Learning disabilities

Contents

• What is a learning disability?
• What learning disabilities look like
• What you can do
• Specific learning disabilities
• What kids say
• Dr Kate says
• Word search game

What is a learning disability?

Some kids try really hard to learn and they don't seem to make any progress.

		Some kids find it really hard to sit still and concentrate.
		Some kids have problems learning to read.
		Some kids have problems learning to write.
		Some kids have problems getting their bodies to do what they want (coordination).

Some kids have problems relating to other kids or adults.

There are many reasons why a kid is not doing too well with schoolwork.

Not eating well, not getting enough sleep, feeling unhappy or scared, having problems with family or friends are some of the reasons why a kid can be having problems learning. But there are also learning disabilities, which can make it very hard to learn.

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?

Would you find it difficult to complete this game Click here to play the game

What you can do

I know that there are times when you may be bored or tired, or feel unwell, or want to eat your lunch, or talk to a friend about something.

I'm talking about most times not sometimes.

If you think that a lot of these behaviours are like you most of the time then it is time to talk.

1. Talk to your mum, dad or caregiver.
2. Talk to your teacher.
3. Talk to your doctor.

If you are trying really hard to learn and you don't seem to be making much progress it may be because a specific (say spe-sif-ik) learning disability is holding you back.

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 have the same problems.

What kids say

• "I know that I have trouble writing so the teacher lets me use the computer for my written work." Mark
• "I am hopeless at spelling so I practise ‘every day’ words at home and at school. I use a spellchecker to help me too." Anna
• "My teacher has made me a special program to help me with reading and spelling. I do homework too." Eli
• "I have a behaviour contract to help me stay on task at school and another one at home. I get stars if I do the right thing and when I get 5 stars I can do a special activity." Bettina
• "I have never had a real friend until this year because I used to be really bossy with people but I’m not now." Elise

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.

Wordsearch game

CLICK HERE to play the quiz

We've collected this information to help you to understand important things about staying healthy and happy. However, if you feel sick or unhappy, it is important to tell your mum or dad, a teacher or another grown-up.