Types of Learning Disabilities

Children with learning disabilities tend to be of average to above average intelligence, but struggle in certain areas. They often experience difficulty developing skills in reading, writing, math, or nonverbal communication. For instance, a child might be able to read, but have trouble recalling what was read. The experienced providers at Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA, provide learning disability services and treatment.

Types of Learning Disabilities

There are several different types of learning disabilities or disorders that can affect children. It is possible for a child to be affected by more than one learning disability. Types of learning disabilities include:

Dyslexia: A language processing disorder that affects reading, grammar, comprehension, writing, and other language skills. Kids with dyslexia often have difficulty with phonemic awareness or decoding words.

Auditory processing disorder: A disorder in which a child has trouble processing or filtering different sounds. For example, a child might have trouble distinguishing between the teacher’s voice and background noise.

Language processing disorder: A disorder in which kids have trouble processing spoken language and experience difficulty attaching meaning to what they hear.

Nonverbal learning disabilities: Kids with nonverbal learning disabilities have difficulty decoding social cues and nonverbal behaviors, such as facial expressions and body language.

Signs of a Learning Disability

Displaying a single sign associated with a learning disorder or having difficulty in school from time to time are not indicators of a learning disability. Kids with learning disabilities exhibit several signs over time that do not go away without intervention or treatment. Some of the most common signs of a child with a learning disability include:

• Delayed speech
• Problems with pronunciation
• Problems with reading or writing
• Problems with math
• Difficulty paying attention
• Difficulty following directions
• Difficulty staying organized
• Trouble telling time
• Poor concentration
• Poor memory
• Clumsiness

Treatment for Learning Disabilities

There are several steps that can be taken to help children with learning disabilities experience success in school and beyond. Measures that are often taken within the school setting include developing an individualized education program (IEP), special classroom accommodations, or extra help from a specialist, such as a math tutor or reading specialist.

The knowledgeable providers at our pediatric office in Sacramento, CA, also provide learning disability assistance. They can make recommendations for specific therapies that could benefit your child, such as speech therapy to improve language skills or occupational therapy to improve motor skills. In some cases, such as for children with ADHD, prescription medications might also be helpful.

If your child shows signs of having a possible learning disability, we can help. Our skilled doctors diagnose and treat different types of learning disabilities. Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians to learn more about treating a learning disability by calling Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA, at (916) 688-5040.