Learning Difficulties

Learning difficulty (sometimes called a learning disorder or learning disability) is a classification which includes several disorders in which a person has difficulty learning in a typical manner. Learning difficulties can make life problematic for a person to learn as quickly or in the same way as others. Learning difficulties are not indicative of intelligence level, rather, indicative of the need for alternative ways in which to learn. Learning difficulties cannot be fixed or cured and individuals who struggle with learning difficulties may face unique challenges that last their entire lifetime. Interventions may be used to help the individual learn strategies that will foster future success. The causes for learning difficulties are always well understood or even apparent.

• Common Causes of Learning Difficulties
• How Psychotherapy Can Help with Learning Difficulties
• Learning Difficulties in the DSM

Common Causes of Learning Difficulties

Learning difficulties range from mild to severe, and people with learning difficulties lead very normal lives. Many people with learning difficulties go on to hold very intellectually demanding positions.

Some causes of neurological impairments include:

• Accident(s) after birth - may be caused by malnutrition, head injury or toxic exposure

• Heredity - may run in the family

• Poverty - may be a result of a lack of parental reinforcement or affordability of academics

• Problems during pregnancy and/or birth - may result from fetal exposure to alcohol or drugs, oxygen deprivation, anomalies developed in the brain, low birth weight, injury or illness or premature or prolonged labor

One major factor for many people who face learning difficulties is that they are unable to express their feelings easily in words and their actions may have to speak for them. Their behavior(s) and mood(s) may change and their inability to express themselves may result in depression, sadness, anxiety and other mental health issues.

How Psychotherapy Can Help with Learning Difficulties

A diagnosis of any learning difficulty may be potentially devastating to a person and/or their family. Both the person who faces learning difficulties and their family members will need to learn coping skills for the difficulty as well as emotionally. Stress associated with learning difficulties can accumulate which may make the coping process even more difficult. Learning difficulties are often present over an entire lifetime so learning effective and appropriate methods of coping are essential to successful management. In psychotherapy, solid behavioral techniques often work best for individuals who struggle with learning difficulties. For children, play therapy may be helpful if the therapist uses it to teach interaction techniques. Children and adults may also do well in therapy groups. Support groups may also be beneficial.

Learning Difficulties in the DSM

Learning difficulties are classified in the DSM as Learning disorders. Learning disorders in the DSM have the following subcategories:

• Reading disorder: a condition in which a person displays difficulty reading primarily from neurological factors (i.e. dyslexia)

• Mathematics disorder: a condition in which a person has difficulty in learning or comprehending mathematics (i.e. dyscalculia)

• Disorder of written expression: a childhood condition in which a person has poor writing skills

• Learning disorder NOS (not otherwise specified)

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