Some people have certain abnormalities in the brain that make it hard for them to process and absorb information. These problems, which can make learning to read and write difficult, are usually noticed first in school. A child with a learning disability may have trouble keeping up with his classmates, difficulty remembering, or difficulty concentrating.
One type of learning disability is dyslexia. A child with dyslexia has normal vision and intelligence, but has difficulty reading because he perceives the letters in words differently. He may see letters backwards, upside down, or sideways. This problem, this inability to process written information, makes it difficult for a child to learn to read and write.
Another type of learning disability causes some children to have trouble translating their thoughts into writing. They can usually communicate well by speaking, but when they try to write, they become completely blocked and can’t write at all, or they can only write very slowly. Their handwriting may look like that of a much younger child, or they may have trouble with spelling.
A third type of learning disability is the inability to focus on a task for a long period of time. This problem, called attention deficit disorder, is caused by differences in brain activity that affect the ability to concentrate. The disorder is usually accompanied by hyperactivity—extreme overactivity. Children with attention deficit disorder have trouble sitting still, paying attention, and controlling impulses, and this interferes with schoolwork, friendships, and family life.
Fortunately, we now understand that learning disabilities can be treated. If left untreated, they can lead to a variety of problems for children later on, such as difficulty with reading and writing, or problems with math skills.
Using points and examples from the lecture, describe three types of learning disabilities, and explain how they can affect a child’s ability to learn.
