LEARNING DISABILITIES

What are Learning Disabilities?

Learning Disabilities (LD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information. It primarily impacts skills such as reading, writing, math, reasoning, and comprehension. These challenges are not indicative of low intelligence but rather reflect differences in how the brain processes information. With timely assessment, early intervention, and tailored support, individuals with LD can achieve academic and personal success.

Psychowellness Center, a leading mental health care provider in West Delhi, offers comprehensive evaluation and intervention services for individuals with Learning Disabilities. Their multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, special educators, and occupational therapists, provides personalized and evidence-based strategies to help clients overcome academic and emotional barriers.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is integrated when necessary, especially to address co-occurring issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or frustration related to academic performance. At Psychowellness Center, the focus is on building confidence, improving learning outcomes, and enhancing quality of life through structured, compassionate care.

Causes

Biological Factors

  • Brain structure and function differences
  • Premature birth or low birth weight

Genetic Factors

  • Family history of learning disorders
  • Genetic conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome, Fragile X)

Environmental and Psychosocial Factors

  • Prenatal exposure to toxins or substance use
  • Inadequate early stimulation or educational support
  • Early childhood trauma or neglect

Types of Learning disabilities

  • Dyslexia:  It Affects reading and language-based processing skills
  • Dysgraphia: Impacts writing ability, including spelling and composition
  • Dyscalculia: Interferes with understanding numbers and math concepts
  • Visual-spatial, motor, and social skills are all impacted by nonverbal learning disability (NVLD).
  • Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Difficulty processing auditory information

Treatment

Learning Disability is not curable, but with the right interventions, individuals can thrive academically and socially. A multi-modal approach is essential.

1. Educational Interventions

  • Individualized Education Plans (IEP)
  • Special Education support and accommodations
  • Use of multi-sensory teaching methods

2. Psychotherapy

Therapy supports the emotional well-being of the child or adolescent struggling with Learning Disabilities

Signs and Symptoms

Signs of a Learning Disability often become noticeable during early schooling years and may vary depending on the type of disability:

General Signs

  • Difficulty following directions 
  • Poor memory or retention 
  • Struggles with time management or organization 
  • Trouble staying focused or paying attention 
  • Delayed speech or language development 

Reading Difficulties (Dyslexia)

  • Trouble recognizing letters and words 
  • Difficulty understanding what is read 
  • Slow and labor-intensive reading 

Writing Difficulties (Dysgraphia)

  • Poor handwriting 
  • Difficulty organizing ideas in writing 
  • Frequent spelling errors 

Math Difficulties (Dyscalculia)

  • Trouble understanding number concepts 
  • Difficulty learning math facts 
  • Confusion with symbols and math operations 

Other Associated Difficulties

  • Low self-confidence 
  • Avoidance of academic tasks 
  • Social challenges with peers or teachers

Assessment and Diagnosis

Clinical Interview and Developmental History

  • Gather academic, medical, and developmental background 
  • Understand early milestones, behavioral patterns, and school performance 

Standardized Testing

  • Intelligence tests (e.g., WISC-V) 
  • Achievement tests (e.g., WIAT-III, Woodcock-Johnson Tests) 
  • Language and memory assessments 

Observation and Reports

  • Teacher and parent feedback 
  • Classroom observations 
  • Behavior checklists 

Diagnosis Criteria

  • As per DSM-5-TR, Learning Disorder is diagnosed when: 
    • Academic skills are substantially below expectations for age
    • Despite intervention, difficulties continue for at least six months.
    • Not better explained by other conditions or intellectual disability

How Therapy Works

  • Builds self-esteem and motivation
  • Reduces anxiety and frustration
  • Promotes emotional regulation and social skills

Goals of Therapy

  • Improve coping mechanisms
  • Address behavioral or emotional concerns
  • Enhance academic self-efficacy

Evidence-Based Therapies

  1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
    • Helps reframe negative self-beliefs
    • Supports emotional regulation and confidence-building
  2. Play Therapy
    • Useful with younger children to express emotions indirectly
    • Enhances communication and emotional development
  3. Occupational Therapy (OT)
    • Improves motor coordination, handwriting, and sensory processing
  4. Speech and Language Therapy
    • Addresses receptive and expressive language difficulties
  5. Parent and Family Counseling
    • Guides supporting the child at home
    • Improves communication and reduces family stress
  6. Psychoeducation
    • Educates families and schools about LD and its management
    • Encourages advocacy and collaborative planning

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