Learning Disabilities:

Reading, Written expression and

Mathematics disorders

Module 6
• A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects an
individual's ability to process, understand, and use information.
Learning disabilities can affect people of all ages, intelligence
levels, and backgrounds.
• 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).
• Most people with an LD find out about it early in school. But
some people don’t get a diagnosis until adolescence or
adulthood.
Causes
Learning disabilities can be caused by a combination of genetic,
environmental, and neurobiological factors.
Genetic Factors:
1. Family history: Learning disabilities can run in families, suggesting a
possible genetic link.
2. Genetic disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome
or Klinefelter syndrome, can increase the risk of learning disabilities.
(Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects females, where one of
the X chromosomes is missing or partially deleted. Klinefelter syndrome
is a genetic disorder that affects males, where an extra X chromosome is
present.)
3. Genetic mutations: Some genetic mutations, such as those affecting
the genes involved in brain development, can contribute to learning
disabilities.
 Environmental Factors:

1. Prenatal exposure: Exposure to toxins, infections, or

other substances during pregnancy can increase the risk
of learning disabilities.
2. Perinatal complications: Complications during birth,
such as low birth weight or premature birth, can increase
the risk of learning disabilities.
3. Early childhood experiences: Trauma, neglect, or
other adverse childhood experiences can affect brain
development and increase the risk of learning
disabilities.
4. Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, limited access to
education, and other socioeconomic factors can
contribute to learning disabilities.
 Neurobiological Factors:
1. Brain structure and function: Differences in brain structure
and function, such as those affecting the areas responsible for
language or math processing, can contribute to learning
disabilities.
2. Neurotransmitter imbalance: Imbalances in
neurotransmitters, such as dopamine or serotonin, can affect
brain function and contribute to learning disabilities.
Interplay between Factors:
Gene-environment interaction: Genetic factors can affect an
individual's susceptibility to environmental risk factors, and
environmental factors can affect the expression of genetic factors.
Epigenetics: Environmental factors can affect gene expression,
leading to changes in brain development and function.
 Symptoms
Each type of learning disability has its own signs. But, in
general, signs of learning disorders may include difficulties
with:
Identifying letters, numbers, colors and/or math symbols.
Counting.
Expanding vocabulary.
Rhyming.
Sounding out words during reading.
Organizing, beginning and/or completing assignments.
Organizing thoughts to express what they want to say.
• Long-term or short-term memory.
• Holding a pencil correctly.
• Legibility of their handwriting.
• Retelling a story in sequential order.
• Staying on task.
• Following directions.
• Coordination.
• Conceptualizing, abstracting, reasoning and organizing
information for problem-solving.
 Behaviour symptoms
Learning disorders often affect your child’s self-esteem and
how they feel about school. They may also feel frustrated that
their performance doesn’t match their peers’. The following
behaviors may be signs of a learning disorder:
• Not wanting to go to school.
• Not wanting to read out loud or do mathematical problems in
front of peers.
• Complaining about their teacher(s) or blaming teachers for
their grades.
• Not wanting to show schoolwork to their caregivers.
• Avoiding assignments.
• "Acting out" in school or social situations typically refers to
behaviors that are disruptive, inappropriate, or attention-seeking.
These behaviors can be verbal or non-verbal and may be
intentional or unintentional.
Examples of "acting out" behaviors in school or social situations
may include:
1. Disrupting the class or group with loud talking, joking.
2. Refusing to follow rules or instructions.
3. Engaging in physical aggression, such as pushing, shoving, or
fighting.
4. Using abusive language or making insults.
5. Making excessive noise or causing a disturbance.
6. Engaging in attention-seeking behaviors, such as clowning or
pretending to be sick.
7. Refusing to participate in activities or cooperate with others.
8. Engaging in provocative or challenging behavior, such as
What are specific learning
disorders?

Specific learning disorder” is the term the Diagnostic

and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses to
describe neurodevelopmental disorders that involve
consistent difficulty in at least one of three major areas:
• Reading.
• Writing.
• Math.
Specific learning disorders include:
• Dyslexia (reading disability): This LD makes reading and language-
related tasks harder. 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.
• Dysgraphia: 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.
• Dyscalculia: 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.
Nonverbal learning disorder

Nonverbal learning disorders affect activities that don’t

involve words or speech, like:
• Problem-solving.
• Visual-spatial tasks
• Recognizing social cues.
• The DSM-5-TR doesn’t currently recognize nonverbal
LDs as a type of specific learning disorder. But research
shows that about 5% of people with LDs have cognitive
and academic difficulties associated with nonverbal LDs.
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.
 Case studies related with Dyslexia

Case Study 1: Successful Businessman with Dyslexia

Background
John, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, struggled with reading and writing throughout
his childhood. Despite his difficulties, John developed strong coping mechanisms
and went on to build a successful business.
Challenges
John's dyslexia made it difficult for him to read and write, which affected his ability
to communicate effectively with clients and employees.
Accommodations
John used assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software, to help him read
and write. He also hired a personal assistant to help him with administrative tasks.
Outcome
usiness thrived, and he became a respected leader in his industry. He also
became an advocate for dyslexia awareness and supported initiatives to help
others with dyslexia.