Learning Disabilities in Children

Learning disabilities in children can pose unique challenges in school and at home. However, a strong support system and access to treatment options can keep your child enriched, focused, and motivated.

Learn the various types of learning disabilities, how to spot common symptoms, and what you can do to support your child. 

What is a Learning Disability?

A learning disability is a neurodevelopmental disorder that hinders a child’s ability to learn new skills [*]. It can cause children to struggle with speaking, reading, listening, understanding information, remembering things, coordination, and communication.

However, learning disabilities don’t dictate a person’s intelligence. People with learning disabilities have an average to a superior level of intelligence and are often gifted in academic and creative mediums [*]. 

Learning Disability vs. Learning Disorder

Learning disabilities and disorders are not interchangeable. A learning disability is a legal term based on various assessments and documentation. This “legal” label provides a child with certain rights, such as an individualized education plan (IEP) and support from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

On the other hand, a learning disorder is a diagnostic term defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

What are the Types of Learning Disabilities in Children?

Children with learning disabilities typically struggle with three main areas:

• Reading
• Writing
• Math

Specific learning disabilities under these categories include the following:

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a reading disability that disrupts how the brain processes written words. Children with dyslexia might struggle to spell simple words or learn the names of certain letters. They might develop their vocabulary at a later age and experience issues with reading comprehension, grammar, and language skills.

Currently, dyslexia is the most common learning disability—it accounts for 80% of all learning disability cases [*].

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia affects a child’s ability to comprehend number-based information. They may struggle to count upwards, read clocks, perform mental math calculations, and identify number patterns. 

Dysgraphia

Children with dysgraphia may struggle to express their thoughts in writing, as it affects vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and memory. Dysgraphia may affect a child’s handwriting legibility, ability to hold a writing utensil, spatial awareness, and motor planning.

Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities

Non-verbal learning disabilities (NVLD) encompass issues with problem-solving, visual-spatial tasks, and recognizing social cues. Children with NVLDs may struggle to interpret facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.

In addition, a child with an NVLD may experience impaired executive functioning, such as planning, organizing, and emotional regulation.

How Common are Learning Disabilities in Children?

Approximately 15% of all public school students in the United States are diagnosed with a learning disability [*]. Globally, at least 5% of school-aged children have a learning disability.

While young boys and girls have isolated spelling deficits and combined reading and writing deficits, more girls tend to have arithmetic-related disabilities [*]. Still, there is generally an equal amount of boys and girls with learning disabilities [*].

Of the students in the United States receiving support from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 32% have a specific learning disability [*].

What are the Causes of Learning Disabilities in Children?

Most learning disabilities result from differences in the neurological functioning of a person’s brain. These disruptions can occur before a child is born, during birth, or early childhood.

Children at higher risk of developing a learning disability are typically predisposed according to genetic and environmental factors that include the following:

• Premature birth
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Malnutrition
• Family history of speech or language delays
• Traumatic brain injury
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

While the following conditions don’t cause learning disabilities, they can often co-occur:

• Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

What are the Signs of Learning Disabilities in Children?

While all children may experience learning struggles, those with learning disabilities have chronic symptoms or signs that occur in clusters. Learning disability symptoms include:

• Poor memory
• Confusion between directions
• Difficulty reading and writing
• Delayed speech development
• General disorganization
• Trouble with listening and following instructions
• Short attention span
• Tendency to act out and difficulty with discipline
• Poor hand-eye coordination and other motor skills
• Resistance to change
• Inability to grasp most simple concepts

Depending on your child’s disability, they may display only a few or most of these symptoms.

How are Learning Disabilities Diagnosed in Children?

Healthcare professionals facilitate testing for learning disabilities in children through the following exams and assessments:

• Academic testing. An achievement test can determine a child’s reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. Testers usually pair this test with an intelligence quotient (IQ) exam. If the child performs well on the IQ test but poorly on the achievement test, this may signify a learning disability.
• Neuropsychological testing. A neuropsychologist performs this exam to determine whether a child’s learning disability results from a brain condition. They will examine the child’s central nervous system and map their brains according to specific learning strengths and weaknesses.
• Medical history. A professional can learn much from a child’s medical history. They may also perform a physical exam to rule out medical conditions that may cause the child’s learning disability. 

