Learning problems and learning disorders.

What is the difference between a learning problem and a learning disorder?

The terms ‘learning problems’ and ‘learning disorder’ seem similar but do not mean the same.

• Learning problems often arise due to circumstances. For example if a child has been sick for a long time, has a difficult period or receives too little support. With extra explanation or help at school these problems usually disappear or decrease.
• Some learning problems are permanent. We then call this a learning disorder. They relate to the way your child’s brain processes information. Examples are dyslexia (problems with reading and spelling), dyscalculia (problems with math) and non-verbal learning disorders (NLD). With the right support, children with a learning disorder can learn well, but they often need a different approach.

How do you recognize learning problems?

Every child learns at their own pace. However, there are signals that can point to learning problems or sometimes a learning disorder.

Pay attention for example to:

• great difficulty with reading, writing or math;
• low self-confidence with tasks at school;
• quickly distracted or difficulty planning;
• problems with reading comprehension or remembering information;
• tension or stomach ache before school days.

Do you recognize these learning issues in your child? Talk about it with the teacher or mentor. Together you can see if extra help or investigation is needed. Or contact us for advice.

How does the school help with learning problems?

The school must investigate what your child needs. Does the school think your child has a learning problem or learning disorder? Then the teacher will talk about this with you.

Together you look at which help suits the learning problem. This can be:

• extra guidance in the class;
• practice with special materials or software;
• extra time on tests;
• or guidance by a specialist.

Does your child need more help than the school can normally provide? Then there is additional support. The school then makes a plan to help your child. This is called the development perspective plan.

Which learning problems or disorders are most common?

• Dyslexia: difficulty with reading, spelling and writing.
• Dyscalculia: difficulty with math and arithmetic.
• ADHD: difficulty concentrating and staying calm.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASS): difficulty making contact or strong reaction to stimuli.
• NLD (non-verbal learning disorder): difficulty planning, keeping overview and communicating without words.
• Giftedness with learning problems: sometimes children have difficulty learning because of too little challenge or boredom, or because they learn and work differently.

If you do not see a learning disorder in the list above that you recognize in your child, ask the school or youth doctor for more information.

More information about these learning disorders can be found at specialized organizations, such as the NKD (Dutch quality institute dyslexia), Balans or MIND.

Where can you go for help or research?

Always discuss the learning problems or learning disorder first with the school. If you get no further there, you can have an investigation done yourself by an orthopedagogue, psychologist or specialized research agency.

Ouders & Onderwijs is happy to help you on your way. We can think along about how to conduct the conversation with the school or which steps are logical. Contact us for advice.