Specific Learning Disorder
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), also known as learning disability, is a neurological condition that affects a person's ability to learn and use specific academic skills, such as reading, writing, or math, despite having average or above-average intelligence and opportunities for education.
What is a Specific Learning Disorder?
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), also known as learning disability, is a neurological condition that affects a person's ability to learn and use specific academic skills, such as reading, writing, or math, despite having average or above-average intelligence and opportunities for education.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), SLD is characterized by persistent difficulties in the acquisition, retention, and application of specific academic skills, which are not solely due to intellectual disability, sensory deficits, or inadequate educational opportunities.
The specific types of SLD include:
Dyslexia: Difficulty in reading, including problems with word recognition, decoding, and comprehension.
Dyscalculia: Difficulty in math, including problems with arithmetic, understanding mathematical concepts, and remembering math facts.
Dysgraphia: Difficulty in writing, including problems with handwriting, spelling, and expressing thoughts in writing.
Other specific learning disorders: A broader category that includes disorders affecting other academic skills, such as oral language and listening comprehension.
SLD can have a significant impact on a person's academic, social, and emotional functioning, but with appropriate support and accommodations, individuals with SLD can achieve academic success and lead fulfilling lives.
Who does Specific Learning Disorder affect?
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) can affect people of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The prevalence of SLD varies depending on the type of disorder and the population being studied, but research suggests that SLD affects a significant portion of the population.
According to the DSM-5, the prevalence of SLD is estimated to be around 5-15% of school-aged children. Dyslexia, which is the most well-known type of SLD, is estimated to affect around 5-10% of the population.
SLD can persist into adulthood, and it is estimated that up to 10% of adults have some form of SLD. However, SLD in adults is often underdiagnosed and untreated, which can lead to ongoing difficulties in academic, occupational, and social settings.
It's worth noting that SLD is a neurological condition that affects individuals in different ways and to varying degrees. Some people may have mild difficulties with a specific academic skill, while others may have significant difficulties that affect multiple areas of academic functioning. The impact of SLD on a person's life can also depend on the level of support and accommodations they receive.
In summary, SLD can affect a significant portion of the population, and it's important to recognize the signs of SLD and provide appropriate support and accommodations to help individuals with SLD achieve academic success and lead fulfilling lives.
What are the symptoms of Specific Learning Disorder?
The symptoms of Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) can vary depending on the specific type of disorder. The DSM-5 outlines the following criteria for the different types of SLD:
Dyslexia: Difficulty in reading, including problems with word recognition, decoding, and comprehension.
Difficulty reading fluently, accurately, and with appropriate expression.
Difficulty with spelling, including omitting, adding, or substituting letters or words.
Dyscalculia: Difficulty with math, including problems with arithmetic, understanding mathematical concepts, and remembering math facts.
Difficulty with mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.
Dysgraphia: Difficulty with writing, including problems with handwriting, spelling, and expressing thoughts in writing.
Difficulty with organizing and expressing thoughts in writing.
Other specific learning disorders: Difficulty with oral language, including understanding and using spoken language.
Difficulty with listening comprehension, including understanding spoken language and following directions.
It's important to note that the symptoms of SLD are not solely due to lack of opportunity or inadequate instruction, and the difficulties must be present for a while and interfere with academic or daily functioning.
In addition to the above symptoms, individuals with SLD may also experience some of the following:
Difficulty with attention and focus
Memory difficulties
Slow processing speed
Executive functioning difficulties, such as planning, organization, and time management
It's important to keep in mind that SLD affects individuals in different ways and to varying degrees, and the symptoms and impact on daily functioning can also depend on the level of support and accommodation provided. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary to diagnose SLD and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
How is Specific Learning Disorder diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist. The DSM-5 outlines the following criteria for the diagnosis of SLD:
Persistent difficulties in the acquisition, retention, and/or application of specific academic skills, as indicated by the presence of at least one of the following symptoms for at least 6 months, despite adequate opportunities for learning:
Inaccurate or slow and effortful word reading
Difficulty understanding the meaning of what is read
Difficulties with spelling
Difficulties with written expression
Difficulties mastering number sense, number facts, or calculation
Difficulties with mathematical reasoning
The affected academic skills are below those expected for the individual's chronological age, measured intelligence, and age-appropriate education.
The difficulties with the affected academic skills are not better accounted for by intellectual disabilities, uncorrected visual or auditory acuity, other mental or neurological disorders, psychosocial adversity, lack of proficiency in the language of academic instruction, or inadequate educational instruction.
If a sensory deficit is present, the difficulties with the academic skills are in excess of those usually associated with it.
The specific academic skill deficits interfere with academic achievement or activities of daily living that require the affected academic skills.
It's important to note that the symptoms and impact of SLD can vary widely between individuals, and the diagnosis of SLD requires a comprehensive evaluation that takes into account the individual's developmental, medical, educational, and psychosocial history, as well as the results of standardized tests and other assessments.
The diagnosis of SLD is an important first step in obtaining appropriate support and accommodations for individuals with SLD, and it can also help individuals and their families better understand and manage the condition.
What are strategies and therapies for overcoming Specific Learning Disorder challenges?
There are various strategies and treatments available to help individuals overcome the challenges associated with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD). The specific interventions that are recommended will depend on the individual's specific strengths and weaknesses, as well as the type and severity of their SLD. Here are some examples of strategies and treatments that may be helpful:
Educational support and accommodations: One of the most important ways to help individuals with SLD is to provide educational support and accommodations. Examples of accommodations include extended time on tests, assistive technology, and individualized instruction tailored to the student's learning style and needs.
Multisensory instruction: Many individuals with SLD benefit from multisensory instruction, which engages multiple senses (such as sight, sound, and touch) to reinforce learning. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with dyslexia and dyscalculia.
Executive functioning skills training: Many individuals with SLD have difficulties with executive functioning skills, such as planning, organization, and time management. Training in these skills can be helpful for improving academic and daily functioning.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Some individuals with SLD may experience anxiety or depression related to their difficulties with academic tasks. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful in addressing these emotional challenges.
Medications: There are no medications that specifically treat SLD, but some individuals with SLD may benefit from medications to address comorbid conditions such as ADHD or anxiety.
Parent and family support: Parent and family support can be critical in helping individuals with SLD navigate the challenges of school and daily life. This can include parental education, family therapy, and support groups.
Note that the interventions recommended will depend on the individual's specific needs and strengths. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary to develop an appropriate treatment plan. With appropriate support and accommodations, many individuals with SLD can achieve academic success and lead fulfilling lives.
This content is provided for informational and entertainment value only. It is not a replacement for a trained professional's diagnosis or for the treatment of any illness. If you feel like you are struggling with this condition, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. With the right treatment and support, individuals with this condition can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. BetterPsych provides full psychological services via telehealth and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our services. For more information and to find a therapist specializing in this disorder, please call (833) 496-5011, or visit https://www.betterpsych.com.