.
- easily lose or misplace homework, schoolbooks, or other
items.
- Not understand the concept of time; is confused by �yesterday,�
�today,� and �tomorrow.�
Work With A Mental Health
Professional
Such problems deserve a comprehensive evaluation by an expert who
can assess all of the different issues affecting the child. A child
and adolescent psychiatrist can help coordinate the evaluation and
work with school professionals and others to evaluate and test your
child to determine if a learning disability exists. After talking
with the child and family and reviewing the educational testing and
consulting with the school, the child and adolescent psychiatrist
will make recommendations on appropriate school placement, the need
for special help such as special educational therapy or
speech-language therapy, and help parents assisting their child in
maximizing his or her learning potential.
Treatment for Learning
Disabilities
Sometimes individual or family psychotherapy (�talking� about your
child�s problems) will be recommended. Psychotherapy may help to
strengthen your child�s self-confidence; which is vital for healthy
development. Therapy also helps parents and other family members
better understand and cope with the realities of living with a
child with learning disabilities. Medication may be prescribed for
hyperactivity or distractibility.
For More
Information:
Contact you local Mental Health Association, community mental
health center, or:
National Mental Health
Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental
Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
3615 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (800) 333-7636
Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library Rd
Pittsburg, PA 15234
Phone: (412) 341-1515
Learning Disabilities Resources
30 Summit Grove Ave.
PO Box 716
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: (800) 869-8336
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