Today we will talk about what it is and how we propose to deal with it.

Many children with learning disabilities, also called learning disorders , experience difficulties in school long before they are diagnosed. This can affect a child's self-esteem and motivation. Understand how to recognize the signs of a learning disorder and what you can do to help your child.

What is a learning disorder? nine0020

A learning disorder is an information processing problem that prevents a person from learning a skill and using it effectively. Learning disorders usually affect people with average or above average intelligence. As a result, the disorder manifests itself in a gap between expected skills based on age and intelligence and academic performance.

Common learning disorders affect a child's ability to read, write, math, or non-verbal skills.

DIFFICULTIES WITH READING

Learning disorders in reading are usually associated with difficulties in understanding the spoken word as a combination of individual sounds. This can make it difficult to understand how a letter or letters represent sound and how letter combinations form a word.

Problems with working memory - impaired ability to retain and manipulate information in the moment - may also play a role.

Even when basic reading skills are mastered, children may have difficulty with the following skills:

• Reading speed at the level of the age norm
• Reading comprehension
• Accurate retelling (cannot remember what they read)
• Inference based on reading
• Spelling

Reading learning disorder is commonly referred to as dyslexia, but some professionals may use the term to describe only some of the information processing problems that can make reading difficult.

DIFFICULTY WITH WRITING

Writing requires complex visual, motor and informational skills. Violation of learning in writing can cause the following:

• Handwriting difficulties. Slow handwriting that requires considerable effort. Illegible handwriting

• Difficulty in expressing thoughts in words

• Difficult to understand, poorly organized written text, without paragraphs or indents

• Problems with spelling, grammar and punctuation

Learning problems? Get recommendations for school teachers.

Reading skills. age stages.

Signs of dyscalculia at different ages.

Learning disorders. Tips for parents.

MATH LEARNING PROBLEMS

A math learning disorder is called dyscalculia. Such impairment can cause problems with the following skills:

• Understanding number and quantity, their differences and relationships
• Ability to solve mathematical problems
• Storing basic calculations
• Use of mathematical symbols such as plus, minus, equal, greater than, less than signs.
• Understanding task texts
• Organization and recording of information when solving a mathematical problem (short condition, question, answer)

NONVERBAL SKILLS

A child with learning disabilities in nonverbal skills appears to develop good basic language skills and strong memory skills in early childhood. Difficulties are observed in visual-spatial, visuomotor and other skills necessary for social or academic functioning. nine0005

A child with learning disabilities in non-verbal skills may have problems in the following areas:

• Interpretation of facial expressions and non-verbal cues in social interactions
• Proper use of speech in social situations (may speak out of place)
• Physical coordination
• Fine motor skills underlying writing skill
• Attention, planning and organization
• Fluent reading and understanding. Difficulties with writing thoughts, usually appearing in higher grades

What causes learning disorders?

There is no consensus on what exactly can cause learning problems. We only note the obvious factors that can affect the development of learning disorders:

• Family history and genetics. A family history of learning disorders increases a child's risk of developing a learning disorder.
• Prenatal and neonatal risks.
• Severe fetal developmental disorder, exposure to alcohol or drugs before birth, premature birth, and low birth weight may be associated with learning disabilities. nine0036
• Psychological trauma or abuse in early childhood can affect brain development and increase the risk of learning disorders.
• Physical injury. Head injuries or infections of the nervous system may also play a role in the development of learning disorders.
• Environmental exposure. Exposure to high levels of toxins such as lead has been associated with an increased risk of learning disorders.

What are the signs of a learning disability? nine0020

Your child may have a learning disability if he or she:

• Is not learning to read, spell, write, or do math according to developmental milestones
• Poor understanding and following instructions
• Forgets what he/she was just told
• Lack of coordination when walking, playing sports, or difficulty holding the handle correctly
• Forgets to write down or loses homework, textbooks or other items
• Difficult to understand the concept of time and order
• Resists homework or activities that include reading, writing, or math. Unable to complete homework without significant assistance
• Demonstrates defiance, hostility, or emotional overreactions at school, or while doing homework or reading.

Seek help early

Early intervention is important because the problem can snowball. A child who did not learn to count in elementary school will not be able to do algebra in high school. nine0005

Without reading, a fundamental learning skill, they will find it difficult to master the humanities in high school, as well as technical texts such as problem statements.

