What Causes Learning Disabilities?
It is believed that learning disabilities are caused by a
difficulty with the nervous system that affects receiving,
processing, or communicating information. Some learning disabled
children are also hyperactive, easily distracted, and have a short
attention span.
Early Detection and Treatment is Important
Child and adolescent psychiatrists point out that learning
disabilities are treatable, but if not detected and treated early,
they can have a serious "snowballing" effect. For instance, a child
who does not learn addition in elementary school cannot understand
algebra in high school. The child, trying very hard to learn,
becomes more and more frustrated, and develops emotional problems
such as low self-esteem in the face of repeated failure. Some
learning disabled children misbehave in school because they would
rather be seen as "bad" than "stupid."
Warning Signs
Parents should be aware of the most frequent signals of learning
disabilities. Does your child:
Work With A Mental Health Professional
Such problems deserve a comprehensive evaluation by an expert
who can assess all of the different issues affecting the child. A
child and adolescent psychiatrist can help coordinate the
evaluation and work with school professionals and others to
evaluate and test your child to determine if a learning disability
exists. After talking with the child and family and reviewing the
educational testing and consulting with the school, the child and
adolescent psychiatrist will make recommendations on appropriate
school placement, the need for special help such as special
educational therapy or speech-language therapy, and help parents
assisting their child in maximizing his or her learning
potential.
Treatment for Learning Disabilities
Sometimes individual or family psychotherapy
(“talking” about your child’s problems) will be
recommended. Psychotherapy may help to strengthen your
child’s self-confidence; which is vital for healthy
development. Therapy also helps parents and other family members
better understand and cope with the realities of living with a
child with learning disabilities. Medication may be prescribed for
hyperactivity or distractibility.
For More Information:
Contact you local Mental Health Association, community mental
health center, or:
National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
3615 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (800) 333-7636
Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library Rd
Pittsburg, PA 15234
Phone: (412) 341-1515
Learning Disabilities Resources
30 Summit Grove Ave.
PO Box 716
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: (800) 869-8336
