Types of Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are neurologically-based

processing problems. These processing problems can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading,
writing and/or math. They can also interfere with higher level skills such as organization, time
planning, abstract reasoning, long or short term memory and attention. It is important to realize that
learning disabilities can affect an individual’s life beyond academics and can impact relationships with
family, friends and in the workplace.

Since difficulties with reading, writing and/or math are recognizable problems during the school years, the
signs and symptoms of learning disabilities are most often diagnosed during that time. However, some
individuals do not receive an evaluation until they are in post-secondary education or adults in the
workforce. Other individuals with learning disabilities may never receive an evaluation and go through life,
never knowing why they have difficulties with academics and why they may be having problems in their jobs
or in relationships with family and friends.

Learning disabilities should not be confused with learning problems which are primarily the result of visual,
hearing, or motor handicaps; of intellectual disability; of emotional disturbance; or of environmental, cultural
or economic disadvantages.

Generally speaking, people with learning disabilities are of average or above average intelligence. There often
appears to be a gap between the individual’s potential and actual achievement. This is why learning disabilities
are referred to as “hidden disabilities”: the person looks perfectly “normal” and seems to be a very bright and
intelligent person, yet may be unable to demonstrate the skill level expected from someone of a similar age.
A learning disability cannot be cured or fixed; it is a lifelong challenge. However, with appropriate support and
intervention, people with learning disabilities can achieve success in school, at work, in relationships, and in
the community.

In Federal law, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the term is “specific learning
disability,” one of 13 categories of disability under that law.

“Learning Disabilities” is an “umbrella” term describing a number of other, more specific learning disabilities,
such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. Find the signs and symptoms of each, plus strategies to help below.

Specific Learning Disabilities

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder, this is a condition that adversely affects how sound that
travels unimpeded through the ear is processed or interpreted by the brain. Individuals with APD do not
recognize subtle differences between sounds in words, even when the sounds are loud and clear enough to be
heard. They can also find it difficult to tell where sounds are coming from, to make sense of the order of
sounds, or to block out competing background noises.

Dyscalculia

A specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts.
Individuals with this type of LD may also have poor comprehension of math symbols, may struggle with
memorizing and organizing numbers, have difficulty telling time, or have trouble with counting.
 Dysgraphia

A specific learning disability that affects a person’s handwriting ability and fine motor skills. Problems may
include illegible handwriting, inconsistent spacing, poor spatial planning on paper, poor spelling, and difficulty
composing writing as well as thinking and writing at the same time.

Dyslexia

A specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. The severity
can differ in each individual but can affect reading fluency, decoding, reading comprehension, recall, writing,
spelling, and sometimes speech and can exist along with other related disorders. Dyslexia is sometimes
referred to as a Language-Based Learning Disability.

Language Processing Disorder

A specific type of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in which there is difficulty attaching meaning to sound
groups that form words, sentences and stories. While an APD affects the interpretation of all sounds coming
into the brain, a Language Processing Disorder (LPD) relates only to the processing of language. LPD can
affect expressive language and/or receptive language.
 Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities

A disorder which is usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker
motor, visual-spatial and social skills. Typically, an individual with NLD (or NVLD) has trouble interpreting
nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language, and may have poor coordination.

Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

A disorder that affects the understanding of information that a person sees, or the ability to draw or copy. A
characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD, it can result in
missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding
pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.

Related Disorders

ADHD

A disorder that includes difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior and
hyperactivity. Although ADHD is not considered a learning disability, research indicates that from 30-50
percent of children with ADHD also have a specific learning disability, and that the two conditions can interact
to make learning extremely challenging.

Dyspraxia

A disorder that is characterized by difficulty in muscle control, which causes problems with movement and
coordination, language and speech, and can affect learning. Although not a learning disability, dyspraxia often
exists along with dyslexia, dyscalculia or ADHD.

Executive Functioning

An inefficiency in the cognitive management systems of the brain that affects a variety of neuropsychological
processes such as planning, organization, strategizing, paying attention to and remembering details, and
managing time and space. Although not a learning disability, different patterns of weakness in executive
functioning are almost always seen in the learning profiles of individuals who have specific learning
disabilities or ADHD.

Memory

Three types of memory are important to learning. Working memory, short-term memory and long-term
memory are used in the processing of both verbal and non-verbal information. If there are deficits in any or all
of these types of memory, the ability to store and retrieve information required to carry out tasks can be
impaired.

https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/
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Emotional Disabilities
By: Suzie Dalien, M.Ed.

Every single one of us has a unique genetic makeup that comprises who we are as people, and no
one else on the planet with have the same combination of atoms as you do. Our uniqueness
means that we all have different physical, mental and emotional health and that we express our
feelings in different manners. For some children, emotional disabilities might be holding them
back from performing at their very best.

There is no umbrella that all emotional disabilities fall under, and the range of the disorder is
wide and varied. Mental disorders often referred to as mental illness, are defined as a person’s
distinct pattern of psychological or behavioral actions that can negatively impact their daily
routine. A mental issue can cause stress and disability that is outside the scope of normal
development. Essentially, they act in ways that are considered extreme or sometimes
inappropriate for their peers or age group.