Children with learning disorders may also experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, chronic fatigue, or loss of motivation. Some of them may act in ways that distract attention from their problems at school - goofing around, being the "class clown".

Diagnosis of learning disorder and need for intervention services is based on test scores, teacher feedback, parent or guardian input, and performance analysis. A diagnosis of severe anxiety or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder also has a large impact on learning opportunities. These factors contribute to delays in the development of academic skills. nine0005

In our center we offer specialized intensive courses on the correction of basic learning problems: reading, writing handwriting, mastering mathematics, the concepts of time and organizational skills.

Some children benefit from working with a neuropsychologist and exercise therapist. Occupational therapy can improve the motor skills of a child with coordination and writing problems. A speech therapist can help address language skills.
Sometimes your child's doctor may recommend medication for depression or severe anxiety. Medications for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder may improve a child's ability to concentrate at school. nine0005

It is very important that you help your child understand in an easy to understand way what extra activities are needed and how they can help. Also, focus on your child's strengths. Encourage your child to pay attention to interests that give him confidence.

Together, these interventions can improve your child's skills, help him or her develop coping strategies, and use his or her strengths to improve learning in and out of school. nine0005

What is non-verbal learning disorder and how can I help my child?

Many people think that the term "learning disorder" only covers problems with verbal skills, such as reading or writing. But what if your child has good verbal skills and a large vocabulary but doesn't understand when someone is being sarcastic? What if he reads at an advanced level but can't identify key parts of the story?

These are the classic signs of Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD / NLD). Nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD) affects skills such as abstract thinking and organization. NRA affects your child's learning ability, but creates even more problems when it comes to communication.

What is Nonverbal Learning Disorder?

Learning and attention disorders create difficulties in communication. The NRA affects a child's social skills, but not their speaking or writing skills.

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Children with non-verbal learning disorder tend to talk a lot, but they don't always manage to do it in acceptable ways. They often miss important information, don't understand sign language, so it's hard for them to make friends, and there can often be misunderstandings with teachers, parents, and other adults. nine0005

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In contrast to children with learning disorders related to speech and writing (dyslexia, dysgraphia), children with NDE have difficulty understanding non-verbal communication. This includes body language, intonation, and facial expressions.

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When a classmate says something sarcastic, a child with non-verbal learning disorder may take it literally. He may laugh at something serious because the speaker is smiling. Due to the fact that the child does not understand the non-verbal subtext to words, it is difficult for him to make friends. nine0005

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To better understand what NLR is, it is necessary to learn more about learning disorders based on speech development problems. Children with these problems have difficulty reading, writing, and speaking. Their speech and language skills are weak and they have difficulty with accuracy and processing speed.

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Some children with NDE have good language skills but have difficulty parsing information and understanding hidden meanings. They may not have problems with written or spoken language, but they take information literally without understanding the subtext. nine0005

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The exact cause of NRO is not yet clear, but researchers believe that this is due to a lack of coordination in different brain processes located in the left and right areas of the brain.

Despite growing awareness of this disorder, non-verbal learning disorder is controversial in medical circles. It does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the most recent update of the manual used by therapists to diagnose learning disorders. nine0005

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Non-verbal learning disorder may cause learning difficulties, but this does not mean that a child with NVD is not bright. Like most children with learning disabilities, children with LLD usually have average or above average intelligence.

It is also important to know that non-verbal learning disorder is not the same as Asperger's syndrome or autism, although they can also affect social skills and social interaction.

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How common is non-verbal learning disorder?

It is difficult to know exactly how many children an NRA has. This is because there is no clear definition of what this category of learning disorder includes. Studies show that the NRA may have 1% of children in the United States. This applies equally to boys and girls. Apparently, NRO is not inherited, as, for example, problems with concentration and dyslexia. nine0005

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Non-verbal learning disorder often occurs in people with Asperger's syndrome. In fact, studies show that up to 80% of children with Asperger's have symptoms associated with NRO. People with ADHD may also experience symptoms of NRO, although there are no statistical data on this yet.

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What causes NRA?

