Learning Disability

What is a Learning Disability?

Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the capability to understand or use written or spoken language, do mathematical calculations, direct attention, or coordinate movements. 

Further, it may even lay an adverse impact on the way people learn new things in life. A child with a learning disorder will face challenges in writing, speaking, reading, understanding mathematical concepts, general comprehension, and listening.

What are the fundamental causes of Learning Disorder (LD)?

There are no particular reasons why children with learning disabilities have the disorder. The following are some of the primary factors of this disorder:

• Heredity, Family history & Genetics: A child whose parents have a specific learning disability can develop a similar impairment.
• Illness caused during birth or shortly after birth: If a child is born prematurely or has a low birth weight, they are at an increased risk of developing learning disabilities. Furthermore, other factors such as the consumption of alcohol or drugs during pregnancy, or infections like meningitis can also lead to learning disabilities in children.
• Stress caused during infancy phase: If a child experiences stressful situations during infancy, such as neglect or abuse, it can lead to learning disabilities.
• Comorbidity: Children with other disorders such as ADHD or autism are also at an increased risk of developing learning disabilities.
• Exposure to toxins or environmental exposure: Children who are exposed to lead or other toxins are at an increased risk of developing learning disabilities.

There is no single type of learning disability, and each individual with a learning disability will have a unique set of symptoms and challenges. If a child is having difficulty with any of the above-mentioned skills, it is important to seek professional help to determine if they have a learning disability. Early intervention is key to helping children with learning disabilities succeed in school and in life.

How to know if you have a Learning Disability?

An individual does not master skills in writing, reading, mathematical operators, adapting, and other mental health conditions at or near expected age or grade levels. Specialists and healthcare professionals may be able to diagnose better if you are experiencing a learning disorder or not.

If a child is experiencing the following symptoms, they may suffer from learning disorder:

• Reading and writing: Difficulty in learning the alphabet, being able to read or write at an age-appropriate level, struggles with spelling.
• Mathematical skills: Difficulty in understanding numbers, solving arithmetic problems, telling time, and counting money.
• Organization and coordination: Difficulty in completing tasks on time, poor fine motor skills, difficulty in understanding and following instructions.
• General learning: Difficulty in retaining information, trouble with concept development, and struggles with problem-solving skills.
• Mental health: Anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.

It is essential to remember that not all children who struggle in school have a learning disability. A number of other factors, such as poverty or a lack of adequate educational resources, can also impact a child’s academic performance. If you are concerned that your child may have a learning disability, it is important to speak with your child’s teacher or a healthcare professional about your concerns.

Types of Learning Disabilities

Some of the most common types of learning disabilities in children are dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, non-verbal learning disorder, and ADHD.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that impacts reading skills. Individuals with dyslexia often have difficulty with phonemic awareness, phonology, and word decoding skills.

Dysgraphia is a writing-based learning disability that can impact an individual’s handwriting, spelling, and grammar skills.

Dyscalculia is a math-based learning disability that can impact an individual’s ability to understand numbers, solve arithmetic problems, and tell time.

Non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD) is a learning disability that impacts an individual’s ability to understand non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. Individuals with NVLD often have difficulty with social skills, visual-spatial skills, and executive functioning skills.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can impact an individual’s ability to focus and pay attention. Individuals with ADHD may also have difficulty with impulsivity and hyperactivity. According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA), nearly 20-30% of children with ADHD also have a learning disability.

Can a learning disability qualify for benefits?

An individual with a learning impairment may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for children. The individual must experience marked or extreme limitations that must have been lasting for about 12 months or more.

The SSA representatives will analyze a child’s limitations on how they are using information, completing tasks, moving, manipulating objects, or interacting socially. Furthermore, they will evaluate a child’s ability to do self-care tasks like dressing, eating, or bathing. The severity of a child’s limitations will be considered in order to determine if the child meets the SSA’s definition of disabled.

The IQ test will be conducted to measure a child’s cognitive functioning. The SSA will also consider any adaptive functioning deficits. These deficits must have been present before the age of 22. The SSA will review school records, medical reports, and psychological evaluations to verify the existence of adaptive functioning deficits. A diagnosis of a learning disability alone will not automatically qualify an individual for SSI or SSDI benefits.

An adult may also qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits if they have a severe learning disability that began during childhood. The adult must be unable to work due to their limitations. The SSA will consider the adult’s work history, age, education, and skills to determine if they are able to adjust to other work. If the SSA finds that the adult cannot adjust to other work, then the individual may qualify for disability benefits.

In order to evaluate whether an adult can work, the SSA will conduct a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. The RFC assessment will evaluate the individual’s ability to function in a work setting on a physical and mental level. The SSA will consider the individual’s limitations in order to determine what type of work, if any, the individual can still do.

A Disability Lawyers in Illinois can help if you or your child has a learning disability and you think you may qualify for disability benefits. The lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim. They can also represent you at your disability hearing.