Diagnosing learning difficulties helps a person get the help they need in order to learn the tools to succeed.
Learning difficulties, like many other psychological conditions, do not have any distinct indications of their presence. Especially considering the current lack of a comprehensive understanding of learning difficulties, there can only be evidence leading to its diagnosis rather than tangible proof. One of the means contrived by specialists of establishing this evidence is to compare a student’s abilities in one area against his or her intelligence quotient in all areas.
However, there are also signs that suggest the presence of a learning disability, such as difficulties in:
- Memorizing basic concepts such as the alphabet
- Rhyming words
- Associating letters with sounds
- Reading comprehension/reading aloud
- Basic spelling
- Coordination
- Sensory processes
- Expressing ideas verbally or textually
- Developing or expanding vocabulary
- Understanding mathematical symbols
- Understanding basic arithmetic
- Organizing ideas or completing basic tasks
- Understanding a conversation
- Pronunciation
Qualifiers for Diagnosis
Although the contents of the above list may indicate a learning difficulty, they do not necessary prove its presence. Consistent with the Learning Disability Education Act, in order for a child to have a learning disability, it must first be verified that they do not have any other psychological or physiological impairments such as autism, sensory handicaps, or mental retardation. Additionally, there must be no outside influences that could cause problems with learning and comprehension, to include malnutrition, low income, social distraction, abuse, or physical damage. In other words, if there is difficulty with learning or comprehension and no other conceivable reasons behind the condition are identified, the child can then be diagnosed with a learning difficulty.
Further exploration and research into learning difficulties could then determine what sort of learning difficulty a person has. Learning difficulties can be categorized as one of two groups known as verbal and nonverbal difficulties, which can be further delineated into a variety of subgroups. Those who are certified to conduct such an investigation include:
- Neuropsychologists
- Clinical psychologists
- School psychologists
- Educational psychologists
- Developmental psychologists
- Psychometrists
- Speech and language therapists
- Occupational therapists