What are learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities are lifelong problems that affect how you learn. Some common learning disabilities are:

• dyslexia — specific learning disorder with impairment in reading
• dysgraphia — specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression
• dyscalculia — specific learning disorder with impairment in mathematics
• developmental coordination disorder (DCD or dyspraxia)

A learning disability can affect how you:

• take in information
• remember information
• understand information
• express information

People with learning disabilities are of average or above average intelligence. They do not have an intellectual disability.

In Australia, up to 1 in every 10 people has a learning disability.

Learning disabilities are a type of neurodiversity.

The terms 'learning disabilities', 'learning differences' and 'learning difficulties' are often used to mean the same thing. However, there are differences between these terms.

• Learning disabilities — are learning difficulties that do not improve with teaching intervention.
• Learning differences — are the different ways and speed at which you learn.
• Learning difficulties — are other things that affect learning such as not going to school and poor teaching.

What are the symptoms of learning disabilities?

If you have a learning disability, you have difficulties with academic skills such as:

• reading
• writing
• maths
• spelling

You may also have difficulties with:

• attention
• organisation
• time management

If your child has a learning disability they may:

• not be interested in school work or take a long time to complete it
• have trouble following directions
• find it hard to focus or be easily distracted
• have trouble making friends
• have problems with their motor skills, such as using scissors or learning to tie shoelaces
• not remember what they’ve been taught

If you have a learning disability you may not process information as well as someone without a learning disability. Often there's a gap between your potential and what you achieve at school.

What causes a learning disability?

Learning disabilities are caused by a neurodevelopmental condition (the way your brain develops).

This can be due to:

• how your brain works
• your environment
• your genes

You may have a family member with learning difficulties.

When should I see my doctor?

You may want to talk with your doctor, after talking to your child’s teacher.

Your doctor may refer your child to:

• a paediatrician (doctor who treats children)
• a speech therapist — who can support language-related problems
• an occupational therapist — to support handwriting and coordination

If your doctor refers your child to an allied health provider, you may be able to get a Medicare rebate.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How are learning disabilities diagnosed?

Your child’s teacher will know how your child is doing at school. A child's difficulty in school is not always due to a learning disability.

While your child's teacher may screen for learning difficulties, you need to see a specialist for a diagnosis.

Learning disabilities can only be diagnosed after 6 months of a teaching intervention that focuses on improving skills.

Often, this is an educational psychologist who specialises in the identification of specific learning disorders. It's important that you see a professional who is qualified to use the tools needed to make a diagnosis.

If you think your child has a learning disability, it's important to get them assessed. The earlier your child gets help, the greater their chances of success. This is called early intervention.

Contact AUSPELD to learn more about getting your child assessed.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How are learning disabilities treated?

The treatment of learning disabilities depends on the type of disability your child has. They will need help from a trained professional to target their area of need.

This may be:

• at school
• tutoring outside of school

There are many intervention programs that you can use. Some of these are free and others cost money.

Whichever program you choose, it's important that it is:

• based on current evidence
• supported by independent reviews (not just by the program)

A learning disability can’t be cured. People with learning disabilities need support to help them succeed at school and work.

Auspeld's resource 'Understanding learning difficulties; a practical guide for parents', has a list of evidence-based phonics programs.

Learning disabilities at school

The school should also make reasonable adjustments to support your child in their learning.

You may find that electronic devices can help support your child's learning, such as:

• reading pens
• text to speech
• electronic spell checkers
• educational apps

Learning disabilities are recognised under the Australian Disability Discrimination Act. This means your child has the same rights to education as any other child.

You can learn more about the Disability Discrimination Act, at Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.

What are the complications of learning disabilities?

People with a learning disability are more likely to have difficulties in other areas of learning. For instance, you may also have difficulties with:

• attention
• organisational skills

People with learning disabilities also often have weaknesses in:

• phonological processing — using sounds to process spoken and written language
• orthographic processing — being able to understand and recognise writing conventions (spelling rules, letter patterns, capitalisation, hyphenation and punctuation)
• working memory — being able to hold and use information in your mind

It's important to remember that learning disabilities are life-long disabilities.

Low self-esteem

Some people with learning disabilities develop low self-esteem.

If your child has a learning disability, there are ways you can support them. Try to encourage and focus on your child's strengths. This helps to build their resilience.

Other things you can do to help your child develop positive self-esteem are:

• Give them opportunities to help.
• Offer choices — this gives them a sense of control in their life.
• Help them gain problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Be empathetic — acknowledge when they are having difficulty and work together to think about solutions.
• Help them feel special and appreciated.
• Have realistic expectations for your child.
• Do not make judgemental comments.
• Don’t compare them to any siblings.
• Help your child understand the nature of their learning disability.

Can learning disabilities be prevented?

Learning disabilities cannot be prevented. They are part of who you are.

Resources and support

If you're concerned about your child, you can use Auspeld's free Next Steps Screening Tool.

Auspeld also have a resource called 'Understanding learning difficulties; a practical guide for parents', which you can download for free.

There is support for people with learning disabilities in Australia:

• AUSPELD — Australian Federation of Specific Learning Difficulties (SPELD) Associations
• State SPELD Associations:
  • New South Wales — SPELD NSW
  • Queensland — SPELD Queensland
  • South Australia — SPELD SA
  • Victoria — SPELD VIC
  • Western Australia — DSF Literacy Clinical Services WA
• Australia Dyslexia Association for information and support for dyslexia

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.