According to the LD Resources Foundation (LDRFA), learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, perform mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. While learning disabilities can form in very young children, they may not be recognized until a child enters school. 
 

The American Psychiatric Association says an estimated 5 to 15% of school-aged children struggle with a learning disability, and about 80% of those with learning disorders have an impairment in reading. The following are five common learning disabilities.
 

  1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 11%of school-aged children have ADHD. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention to activities or conversation, poor sleep quality, difficulty completing tasks, difficulty holding a job, frequent fidgeting, excessive talking, and interrupting.
  2. Dyslexia:Dyslexia affects a person’s reading and language processing skills.It can cause a person to reverse letter order, have difficulty with phonics, spelling, and reading comprehension, and have delayed speech. 

  3. Auditory processing disorder:With auditory processing disorder, the brain and ears do not connect the same way as a neurotypical individual’s auditory system does. Those with APD may havedifficulty recognizing different sounds in speech.

  4. Dyscalculia:People with dyscalculiahave difficulty memorizing arithmetic facts, following math reasoning, and performing calculations.

  5. Dysgraphia:Dysgraphia adversely affects a person’s ability to write.It can initially present as difficulty with spelling, handwriting, or trouble putting thoughts down on paper or digitally. Symptoms of dysgraphia include difficulty expressing thoughts clearly, messy handwriting, taking a long time to write, and trouble organizing thoughts.
     

An accurate diagnosis is the first step to getting assistance with learning disabilities. Intervention can make a significant difference and help a person thrive and manage a learning disability.