Learning Difficulties: An Overview
Learning difficulties are commonly described as severe and persistent difficulties in the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in academic areas. They are often characterized by limited academic achievement, which may lead to an inability to keep pace with peers or to meet age-appropriate expectations in written language, reading, mathematics, and other academic skills. Although the causes of learning difficulties are varied and complex, they are not related to intelligence or motivation, and often result from neurological impairments, auditory or visual deficits, and physical disabilities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
The prevalence of learning difficulties is estimated to be between 5% and 10% of school-aged children, with the majority of children diagnosed with reading disorder, dyscalculia (a specific learning difficulty in mathematics), dyslexia (a specific learning difficulty in reading), and dysgraphia (a specific learning difficulty in handwriting) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Other difficulties in learning include difficulty with executive functions (such as planning and organization) and difficulty with memory, attention, and social skills.
Learning difficulties can have a significant impact on academic achievement, social development, and self-esteem (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). When students experience difficulty mastering academic tasks, they may become frustrated, anxious, and unmotivated. This can lead to school avoidance, poor performance, and social isolation.
In order to identify and address learning difficulties, parents and educators should be aware of warning signs, such as difficulty understanding instructions, difficulty recalling facts, difficulty completing tasks, and difficulty following directions (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Assessment of learning difficulties usually involves a combination of parent and teacher reports, standardized tests, and observations. Treatment may include individualized educational interventions, therapies, and accommodations.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.