A person can be of average or above-average intelligence, not have any major sensory problems (like a hearing impairment), and yet struggle to keep up with people of the same age in learning and everyday functioning.
How can one tell if a person has learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities can affect a person’s abilities in the areas of:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
Other features of a learning disability include:
- A distinct gap between the level of achievement that is expected and what is actually being achieved.
- Difficulties that may appear differently from person to person.
- Difficulties that change across stages of development.
- Difficulties with social-emotional skills and behavior.
Identification
Learning disabilities affect every person differently, and the severity can range from mild to severe. Some individuals may have more than one learning disability. In addition, approximately one-third of people with LD also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which makes it difficult to concentrate, stay focused, or manage attention to specific tasks.
If there is reason to suspect a learning disability, it is important to collect observations from parents, teachers, doctors, and others who regularly interact with the individual. If there appears to be a consistent pattern of difficulty, the next step is to seek help from the school administration or consult a learning specialist for an evaluation.
What causes learning disabilities?
Experts are not exactly sure what causes learning disabilities. LDs may be due to:
- Heredity – Learning disabilities often run in families, so it’s not uncommon to find that individuals with LD have relatives with similar challenges.
- Problems during pregnancy and birth – Illness, injury, or complications during pregnancy or birth (such as drug/alcohol use, low birth weight, lack of oxygen, or premature/prolonged labor) can contribute.
- Incidents after birth – Head injuries, nutritional deprivation, and exposure to toxins (like lead) may also contribute.
Learning disabilities are not caused by economic disadvantage, environmental factors, or cultural differences.
Strategies, Accommodations, and Modifications
Depending on the type and severity of the learning disability, and the individual’s age, various forms of support can be helpful. Instructional strategies and accommodations should be tailored and reviewed openly to determine what works best.
Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and provincial/territorial human rights legislation, individuals with LD are protected from discrimination and are entitled to supports in both education and employment settings.
Are learning disabilities common?
One in ten Canadians has a learning disability.
Learning Disabilities and Adulthood
It is never too late to seek support for learning disabilities. Testing specialists and assistance are available at every stage of life. Taking initiative is often the first step toward meaningful progress.
Many adults — including those unaware of their LDs — develop coping strategies and go on to lead successful lives. LDs should not prevent individuals from reaching their goals. Understanding specific challenges and learning how to address them can reduce frustration and open the door to successful living at any age.
