Differences Between Dyslexia And Other Learning Disabilities

  • Deepika Goel Master of Research in Biomedical and Molecular Sciences Research – King’s College London, United Kingdom

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Introduction

Learning disabilities is a neurological disorder that can affect one’s ability to understand, speak or write language. It can also hamper their ability to do maths and may affect coordination during movement. In some cases, learning disabilities may affect the individual’s ability to live alone and take care of themselves.2 These learning disabilities are usually seen in very young children yet are not easy to notice until the child starts school. Learning disabilities could exist solely within an individual, however, two or more could co-exist. They can be extremely isolating lifelong conditions.1 

The top five most common learning disabilities are dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia.3 Dyslexia is said to affect about 9-12% of the global population i.e., in simpler terms, 1 in 10 people are affected. Hence this article will explore the differences between dyslexia and other learning disabilities.4 

What causes a learning disability?2,3

Though it is not clear what exactly causes a learning disability, it is thought that the factor leading to the disability had an impact on the person either before birth, during birth or during early childhood. Various factors for this could be:

  1. Pregnant woman falling ill during her pregnancy
  2. Difficulties during the birthing process which may have decreased the amount of oxygen reaching the brain
  3. Genes from both parents are inherited in the baby which increases the likelihood of a learning disability
  4. An injury during early childhood
  5. Premature birth

What is dyslexia?5

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Its symptoms include difficulty with basic language skills like spelling, writing, and pronunciation. While dyslexia is not due to a lack of intelligence or desire to learn, it is referred to as a learning disability because it can make it very challenging for a student with dyslexia to succeed academically. However, if given extra support, students with dyslexia can learn successfully. Individuals with dyslexia often have difficulties in:

  1. Developing speech skills
  2. Learning the alphabet and phonetics
  3. Structuring both written and verbal language
  4. Memorising numerical information
  5. Reading at a pace that eases understanding
  6. Managing and understanding lengthy reading tasks
  7. Spelling accurately
  8. Learning a foreign language
  9. Performing maths operations correctly

It is to be noted that not all students struggling with these areas have dyslexia. The only way to confirm dyslexia is through assessments of reading, language, and writing abilities. A complete evaluation includes listening and expressive language skills, phonological skills (the ability to break down words into their constituent sounds), the ability to rapidly identify letters, and understanding words in isolation and in context.

Other learning disabilities

Aside from dyslexia, many other common learning disabilities exist, some of which are discussed below.

ADHD 

A neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs an individual’s ability to focus and manage hyperactivity levels. It is the second most common learning disability and affects people of all ages. ADHD can make concentration difficult, for example, often resulting in the child disrupting others in a classroom setting. Some common symptoms of ADHD include mood swings, difficulty remaining quiet, and impulsivity.

Dyscalculia

A learning disability impacts an individual's maths skills, making it difficult to grasp maths concepts, perform arithmetic calculations, and solve basic maths problems such as addition, subtraction, etc. This is different from an individual who finds maths challenging but can eventually understand it with practice. Individuals with dyscalculia can face issues with mathematical concepts like telling the time and making estimations.

Dysgraphia

A learning disability that affects an individual's writing abilities. It can be identified with individuals facing difficulties with spelling, poor grammar, poor handwriting, or challenges in expressing thoughts in written form.

Dyspraxia or developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

S neurological disorder that impairs the ability to plan and coordinate movement. This can affect both fine motor skills, such as writing or tying shoelaces i.e., hand-eye coordination, and gross motor skills, such as balance and coordination. It can also affect a person's ability to process information and complete tasks in the correct sequence. Although dyspraxia primarily affects motor skills, it can also hinder specific learning processes.