Experts don't know the exact cause of NRA symptoms. But they are exploring a number of theories related to differences in important brain processes and functions in the left and right sides of the brain. nine0005

There is no consensus among experts as to whether non-verbal learning disorder exists and what are the underlying causes of NLD symptoms. For example, some experts believe that problems may be caused by damage or developmental features of the part of the brain that coordinates the work of the two hemispheres. Others believe that the problems may be related to the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for executive function skills such as working memory, organization and planning. nine0005

Help your child overcome learning difficulties quickly and permanently!

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What are the symptoms of NRA?

The main symptoms of non-verbal learning disorder include poor social skills, but NVE can manifest itself in other ways. For example, children with NDE may have difficulty with math, reading comprehension, writing, and/or physical coordination. Here are some of the symptoms you may find in your child with NRO:

• Remembers information but does not know why it is important;

• Communicates in socially unacceptable ways;

• Pays attention to details but does not see the big picture;

• Has difficulty reading;

• Has difficulty with mathematics, especially with problems;

• Physically awkward and clumsy;

• Poor handwriting;

  nine0036

• Takes information literally;

• Does not understand intonation, body language, facial expressions;

• Poor social skills;

• violates the personal boundaries of others - may stand too close to the interlocutor;

• Pays no attention to other people's reactions;

• Changes subject abruptly;

• Too dependent on parents;

nine0035

Afraid to be in an unusual situation;

• Has difficulty adjusting to change.

Children with ADHD are often misunderstood because of their behavior. Peers and adults may find them strange or immature. Not knowing that the child has NRO, the teacher may think that he is inattentive or cocky.

Symptoms may change with age.

Young children with non-verbal learning disorder may appear bright and precocious because they have good verbal skills. They, like little professors, ask adults a lot of questions and spew out the information received like a fountain. nine0027

Despite their good memory, they may find it difficult to interpret and draw conclusions from what they read.

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As children get older, the symptoms of NRO may become more obvious and cause more problems. Children understand that they perceive social situations differently than their peers, but do not know what to do with it. Some develop anxiety that can lead to compulsive behavior, such as touching a doorknob a certain number of times before opening the door. nine0005

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The sooner you know about your child's problems, the sooner you can find treatments and strategies to improve social skills and relieve anxiety.

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What skills are affected by non-verbal learning disorder?

NLL does not affect all children in the same way, but for most children NLL affects the following skills:

• Conceptual Skills: Difficulties with problem solving, understanding big concepts and cause and effect relationships. nine0005

• Motor skills: problems with coordination and movement. This includes gross motor skills (such as running), fine motor skills (such as writing), and balance (such as cycling).

• Visual-spatial skills: problems with visual images, visual processing and spatial relationships. The child may remember what he heard, but not what he saw.

• Social skills: Difficulty sharing information in a socially acceptable way. The child may not understand sarcasm or facial expressions, may interrupt the interlocutor in the middle of a conversation. nine0005

• Abstract and critical thinking: problem with reading comprehension and understanding the "big picture". A child may be good at remembering details but not understanding the larger concepts behind them. You may also have trouble organizing your thoughts.

How to recognize NRA?

Since there is no universally accepted test for HRO, the diagnostic process involves several steps:

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Step 1: Get a medical examination. Your child's doctor probably isn't an expert on learning disorders, but you can talk to them about your concerns and find out if a medical condition might be causing your child's symptoms. Your doctor can help you find a specialist, such as a neurologist, for further evaluation. nine0005

Step 2: Get a referral to a mental health professional. Once the medical causes are corrected, your child's doctor will likely refer you to a mental health professional such as a neurologist. The specialist will talk to you and your child about your concerns. He will then administer various tests to assess your child's ability in the following areas:

• Speech and language: Development of speech in young children; verbal skills, understanding of abstract ideas and context in older children. nine0005

• Visuospatial Organization: The ability to draw a parallel between visual information and abstract concepts, such as reading a map or telling time by a clock.

• Motor skills: Fine motor skills such as drawing and writing and gross motor skills such as the ability to throw and catch objects.

The specialist will look at your child's performance in these skills and ask you about the symptoms you have noticed in your child. nine0005

Step 3: Analyze the received information. After collecting all the information, the specialist will look for the strengths and weaknesses that are characteristic of children with ADHD. This will help determine if your child has a disability.

General strengths:

• The level of intelligence is average or above average;

• Good verbal skills;

• Early speech development;

• nine0002 Good memory and ability to repeat what was said;

• Learns better what he heard than what he saw.