If you suspect your child has a learning disability, it’s best to get them tested and treated early.

How are Learning Disabilities Treated in Children?

Learning disabilities are lifelong conditions that aren’t “curable.” However, they are often highly manageable. Common treatments for learning disabilities include:

• Special education. Children with learning disabilities may benefit from receiving their education from a specially trained teacher who can comprehensively evaluate the child’s abilities. From there, the instructor can curate a highly tailored learning program.
• Support groups. Disabilities can be complex for a child and make them feel left out. In addition, parents may become frustrated or feel alone. By attending support groups for children with learning disabilities, you and your child can connect with others and enjoy a sense of togetherness.
• Medication. Occasionally, a healthcare provider may prescribe a child medication if they display behavioral problems associated with their learning disability. A medical professional might prescribe antipsychotics, psychostimulants, or specific vitamins and minerals.
• Therapy. Therapy can benefit children with learning disabilities in many ways, such as providing emotional support, teaching healthy coping mechanisms, increasing self-esteem, and helping a child become more self-reliant.

How to Support a Child with Learning Disabilities

A learning disability doesn’t have to hinder your child’s success and experiences. Here are a few ways to provide support as a parent or caregiver.

Try multi-sensory learning

Providing children with a multi-sensory learning experience can enrich and stimulate the brain [*]. Multi-sensory learning teaches children how to collect information in a more engaging way, make connections between this new information and what they already know, and use non-verbal problem-solving skills.

For example, you can introduce clay molding to improve your child’s dexterity or try sand writing to develop their spelling, numbers, and vocabulary. 

Develop social-emotional skills

Struggling with the learning process can occasionally make a child feel sad, angry, and withdrawn. This withdrawal can negatively impact their ability to connect with others, so it’s essential to prioritize your child’s social-emotional skills.

Encourage them to connect with their peers by enrolling them in after-school groups they’re interested in or scheduling playdates with neighbors.

Focus on strengths

As a parent, it can be frustrating to watch your child fall behind. However, the struggle may be even more frustrating for them. Keep them motivated by focusing on their strengths. Is your child skilled at art? Encourage visual learning. Do they like to work with their hands? Engage them in activities like gardening or cooking.

Practice healthy habits

It may seem like common sense, but taking care of your child’s body and brain can prime them to focus, concentrate, and exert themselves. Ensure your child gets regular physical activity by taking them outdoors or to the pool.

Another important aspect of self-care is getting adequate sleep. On average, preschoolers require 11 to 13 hours a night, whereas middle school kids need about 10 to 11 hours. Develop a bedtime routine together—put away electronics, read a book, or play a guided meditation.

Can Learning Disabilities Be Prevented?

Learning disabilities aren’t inherently preventable but manageable—especially early on. Suppose you observe that your child may have a learning disability. In that case, it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider immediately or discuss an individualized education plan with your child’s school counselor.

The Bottom Line

Learning disabilities don’t have to make your child feel less “able.” By understanding their symptoms, discussing an educational plan with your child’s counselor, and providing support at home, your child can overcome the challenges associated with learning disabilities.

Self-esteem plays a significant role in encouraging your child to overcome the hardships they encounter with a learning disability. Explore our self-esteem worksheets to help your child maintain self-confidence while working toward their goals.

Sources:

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3. Kohli A, Sharma S, Padhy SK. “Specific Learning Disabilities: Issues that Remain Unanswered.” Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2018.
4. “Students With Disabilities.” National Center for Education Statistics, 2023.
5. Moll K, Kunze S, Neuhoff N, Bruder J, Schulte-Körne G. “Specific Learning Disorder: Prevalence and Gender Differences.” PLoS ONE, 2014.
6. 1Abdalah MQ. “Gender Difference in Learning Disabled Children Neuropsychological Review.” Research and Reviews on Healthcare: Open Access Journal. 2018.
7. National Center for Education Statistics. “Students With Disabilities.” 2024.
8. Dionne-Dostie E, Paquette N, Lassonde M, Gallagher A. “Multisensory Integration and Child Neurodevelopment.” Brain Sciences, 2015.