While many children experience difficulty in reading, writing or learning, these do not necessarily indicate a learning disability. An individual with a learning disability would usually exhibit multiple signs that persist without improvement. Common signs for the above-listed common learning disabilities may include:6

  1. Problems reading and/or writing
  2. Problems with maths
  3. Poor memory
  4. Difficulty staying focused and being easily distracted
  5. Trouble following directions
  6. Clumsiness
  7. Trouble telling time
  8. Problems staying organised
  9. Acting impulsively 
  10. Difficulty pronouncing words correctly or expressing thoughts clearly
  11. Inconsistent school performance
  12. Speaking in short phrases like a younger child, often leaving out words in sentences
  13. Having difficulty listening
  14. Struggling with changes in schedule or situations
  15. Problems understanding words or concepts

Key differences between dyslexia and other learning disabilities

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects skills involved in reading, writing, and spelling. It is referred to as a "learning difficulty" rather than a "learning disability" because it does not impact intellectual ability.7,8 People with learning difficulties like dyslexia have the intellectual ability to understand words but are prevented by the barrier created by the condition. Learning difficulties can be overcome by changing learning styles, the way the information is presented, or giving people more time to understand and complete tasks than those without learning difficulties. People with learning disabilities may need support from equipment and from other people to overcome obstacles between them and their learning. They can have trouble remembering information, which could include their name, age, address, or important medical details.

The symptoms and manifestation of these disorders vary and have a distinct recognising feature to differentiate between them. While most learning disabilities impact social functioning, the differences include:

  • Dyslexia affects reading and language processing 
  • ADHD affects the attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsivity 
  • Dysgraphia causes difficulty with handwriting or expressing thoughts in written format 
  • Dyscalculia leads to difficulty with concepts in maths and numbers 
  • Dyspraxia impairs the ability to plan and coordinate movements. 

Since their manifestation varies, the line of treatment also varies amongst these conditions. These include:

  1. Dyslexia-specific interventions include educational interventions, phonological awareness training and multisensory structured language education
  2. ADHD-specific interventions include cognitive behavioural therapy/ social skills training and medications such as non-stimulants as a last resort
  3. Specialised maths instructions for dyscalculia
  4. Occupational therapy for dysgraphia wherein therapists work to improve the hand strength and fine motor coordination needed to type and write by hand9
  5. Occupational therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy for dyspraxia

Summary

Learning disabilities are neurological disorders that affect skills like reading, writing, maths, speech, movement coordination, and focus. Common types include dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia. Dyslexia, impacting 9-12% of people, hinders reading, spelling, and language skills, despite not being linked to intelligence. ADHD affects focus and hyperactivity, dyscalculia disrupts maths abilities, dysgraphia impairs writing, and dyspraxia affects motor coordination. Learning disabilities often show persistent signs such as difficulties with memory, organisation, and comprehension. Treatments vary by disorder and include educational interventions, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and specialised instruction.

References

  1. Learning disabilities | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/learning-disabilities
  2. nhs.uk [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Learning disabilities. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/
  3. The top 5 most common learning disabilities & their symptoms - ldrfa [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Available from: https://www.ldrfa.org/the-top-5-most-common-learning-disabilities-their-symptoms/
  4. What is dyslexia – european dyslexia association [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Available from: https://eda-info.eu/what-is-dyslexia/
  5. Dyslexia basics - international dyslexia association [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Available from: https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/
  6. What are some signs of learning disabilities? | nichd - eunice kennedy shriver National Institute of child health and Human Development [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Available from: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/signs
  7. Mencap [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 13]. What is a learning disability? Available from: https://www.mencap.org.uk/learning-disability-explained/what-learning-disability
  8. What is the difference between learning difficulties and learning disabilities? [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Available from: https://www.seashelltrust.org.uk/what-is-the-difference-between-learning-difficulties-and-learning-disabilities/
  9. Team TU. Understood. [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Treatment for kids with dysgraphia. Available from: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/treatment-options-for-dysgraphia

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Deepika Goel

Master of Research in Biomedical and Molecular Sciences Research – King’s College London, United Kingdom

Deepika has a deep passion and motivation for biological research and has achieved significant academic success. During her course of study, she gained hands-on experience with various molecular biological techniques which honed her practical skills and dedication to excellence.

Her strong written communication skills were evident from her top grades in research poster presentations and her 25,000-word thesis, which also gave her a chance to present her work at an international conference.

Additionally, she has experience in the software industry and a background in teaching which refined her ability to communicate complex concepts effectively which is an invaluable asset for presenting research findings, authoring scientific papers, and collaborating across teams.

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