Some of the conditions on this list may not be classified as true learning disabilities. As some disorders are closely related, and potentially occur together, an understanding of each of them is important in helping you or your child seek proper treatment.
Auditory Processing Disorder
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, APD refers to how the central nervous system uses auditory information. Symptoms in children are often misdiagnosed as ADHD or even hearing loss.
Relevant links:
Understood.org
Learning Disabilities Association of America
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is sometimes called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), but the correct medical term is ADHD. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association describes ADHD as “a brain-based syndrome that has to do with the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and related behaviors.”
Relevant links:
CHADD.org
LDOnline.org
Autism Spectrum Disorder
The CDC defines ASD as a “developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” It can be broken into several conditions:
- Autistic Disorder
- Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
- Asperger Syndrome
Relevant Links:
AutismSpeaks.org
Autism-Society.org
Dyscalculia
According to Dyscalculia.org, this disorder is indicated by a lack of achievement in mathematics in relation to age, level of intelligence, and level of instruction. It can be divided into developmental dyscalculia, which occurs from birth, or acquired dyscalculia, which is the usually the result of an injury or stroke.
Relevant Links:
AboutDyscalculia.org
DyscalculiaInfo.org
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia goes beyond simply having poor handwriting. It is a neurologically-based learning issue that may manifest itself in children who have unusual struggles with writing, spelling, and expressing themselves by organizing thoughts into written expression.
Relevant links:
SmartKidsWithLearningDisabilities.org
ReadingRockets.org
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is indicated by issues with language, speech, movement, and coordination. It is not, in itself, a learning disability, but it often exists with other LDs such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, or ADHD.
Relevant Links:
DyspraxiaUSA.org
DyspraxiaFoundation.org.uk