Overcoming Learning Difficulties: Understanding, Causes, and Solutions for Students

Introduction

Learning difficulties can present significant challenges for students, impacting their academic performance, self-esteem, and overall educational experience. These difficulties, also known as learning disorders, affect how the brain processes information and can manifest in various ways, such as struggles with reading, writing, math, or nonverbal skills. It's crucial to understand that learning disabilities do not reflect a lack of intelligence or an inability to learn; rather, they indicate differences in how individuals learn and require specialized support. With the right understanding, support, and appropriate interventions, individuals with learning disabilities can become successful students and adults.

What are Learning Difficulties?

A learning disorder is present when the brain takes in and works with information in a way that is not typical. It keeps a person from learning a skill and using it well. People with learning disorders by and large have average or above-average intelligence. So, there's a gap between their expected skills, based on age and intelligence, and how they do in school. Learning disabilities affect how your brain processes information. This could include how you:

Acquire (take in) information.
Organize information.
Retain information.
Understand information.
Use information.

LDs can involve verbal (words or speech) and/or nonverbal information. They typically affect how you read, write and/or do math. They can range from mild to severe. Learning disabilities don’t affect intelligence and are different from intellectual disabilities. People with LDs have specific issues with learning. But they have an average or above-average IQ (intelligence quotient).

Many people use “learning disability” and “learning disorder” interchangeably. But there are technical differences:

Learning disorder: This is a diagnostic term. A licensed professional (like a psychologist) diagnoses someone with a learning disorder based on certain criteria. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) defines “learning disorder” and its criteria.
Learning disability: This is a legal term. A public school identifies a student with a learning disability based on a variety of assessments and documentation. This may result in legal rights, like the right to an individualized education plan (IEP).

Common Types of Learning Difficulties

Common learning disorders affect a child's ability to:

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Read.
Write.
Do math.
Use or understand language.
Socialize.
Learn other skills that don't involve words.

Here's a breakdown of some specific learning disabilities:

Dyslexia

One of the most common types of learning disorders is a reading disorder called dyslexia. It causes you to have trouble picking out different speech sounds in words and learning how letters relate to those sounds. Dyslexia happens because of disruptions in how your brain processes written words so you can understand them. This may look like issues with spelling simple words, learning the names of letters, rhyming, sounding out new words and more. Learning disorders with reading often are based on a child's trouble understanding a spoken word as a mix of distinct sounds. This can make it hard to understand how a letter or letters represent a sound and how letters make a word. Problems with short-term memory, also called working memory, can play a role. Even when basic reading skills are mastered, children may have trouble with the following skills:

Reading at a typical pace.
Understanding what they read.
Recalling correctly what they read.
Making conclusions based on their reading.
Spelling.

Dysgraphia

A learning disorder in writing, also called dysgraphia, may cause the following: Slow handwriting that takes a lot of work. Trouble recalling how to form letters, copy shapes and draw lines. Handwriting that's hard to read. Trouble putting thoughts into writing. Written text that's poorly organized or hard to understand. Trouble with spelling, grammar and punctuation. This LD affects your ability to turn your thoughts into written language despite exposure to adequate instruction and education. This may look like issues with handwriting legibility, spelling, holding a pencil correctly, the rate or speed of writing, grammar and more.

Writing requires complex skills that involve vision, movement and the ability to process information.

Dyscalculia

A learning disorder in math, also called dyscalculia, may cause problems with the following skills: Understanding how numbers work and relate to each other. Doing math problems. Learning basic math rules. Using math symbols. Understanding word problems. Organizing and recording information while solving a math problem. This LD affects your ability to understand number-based information and math. This may look like issues with counting upwards, doing simple calculations from memory, memorizing multiplication tables, organizing math problems and more.

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Nonverbal Learning Disorders

Children with nonverbal learning disorders often have good basic language skills. They can excel at memorizing words too. But these children may have trouble with some skills that don't involve speaking, such as: Perceiving where objects are. Understanding abstract concepts. Reading people's emotions through facial expressions and other cues. Moving the body, also called physical coordination. This type of trouble is known as dyspraxia. Fine motor skills, such as writing. This issue may happen along with other learning disorders. Paying attention, planning and organizing, as seen in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). Understanding higher-level reading or writing tasks, often appearing in later grade school. Nonverbal learning disorders affect activities that don’t involve words or speech, like:

Problem-solving.
Visual-spatial tasks
Recognizing social cues.

Nonverbal learning disorders can affect:

Social abilities, like using social language (slang or informal language) or understanding facial expressions or body language.
Executive functioning, like planning, organizing and emotional regulation.
Visual-spatial awareness, which can cause issues with coordination.
Math skills, particularly comprehension of more advanced math topics.

