Learning Disabilities List Handout

What are learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities, often identified at school age, affect language, math skills, coordination, or attention and are typically managed through special education tailored to the child’s needs (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2022). While the terms "learning disability" and "learning disorder" are often used to refer to specific learning disorder (SLD), SLD is actually a medical term for a clinical diagnosis. Although the terms aren't exactly the same, someone with SLD usually qualifies as having a learning disability (American Psychiatric Association, 2021).

Now, parents and caregivers might wonder what causes a child to have a learning disability. Actually, the causes of learning disabilities remain largely unclear, but they may stem from factors influencing brain development, such as maternal illness during pregnancy, complications at birth, and genetic predispositions (NHS, 2022).

Understanding these common learning disabilities helps us recognize the challenges individuals, especially children, face and how tailored support can make a difference. With the right strategies and encouragement, children with learning disabilities can thrive in school and daily life.

Learning disability examples

The Learning Disabilities Association of America (n.d.) identifies five common types of learning disabilities, three of which (dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and dyslexia) fall under the diagnostic category of specific learning disorders in the 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition.

Oral/written language disorder and specific reading comprehension deficit

Individuals with this learning disability struggle to understand and express language, both in speech and writing. They may have difficulties with semantic processing (understanding word meanings) and syntactic processing (grasping how word order affects meaning), leading to challenges in finding words, listening comprehension, and interpreting sentences accurately.

Non-verbal learning disabilities

Individuals with this condition struggle with understanding non-verbal communication, such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, or gestures, which can make social interactions challenging. They may also have poor coordination, difficulty following maps, or trouble with activities involving spatial awareness, like drawing or assembling puzzles.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a specific learning disorder that affects one's ability to write and fine motor skills, making handwriting messy, hard to read, or slow. Spelling and organizing ideas on paper may be frustrating, even when the person knows what they want to say. This condition can also cause difficulties with spacing letters or writing within lines.

Dyscalculia

This specific learning disability makes understanding numbers and basic math concepts difficult. Tasks like counting, learning multiplication tables, telling time, or handling money may be confusing. People with dyscalculia may also struggle to recognize patterns or sequences in numbers.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia, one of the specific learning disorders, mainly affects reading and spelling skills. People with this condition often have trouble identifying letters or words and may mix up their order. Reading can be slow and exhausting, which impacts comprehension, even though they may have normal intelligence and creativity.

How does our Learning Disabilities List Handout template work?

Our Learning Disabilities List Handout template is a quick reference to help you easily explain different learning disabilities to clients, caregivers, or educators.

Step 1: Download the template

Click the download link to save the template on your device. You may access it through your Carepatron account via the templates library.

Step 2: Review the content before your session

Familiarize yourself with the listed disabilities so you can easily discuss them during your consultation. Use the handout as a guide to answer questions and offer insights tailored to your client’s needs. Also, the template provides concise descriptions and space for notes, making it practical for consultations or educational sessions.

Step 3: Share the handout with clients or caregivers

You can print the handout for in-person meetings or share it digitally by email. This ensures clients and caregivers have a reliable resource to refer to after the session.

Common methods of managing learning disabilities

There are different ways to help manage learning disabilities that can make learning easier and more successful for each person. Some of them are:

Special education services

Special education services present tailored teaching to meet the unique needs of students with learning disabilities. These programs use different teaching methods and materials to help students do well in school.

Accommodations and modifications

Accommodations and modifications change the way students learn to make things easier for them. For teachers, this can mean giving extra time on tests, changing how assignments are presented, or using helpful tools like computers or tablets.

Therapeutic interventions

Therapeutic interventions, like speech or occupational therapy, help children build important skills for learning and everyday activities. These therapies focus on areas such as talking, movement, or planning, which can improve overall performance in life and school.

Benefits of the handout for psychologists

The Learning Disabilities List Handout provides psychologists with a practical tool to support their work with clients and caregivers.

Quick reference for explanations

The handout offers clear definitions of common learning disabilities, helping psychologists explain conditions in simple terms. This ensures conversations are smooth and easy to understand, even for clients and caregivers without a background in psychology.

Supports individualized care

Psychologists can use the handout to identify specific learning disabilities and guide discussions about personalized interventions. It also helps them collaborate more effectively with teachers, parents, or other healthcare providers.

Enhances client and caregiver understanding

By sharing the handout, psychologists can give clients and caregivers a resource they can revisit after sessions. This helps reinforce key points and promotes better follow-through on recommendations.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Pearson.

American Psychiatric Association. (2021). What is specific learning disorder? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/specific-learning-disorder/what-is-specific-learning-disorder

Learning Disabilities Association of America. (n.d.). Learning disabilities. https://ldaamerica.org/disability_type/learning-disabilities/

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2022). Learning disabilities. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/learning-disabilities

NHS. (2022, January 10). Overview - learning disabilities. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/