General weaknesses:

• Social skills;

• Balance, coordination, handwriting;

• Understanding cause and effect;

• Visualization of information;

• Activity level (higher at a young age, decreases with age). nine0005

What disorders are associated with NRO?

Nonverbal learning disorder is the disorder most closely associated with problems with social skills. However, there are several other disorders that prevent children from making friends. These disorders are not related, but they may occur together with NMR:

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• ADHD: Children with ADHD may initially be misdiagnosed with ADHD. Both deviations have similar symptoms, such as excessive talkativeness, poor coordination and the habit of interrupting the interlocutor. But ADHD is not a learning disorder. This is a brain disorder that makes it difficult for children to concentrate, think about consequences, and control impulses. nine0005

• Speech development disorders: these are problems with speech (expressive speech development disorder) and language understanding (receptive speech development disorder). Children with these disabilities find it difficult to understand and use sign language, follow directions, and carry on a conversation. NRO may also resemble some of the symptoms of social communication disorder.

• Asperger's Syndrome: This is a developmental disorder that affects a child's ability to socialize and communicate with others. This is a mild form of autism. Many of the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome and NRO overlap, and researchers suggest that about 80% of children with Asperger's Syndrome also have NRO. But these are two separate disorders. nine0005

"We have the potential to help children who are lagging behind reach the norm and even exceed it!"

Watch part of Dr. Michael Merzenich's TED talk in 2004 where he talks about brain plasticity-based techniques to correct the workings in a child's brain to increase their ability to recognize speech, speak, read and learn successfully.

How can professionals help with NRA? nine0020

There are a number of treatments and educational strategies that can help your child manage the symptoms of NMO. These include:

• Social skills training groups where children are taught how to behave in social situations, such as how to greet a friend, join a conversation, and recognize and respond to teasing.

• Parental support from a psychologist is needed to help parents learn how to cooperate with teachers and help children improve their social skills. nine0005

• Occupational therapy helps reduce fear of the unknown, improve coordination and improve fine motor skills.

• Cognitive therapy helps to cope with anxiety and other types of mental disorders.

• Talk to teachers about how to help your child do well in school.

What can you do at home?

Parenting a child with ADHD can be challenging, but there are many things you can do at home to help your child cope with symptoms and learn social skills. You can also try some of the behavior experts' strategies. These steps can help you make positive changes in your child's life and in your family life:

• Think about how you speak. Remember that children with NRA are not good at understanding sarcasm and intonation, and they are likely to take what you say literally. For example, if you say, “If I see that thing in your hands again…,” he may continue to play with the prohibited item, turning away so that you cannot see it. Give clear instructions such as, "Please don't touch this thing."

• Help with transitions. Children with NRO tend to dislike change because it is difficult for them to understand it. They may not have the abstract thinking skills needed to imagine what's next. You can prepare your child for routine changes by using logical explanations. Instead of saying, “We're going to have dinner with grandma soon,” try, “We're going to have lunch at grandma's house tonight because it's her birthday. We leave in an hour." nine0005

• Watch your child. A child with NRO may be shocked by sudden external stimuli such as noise, smells, sounds, and temperature. Try to avoid situations that may trigger shock reactions in your child.

• Arrange meetings with friends. Help your child find friends with similar interests, whether it's a love of comics or cooking. Invite friends over for a social experience in a familiar environment. Think about what the children will do, offer them games so that they do not sit idle. It is also best to invite guests at times of the day when the child is usually well-behaved. nine0005

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Study neurological Fast ForWord online method. It is also called "Brain Fitness". By studying Fast ForWord at home, your child will train the brain areas responsible for key executive functions, reading, speech skills, concentration skills, develop memory and other important cognitive skills necessary for successful learning and socialization. Thanks to these activities, more than 3 million children in the world have left special education.

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What can make learning easier?

There are many ways to support your child with NRO:

• Take notes. Monitor the child's behaviors and symptoms, when and where they occur. Your observations will be valuable information for professionals who can help your child.

• Tell your child's doctor about your findings to discuss possible next steps. This may include a referral to a psychologist who can conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan. nine0005

• Talk to your child's teacher to find out what problems your child is having at school. Ask what methods of assistance have been used and which ones are most effective. Discuss with teachers if the child needs special education.

• Contact other parents. Discuss your observations with parents who have experienced similar problems, perhaps they can share their successful experience with you.

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