Speech and Language Disorders

Children with speech and language disorders can have trouble using and understanding spoken or written words. They may have trouble: Reading and writing. Doing math word problems. Following directions. Answering questions. A variety of speech and language disorders can affect kids. A few examples are: Stuttering, which is trouble saying words or sentences in a way that flows smoothly. Articulation errors, where there is difficulty forming certain words or sounds. Childhood apraxia, which is trouble accurately moving the lips, jaw and tongue to speak. Children with speech or language disorders often can understand and work well with visual information. They also can use visual cues well in social situations.

Prevalence of Learning Difficulties

Learning disabilities are relatively common. About 5% of school-aged children globally have LDs. Dyslexia is the most common. Learning disabilities can significantly impact a student’s academic performance and overall educational experience.

Causes of Learning Difficulties

Things that might play roles in learning disorders include:

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Family history and genes. Having a blood relative, such as a parent, with a learning disorder raises the risk of a child having a disorder.
Risks before birth and shortly after. Learning disorders have been linked with poor growth in the uterus and exposure to alcohol or drugs before being born. Learning disorders also have been tied to being born too early and having a very low weight at birth.
Emotional trauma. This could involve a deeply stressful experience or emotional abuse. If either happens in early childhood, it may affect how the brain develops and raise the risk of learning disorders.
Physical trauma. Head injuries or nervous system illnesses might play a role in the development of learning disorders.
Poisonous substances. Exposure to high levels of toxins, such as lead, has been linked to a larger risk of learning disorders.

Recognizing the Symptoms

At times, all children have trouble learning and using academic skills. But when the symptoms last for at least six months and don't get better with help from adults, a child might have a learning disorder. The symptoms of a learning disorder in a child can include:

Not being able to master skills in reading, spelling, writing or math at or near the expected age and grade levels.
Trouble understanding and following instructions.
Problems remembering what someone just said.
Lacking coordination while walking, playing sports or doing things that use small muscles, such as holding a pencil.
Easily losing homework, schoolbooks or other items.
Trouble completing homework and assignments on time.
Acting out or having defiant, angry or large emotional reactions at school. Or, acting any of these ways while doing academic tasks such as homework or reading.

Seeking Help and Evaluation

Early treatment is key, because the problem can grow. A child who doesn't learn to add numbers in elementary school won't be able to do algebra in high school. Children who have learning disorders also can have:

Anxiety about their grades.
Depression.
Low self-esteem.
Tiredness.
Less motivation.

Some children might act out to distract attention from their challenges at school. If you suspect your child has trouble learning, you can ask the school to check for a learning disorder. Or you can get a private evaluation outside of the school system. A child's teacher, parents or guardian, and healthcare professional are some of the people who can request an evaluation. Your child will likely first have a general physical exam that checks for vision, hearing or other medical problems that can make learning harder. Often, a child will have a series of exams done by a team of professionals, including a:

Psychologist.
Special education teacher.
Occupational therapist.
Social worker or nurse.
Speech and language specialist.

These professionals work together to decide whether a child's trouble meets the definition of a learning disorder. They also figure out what special-education services are needed if the child has a disorder. The team bases its decisions on:

The results of tests.
Teacher feedback.
Input from the parents or guardians.
A review of how the child does in school.

A child's healthcare professional also might do tests to look for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and ADHD. These mental health conditions can contribute to delays in academic skills. For example, some children with ADHD struggle to finish classwork and homework. But ADHD might not necessarily cause them to have trouble learning academic skills. Instead, it may cause them to have a hard time performing those skills. Many children have ADHD along with a learning disorder.

Intervention Strategies and Support

If your child has a learning disorder, your child's healthcare team or school might suggest:

Extra help. A reading specialist, math tutor or other trained professional can teach your child ways to do schoolwork, study and get organized.
Individualized education program (IEP). This written plan sets learning goals and describes the special-education services your child needs. Public schools develop IEPs for students whose challenges meet the school system's guidelines for a learning disorder. In some countries, IEPs are called individual education plans.
Changes in the classroom. These are also known as accommodations. For instance, some students with learning disorders get more time to complete work or tests. They may be asked to do fewer math problems in assignments. And they may get seated near their teachers to boost attention. Some students are allowed to use gadgets. These could include calculators to help solve math problems and programs that turn text into speech you can hear. The school also might be willing to provide audiobooks to listen to while reading along with a physical copy.
Therapy. Different types of therapy may help. Occupational therapy might improve writing problems. A speech-language therapist can help with language skills.
Medicine. Your child's healthcare professional might suggest medicine to treat depression or anxiety. Medicines for ADHD may help a child's ability to focus in school.
Complementary and alternative treatments. More research is needed to find out if these treatments work for learning disorders. They include diet changes, use of vitamins, eye exercises and a treatment that works with brain waves called neurofeedback.

Here are some additional intervention strategies:

Evidence-Based Approaches

Evidence-based approaches are interventions that have been thoroughly researched and proven effective through observed evidence. Because of this, they are deemed highly effective in helping students with disabilities in both academic and social settings. By using tested strategies, teachers can ensure they are choosing interventions that are most likely to help students succeed. Common evidence-based approaches include Structured Literacy, differentiated instruction, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) learning.

