Learning disabilities

What learning disabilities look like

	Do you find it hard to see the board?
	Can you hear what the teacher is saying?
	Does the page you are reading seem blurred?
	Do the letters of words seem to be moving about?
	Do you find it hard to concentrate on what you are supposed to be doing in class even if you are trying really hard?
	Do you find it hard to talk to others, answer questions, or forget what you want to say when you are asked to speak in front of others?
	Do you find it hard to write neatly?
	Do you hate writing because knowing how to spell every word is a problem?
	Do you find it hard to remember facts that you need to know? (Like the dreaded times tables and what is a noun?)
	Do you find it hard to work with others?
	Does no-one want to partner you in shared learning activities?
	Do you find it hard to sit still?
	Do you get into trouble because you don't finish work?
	Do you find it hard to listen without interrupting or calling out?
	Do you have problems making and keeping friends?

 

Specific learning disabilities

Disability means that there is a reason why someone has difficulty in doing something.

The most common of these are:

	dyslexia - is a disability which causes problems in spelling, reading, writing and sometimes maths. (See the topic Dyslexia, to find out more.)
	intellectual disabilities or handicaps which can cause problems in learning and remembering. (eg Downs Syndrome)
	ADD (Attention deficit disorder) which causes problems with staying on task and often behaviour problems. (See the topic If your friend has attention deficit disorder (ADD) to find out more)

Doctors do not know what causes many of these disabilities but often the problems can be genetic - which means that other people in the family may have the same problems.

Dr Kate says:

Learning disabilities can be very worrying for kids and adults. If you have a learning disability it doesn't mean that you are dumb. It means that parts of the brain don't deal with information as well as others do.

Often children with learning disabilities are really good in other areas like art and science. In fact there are some very well known people whose learning disabilities didn't stop them from becoming famous and doing wonderful things with their lives.

Talk to your teacher or school counsellor about getting some help.