Language Based Learning Disabilities

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by Eileen Bailey
Tuesday, July 20, 2010

A language based learning disability is one that affects the ability to understand or use either spoken or written language. The most common language based LD is dyslexia. It is estimated that 20 percent of the U.S. population has some type of learning disability. 85 percent of all people with an LD have difficulty reading. [1]

Characteristics of Language Based Learning Disabilities

There is no specific set of symptoms that define a learning disability, as each person experiences problems differently and to different degrees. For example, one person may have difficulty with written language, specifically writing, while another may have more problems with reading. There are, however, a number of characteristics common in language based learning disabilities:

• Problems understanding what is read, reading comprehension difficulties

• Trouble learning alphabet

• Difficulty with rhyming words, remembering directional commands, such as "right" and "left" or "in front of" and "behind"

• Problems connecting written letter to the sound it makes or often forgets what sound a letter makes

• Developmental delays in starting to talk, using a limited vocabulary or having a smaller vocabulary than would be considered within normal range for age

• Interprets things literally, even when not meant that way, hard time understanding jokes or sarcasm

• Difficulty following directions

• Using words that sound similar in place of one another

• Problems processing information when large amounts of words are spoken

• Difficulty organizing thoughts

• Trouble with word recall

• Difficulty with sequencing, such as what came first, second or third in a story

• Gap between potential and achievements

• Difficulty distinguishing individual sounds in spoken words

• Weak skills in reading aloud, stopping or pausing often to sound out word or making numerous errors when pronouncing words

• Sloppy handwriting

• May be good at explaining orally but difficulty putting concept on paper

• Doesn't like to or avoids reading either for pleasure or to look up information

• Persistent difficulty with spelling

• Sounding out words takes away from reading comprehension

This list is certainly not comprehensive, however, provides an overview of some of the areas individuals with language based learning disabilities may have problems.

Diagnosis of Language Based Learning Disabilities

Usually, either a parent or a teacher will see signs of a learning disability and request an evaluation. This is done by a speech and language pathologist (SLP). During the evaluation the SLP looks at:

• The ability to understand the spoken language

• The ability to follow directions

• How well the child uses phonetics to sound out words

• Whether a child has difficulty rhyming words

• Whether a child can break a word into syllables or put individual syllables together to form a word

• A child's writing skills and handwriting

• The ability to remember a list of words

• The ability to sound out nonsense words

Based on this evaluation, as well as interviews with family and teachers and observing the child within the classroom, the SLP will determine if a child has a disability and if the disability is severe enough to warrant special education.

Treatment

There is no medical treatment for learning disabilities. If learning disabilities are severe enough to warrant special education, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) will be completed providing the child with services and accommodations to help him learn and succeed.

Some examples of accommodations in the classroom include: