Learning Disabilities

Anyone involved in the school environment is likely familiar with Learning Disabilities. I will attempt to explain this disorder in simple terms.

To understand what Learning Disabilities is, let's first recall the definition of learning. When I talked about memory, I explained that learning is a more or less stable modification of behavior. I also discussed implicit memory (unconscious) and explicit memory (conscious).

In this context, we refer to "academic learning," all those things that are generally taught in school and allow us to increase our knowledge (explicit semantic memory, which is information taught and learned). If one doesn't learn to read and do calculations at an early age, it can be challenging to acquire more complex knowledge, like understanding civics through reading or solving a physics problem.

According to the diagnostic manual (DSM), Learning Disabilities can be diagnosed when there is a persistent difficulty in learning and using academic skills in one of these areas for at least 6 months:

• Reading (also known as dyslexia)
• Comprehending the meaning in reading texts
• Spelling
• Expressing oneself in writing
• Calculation (also known as dyscalculia)
• Mathematical reasoning.

This difficulty results in significantly poorer academic or occupational performance than expected and is not explained by another cause such as a different mental disorder or inadequate school instruction. The disorder typically begins during the school years, but may manifest later.

Perhaps here, you might think, "Is it an exaggeration to define dyslexia as a mental disorder?" It's probably true that all of us struggle to learn something. I've tried to learn musical notation and a martial art with limited success, but no one would say I have a disorder in learning music or physical education. So, why is it essential for one's native language and mathematics?

It's because in "our" world, knowing how to communicate is crucial. Being able to read, understand a text, and tackle a logical-mathematical problem are skills that enable access to more complex knowledge, better-paying jobs, and a better understanding of social rules. Therefore, once again, the DSM places the individual's quality of life at the center. Failing to learn to read significantly impairs one's life in our society, but not being able to learn to play a musical instrument can be frustrating but is not disabling.

Sources:
- American Psychiatric Association (2013) - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
- Bernhill, J. W. (2014) - DSM-5 Clinical Cases.

I suggest watching Richard D. Lavoie's seminar titled: "How Difficult Can This Be? Understanding Learning Disabilities. The F.A.T. City Workshop (Frustration Anxiety Tension)." The YouTube link is as follows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3UNdbxk3xs

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