According to a new study, up to 10% of the population suffers from specific learning disabilities often caused by dyslexia, ADHD, or autism. In reality, they are affecting two to three students in every classroom. But what impact do these invisible impairments have on learning? And what can we do to ensure that these kids that have learning disabilities have the skills they need to reach their full potential? This post will go over how ADHD, autism, and dyslexia may affect learning and how to get help. So keep reading to see how you can help your child or yourself perform better in school.

What is a learning disability?

An intellectually disabled youngster may struggle with cognitive and adaptive functioning and frequently have an IQ of less than 70. They will learn slower than others in any area of study. On the other hand, a child with a learning disability only has difficulties in a specific area relevant to learning. Therefore, learning difficulties and intellectual disabilities are not the same things. Learning disabilities classify as discrete neurological disorders rather than developmental issues. However, other impairments that a child may have can cause learning disabilities.

ADHD, autism, and dyslexia can affect the ability to  learn in small children, as well as in teenagers or adults

How does ADHD affect learning?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not a learning disability but makes learning more challenging  It may, for example, make it difficult for you to concentrate on what your teacher is saying. Or make you unable to sit down and ability to read a book.

Unfortunately, ADHD often goes hand in hand with learning disabilities. And when a person has more than one condition, it might be hard to identify the second one since they can overlap. If you already have an ADHD diagnosis, it is simple to blame all of your problems on ADHD. Moreover, learning disabilities manifest differently in each individual, making identification more difficult. Therefore, the first step in dealing with your disabilities is to get a correct diagnosis.

Furthermore, when diagnosis of ADHD it is critical to treat ADHD and learning disabilities together. For instance, if your child is taking medication to treat ADHD, their learning difficulties can continue.  At the same time, if they are receiving only LD medication, they will still struggle with their attention and impulsivity.

How does autism affect learning?

Just like adult with ADHD, autism isn’t a learning disability. However, it impacts learning, often in ways resembling learning disabilities, and children with autism are frequently in need of learning services. One of the primary ways autism impairs learning is through speech and language difficulties. In reality, language development issues and speech impairments are sometimes the first indications that a child may have autism. At the same time, developmental delays can indicate autism and can also affect learning abilities. They can inhibit memory, speech, coordination, reasoning, and the capacity to perform simple tasks, all of which are necessary for learning. As a result, correctly diagnosing people with a learning disability, autism, or both as soon as possible can ensure they receive the appropriate support. It may be hard to diagnose someone with a moderate learning deficit and autism, but it is not impossible.  Only a trained professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, such as a Neuropsychologist  or a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician. These professionals will know how to identify a child’s disabilities and how to help.

Autism will often be associated with ADHD or other learning disabilities

Dyslexia and learning disabilities

As opposed to ADHD and autism, dyslexia is part of the learning disabilities but can also affect other SLDs. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects more than 40 million Americans, although only two million are aware of their condition. A person that has dyslexia will often have difficulty recognizing words, spelling, or decoding. Unfortunately, this condition might have secondary implications, such as reading comprehension issues, a lack of reading experience, and a weak vocabulary. Moreover, dyslexia is a frequent learning impairment among children, but teenagers and adults with dyslexia also frequently present symptoms.

However, Children with dyslexia will have fewer difficulties learning to read if they get appropriate phonological awareness and phonics teaching in kindergarten and first grade. At the same time, more than 70% of students who are poor readers in third grade are poor readers in ninth grade too. Many, because they do not get the necessary intensity or length of literacy training. Also, they frequently struggle to read as adults. But, it is never too late for people with dyslexia to learn how to read, understand, and express information. Therefore, if you are struggling with dyslexia, don’t lose hope. Instead, reach out to your parents, teachers, and therapists to be able to succeed in school and later in life.

Learning difficulties that are frequently co-occurring with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.

Learning impairments are different for each child. One kid may struggle with reading and spelling, while another loves to read but struggles with mathematics. Other children may have difficulties understanding what others are saying or have trouble talking. The issues are diverse, yet they are all learning disabilities. Here are some examples:

●   Dyscalculia – impacts a person’s capacity to understand numbers and learn math skills.

●   Dysgraphia – handwriting and fine motor abilities are affected by this learning impairment.

●   Non-verbal learning disabilities – nonverbal signs such as facial expressions or body language may be hard to comprehend, and coordination may be poor.

●   Oral or written language disorder and specific reading comprehension deficit – affect a person’s comprehension of what they read or of a spoken language. The capacity to express oneself verbally may also be limited.

●   Dyspraxia – is characterized by difficulties with mobility, coordination, language, and speech.

●   Executive functioning – planning, strategizing, organizing, and attention to detail are affected. Also, time and space management is poor.

There are many different learning disabilities, and they can sometimes be hard to diagnose

The bottom line on how ADHD, autism, and dyslexia can affect learning.

ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and learning disabilities are impossible to cure. However, this doesn’t mean that you or your child can’t have a successful and happy life. Many successful people with  ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, among other learning difficulties, exist. For example, Orlando Bloom has dyslexia, yet it hasn’t stopped him from being a well-known actor. Michael Phelps, one of the best swimmers of all time, has ADHD, and Albert Einstein had autism. Therefore, there is hope for everyone.

Did you enjoy the article? Please consider joining our newsletter or making a small donation so we can continue helping those suffering from LD who are in need. Thank you.

---