Reading Comprehension Interventions

Sometimes, students with learning disabilities may struggle to understand a text because they lack proficiency in foundational literacy skills, such as phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and vocabulary development. To improve reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities, teachers can use intervention strategies to focus on these specific areas. Voyager Sopris Learning® offers evidence-based reading intervention programs and assessments for K-12 students.

Math Skills Interventions

Some students with learning disabilities struggle with specific math skills, such as number sense, computation, and problem-solving. Research-based math intervention programs can be used with learners to provide hands-on activities and visual representations to reinforce mathematical concepts. These programs typically utilize a step-by-step approach to develop fluency and accuracy in operations. Beyond this, many interventions incorporate problem-solving activities that engage students and promote critical thinking skills, helping them to apply their knowledge. Voyager Sopris Learning offers math intervention programs for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Memory Enhancement Strategies

Addressing the memory challenges of students with learning disabilities requires comprehensive interventions focusing on memory encoding, storage, and retrieval. Teachers can employ various strategies, including:

Mnemonic Devices: Utilizing acronyms (e.g., PEMDAS) or visualization techniques to facilitate memorization by creating mental images representing information.
Rehearsal Strategies: Breaking down information into smaller, manageable chunks and repeating it multiple times to reinforce memory retention.
Executive Function Training: Targeting attention, planning, organization, and self-regulation to enhance cognitive skills crucial for memory improvement.
Structured Learning Environments: Implementing clear instructions, routines, and predictability to minimize mental effort and enhance memory for students with learning disabilities.
Explicit Instruction: Providing step-by-step guidance and modeling to assist students in understanding tasks or assignments effectively.
Scaffolding: Gradually increasing students' independence in managing their memory challenges through supportive structures and guidance.

Executive Function Training

Executive functions are essential for academic success because they enable students to effectively manage tasks, solve problems, and monitor their own progress. To support the development of these skills in students with disabilities, teachers may choose programs targeting the behavioral and emotional regulation of children. These solutions assist students in learning strategies to enhance organization, simplify tasks, improve problem-solving abilities, and cultivate techniques for maintaining focus and engagement in learning.

Creating Supportive Learning Environments

School is where learning, creativity, and social interaction thrives. Unfortunately, that is not the case for everyone. Without proper resources, students with disabilities are often at a disadvantage in the classroom. Teachers have the important, and oftentimes challenging, job of managing a classroom full of students. Most school activities and lesson plans are not catered to everyone’s individual needs, making it challenging for students with disabilities to feel included. It’s important to be vocal about supporting students with disabilities, whether that be assistive technology for nonverbal learners, accessible doors for students in wheelchairs, or teacher helpers who specialize in special education. Speak up if you notice a lack of resources in the classroom. After all, a teacher is only one person.

Every student with a disability should have clear accommodations, modifications, and IEP that are specifically designed for them. Teachers should be educated on all of their students’ disabilities and how to appropriately teach them. Other than relying on a blanket approach to help students with disabilities, accommodations should be assessed on an individual basis. Accommodation for all students in the classroom is paramount. Every child deserves equal educational opportunities, no matter their physical or intellectual ability.

Addressing Specific Challenges in the Classroom

Here are some common challenges and potential solutions in the classroom:

Challenge: A student with a disability may find it difficult to sit still or focus during a lesson.
- Solution: Teachers should try to maintain a clean classroom. Keeping it neat and organized can help alleviate distractions.
Challenge: Certain disabilities can make social situations confusing or difficult to navigate. The possible negative attitudes or stereotypes that peers may hold towards individuals with disabilities adds to this complex issue.
- Solution: Embrace the beauty of peer mentoring. When possible, teachers should partner students with disabilities with students who do not have disabilities. This allows students to socialize with new peers and learn from one anothers’ unique strengths and knowledge. Opening the doors to peer mentoring can help all students develop social skills, independence, and problem solving.
Challenge: Students with disabilities such as ADHD or dyslexia may read or write slower than their peers.
- Solution: Every student learns differently. Teachers need to remain flexible to account for all students’ learning methods.
Challenge: When a classroom is inaccessible to students with special needs, it hinders their ability to learn alongside their classmates.
- Solution: Advocate for students with disabilities.

Long-Term Outlook and Support

Your child's treatment plan will likely change over time. You always can ask the school for more special-education services or classroom changes. If your child has an IEP, review it with the school at least every year. Your child may need less treatment or fewer learning aids over time. Early treatment can lessen the effects of a learning disorder. In the meantime, help your child understand in simple terms the need for any other services and how they may help. Also, focus on your child's strengths. Encourage your child to pursue interests that boost confidence. Many kids with learning disorders go on to lead successful lives as adults. Together, these tactics can boost your child's skills. They also use your child's strengths and help with learning in and outside of school.

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