Types, Characteristics, And Causes Of Learning Disabilities B.Ed Notes

Back to: Learning and Teaching – Unit 4

A learning disability is a neurological condition where a child faces difficulties doing the basic functions such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, solving numerical and thinking logically. It affects the brain’s ability to send, receive, and take in information.

Types of Learning Disabilities

Dyscalculia

It is a learning disability that affects a person’s ability to deal with numeric problems and learn facts related to maths.

Dyslexia

This learning disability affects a person’s ability to read and catch up with languages.

Dysgraphia

It is a learning disability that affects an individual’s ability to write and perform basic motor skills.

Dyspraxia

This is a disorder where an individual faces difficulties with movement and coordination, language, and speech.

Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities

A learning disability affects a person’s ability to read facial expressions and understand body language.

Oral/Written Language Disorder

A learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand what they read or spoke and have difficulty with oral language.

Characteristics of Learning Disabilities

People with learning disabilities are unmotivated to do their work and study.
They process information at a slower rate than their peers.
They are disorganized and face problems with coordination.
Lacks the skills to take useful notes during class lectures.
They have difficulty in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and solving basic mathematical problems.
Continuous poor performance and low grades in tests and exams.
Faces difficulty studying for exams and keeps forgetting what’s already been studied.
Have low confidence level and poor self-esteem.

Causes of Learning Disabilities

Learning disability may be hereditary.
Parents with a learning disability are likely to have children born with the same disorder.
Low birth weight, malnutrition can lead to a learning disability.
Premature birth, diabetes, poor healthcare, head injuries, or other medical factors may lead to learning disabilities.
Consumption of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy can affect a child’s ability to learn.
Injury after birth, physical trauma, increased exposure to toxic substances may cause learning disabilities.

These are some of the types, characteristics, and causes of learning disabilities.