Complex World Of Emotional Disabilities:

An emotional disability is also defined as mental derangement or functioning abnormally,
although that is the most end of the spectrum. There are some factors that play a part in what
might cause emotional disability. Some are relatively minor, which is why it’s sometimes
difficult to accurately diagnose someone as suffering from an emotional disability of some sort.

At times, an emotional disability might also refer to those who are afflicted with depression or
anyone who might have a hard time maintaining relationships with those they are in frequent
contact with, like teachers or their fellow group of peers. It is thought that emotional disabilities
could have some root in childhood trauma or abuse, but that is not always the case; irrational
fears and schizophrenia can also lead a child to experience an emotional disability of some type.

When discussing mental disorders or illness, it is important to remember that this topic includes a
large number of possible causes and can fall under the names of mental illness, emotional
disability, emotional disturbance or emotional behavioral disorder.

Some examples of this type of condition are:

 Anxiety Disorders

 Eating Disorders

 Psychotic Disorders

 Conduct Disorders

 Bipolar Disorder

 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

For more information about what falls under the heading of an emotional disturbance, take a look
at the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was signed into law in 2004 as
a way to provide special education services to all children, regardless of disability. IDEA defines
this type of disorder as “a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over
a long period and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.”

Signs Of An Emotional Disturbance Can

Include:
 An overall feeling of depression or overwhelming unhappiness

 Inappropriate reactions under normal circumstances, such as laughing during a sad moment

 Fears or physical symptoms that are brought on by situations at school or home

 The inability to learn in a manner that is not explainable through mental, physical or
sensory issues

IDEA lists schizophrenia as an emotional disturbance but gives the caveat of not applying this
label to children who are unadjusted socially unless they have been properly diagnosed as having
an emotional disturbance of some sort.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states: mental illnesses are medical conditions
that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.
Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often
result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.

Symptoms Or Signs Of An Emotional

Disability:
 Hyperactivity – not being able to sit for long periods of time, has a hard time focusing

 Withdrawal – having a lot of stress or anxiety around other people, not interacting with
peers

 Immaturity – crying or being angry at inappropriate times, lacks coping skills for different
situations

 Learning difficulties – performing below their grade level or age group regarding school
work
  Aggression – acting out by pushing, hitting, throwing or screaming

As much research there is regarding emotional disturbances and disabilities, no one is sure what
the actual cause is. Some professionals feel it stems from stress or an unstable family
environment, or a person might simply be genetically predisposed to emotional disorders of
some type. There is no definitive evidence linking any of these possible causes to emotional
distress.

There are a few certainties, however, when it comes to emotional disabilities. They can affect
any person at any time regardless of their race, income or religion. They are not a sign of a weak
character or a less-than-desirable upbringing, and many people who experience mental issues can
find some relief through participation in a treatment plan based around their unique situation and
factors.

For reference, here are some of the most commonly diagnosed emotional disabilities and their
corresponding acronym:

 Emotional Disability (ED)

 Emotional Behavioral Disability (EBD)

 Behavioral Disorder (BD)

 Emotional Disability – Private School/Environment (EDP)

 Serious Emotional Disability (SED)

 Other Health Issues (OHI)

The more you know about the world of special education, the better equipped you will be in
ensuring the success of your child. Alternatively, there are solutions available outside the
classroom to assist your child academically along with behaviors often associated with the
frustration caused by being overwhelmed. Supplemental learning through special education
tutoring has exploded over the past few years. Designed to assist children with special needs,
this revolutionary program takes the curriculum from the traditional classroom and molds it to fit
their individual learning needs. To find out if working with a special education tutor is a viable
solution for your child, register for a free consultation.
https://specialedresource.com/resource-center/emotional-disabilities

Behavioral disorders: Types list

The list of types of Behavioral disorders mentioned in various sources includes:

 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

 Autism
 Asperg Syndrome
 Rett's syndrome
 Drug abuse
 Alcohol use
 Alcohol abuse
 Alcoholism
 Addictions
 Gambling addiction
 Agoraphobia
 Alzheimer's Disease
 Anorexia Nervosa
 Asperger syndrome
 Binge eating disorder
 Bipolar disorder
 Bulimia nervosa
 Depression
 Depressive disorders
 Dysthymia
 Eating disorders
 Generalized anxiety disorder
 Mood disorders
 Obsessive-compulsive disorder
 Panic disorder
 Post-traumatic stress disorder
 Social phobia
 Specific phobias
 Tourette Syndrome

Behavioral disorders: Rare Types

Rare types of medical conditions and diseases in related medical categories:

 Brain & Neurological Disorders: Rare Types:

o Adult ADHD -- Rare Types
o ADHD -- Rare Types
o Alzheimer Disease -- Rare Types
o Migraine -- Rare Types
o Concentration Disorders -- Rare Types
o Stroke -- Rare Types
o Bipolar Disorder -- Rare Types
o Schizophrenia -- Rare Types
o Epilepsy -- Rare Types