How To Solve Learning Disability?
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Occupational Therapy
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How To Solve Learning Disability?
August 22, 2024
Occupational Therapy
Learning disabilities in children are alterations in some of the basic cognitive processes that affect the way the brain processes information. They usually manifest themselves with a deficit in specific areas, such as writing, reading, or calculation. Stated differently, individuals with learning disabilities have particular learning challenges even while their IQ is average or above. Moreover, there is no connection between the learning challenge and mental health issues, cultural differences, or other constraints. The fundamental idea behind LD is to make a comparison between a child’s expected intellectual capacity and poor academic achievement.
Symptoms of Learning Disability
The primary learning disabilities typically express themselves as difficulties in the following situations:
- Perceptions
- Emotions
- Calculus (dyscalculia)
- Reading ( dyslexia )
- Writing ( dysorthographia and dysgraphia )
- Attention level
- Motor coordination
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty in organization
In relation to getting interventions for learning disabilities at the right time, two fundamental concepts can be considered: symptom identification and early intervention. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose the problem as soon as possible and, depending on the circumstances, start ad hoc therapy based on the corresponding psycho-pedagogical, physical, and psychological assistance.
What causes learning disabilities?
The main causes of learning disabilities include:
- Genetic and acquired factors
- Low birth weight
- Premature or post-term birth
- Severe jaundice
- Damage from perinatal asphyxia
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Central nervous system infections
- Malignant neoplasms
- Head trauma
- Malnutrition
- Severe social isolation
- Emotional deprivation
Understanding these underlying causes is part of how to solve learning disability effectively, as tailored strategies can then be developed to address specific factors.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Learning Disabilities
In order to diagnose, it is useful to conduct certain tests, usually done at the end of the second year of primary school, which helps to determine the child’s condition and learning progress.
The involvement of a professional, flexible, and continuous care team of caregivers, educational intervention specialists, psychologists, special services, and medical workers mainly affects the treatment and diagnosis of a child with learning difficulties. Speech-language pathologists deal with any communication difficulty associated with dyslexia and include assessment and intervention. If children with learning disabilities are taken by an occupational and physical therapist then, the child will present with fine motor delay, gross motor delay, proprioceptive delay, balance, and sensory processing.
Children who struggle with learning difficulties could have a harder time interacting with others. Clinical psychologists can help them do so. Educational therapists or instructors with training in learning disorders are members of the multidisciplinary team that treats children with learning disabilities.
As with other neurodevelopmental issues, it’s important to monitor the child’s development by learning about their behavior and school performance. For those with related behavioral problems, appropriate treatment should also be considered. Furthermore, several intervention programs assist kids who struggle with writing and reading and exploring how to solve learning disability becomes essential in this context.
How To Solve Learning Disability
It is necessary to diagnose it on time and begin ad-hoc stimulation, with the help of specialized psycho-pedagogical, physical, and psychological interventions depending on the case. Here are some strategies that can help in addressing learning disabilities:
1. View Learning Difficulties as Valuable Gifts
A child is rarely set up for learning difficulties, so when they encounter them, they panic and think that something is wrong with them. But if you prepare for the struggle in advance, it will be perceived as a given, and they will be better equipped to handle these challenges with a positive mindset, and excitement and persistence will awaken. Scientists call these “desirable difficulties.”
2. Praise in moderation (and correctly)
Most loving parents assure their children that they are very smart. The child thinks, “Oh, great, I’m smart.” But later, when mistakes begin, this attitude can be shaken and the student decides that he is not so great, and the words of adults are just an attempt to encourage him.
Of course, you don’t need to go to extremes and tell your child that he or she is stupid. It is best to avoid using the terms “intelligent” or “dumb” as they seem to set up completely false constructs: cognitive abilities are fixed and not subject to change. Instead of calling him smart, just appreciate him for his approach and the way he excelled at that particular task.
3. Eliminate the theory of "weaknesses" and "strengths"
Forget about your ‘weaknesses’ and ‘strengths.’ Everybody’s different, sure, and some are simply better at doing certain things than others. Based on the study, it would be good to put all these ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ parts as well as the eternal division into humanities and techies.
Consider this: do you think that you can’t do something, or that you can’t do it because you lack talent? Children are no different. Don’t let your child know that they’re brilliant with math, for example, but languages just aren’t their ‘thing.’
4. Use words that foster critical thought
The correct wording must be used to guide children’s intelligence and reasoning. For example, if a child tells you that he can’t do something, correct him with: “You mean you haven’t learned how yet?” Although it might not appear noteworthy at first, it will have a significant impact down the road. It is critical to not only believe in children but also to tell them so and to have the appropriate attitude. It is also recommended that you guide your child’s autonomous discovery and encourage their curiosity. Don’t pretend you’re an expert on everything or that you comprehend topics you don’t. Instead, offer to work it out together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with learning disabilities requires early diagnosis and a differentiated intervention that joins psycho-pedagogical, physical, and psychological support. The assumption is to take the emergence of difficulties as challenges and possibilities for development, praise constructively, and avoid labeling that defines cognitive competence. Emphasizing work over talent and instilling critical thinking can help a youngster change. Treatment is a collaborative endeavor between parents or caregivers, educators, and professionals. This, in turn, enables children with learning difficulties to overcome their barriers and attain their full potential. Continuous strategy monitoring and adaptation will improve their overall learning experience.