The definition of learning disability differs from country to country. Basically, learning disability refers to the child’s own disability in functioning that leads to his or her learning difficulty. The disability in functioning can be categorized as biological or psychological disability. In some places, any difficulty that a child encounters right after birth is considered as having learning disability. The Malaysian ministry of education defines learning disability as deficiency of the cognitive development. So, children with learning disability include those who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome, mild Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), intelligence challenged and specific learning disorder (e.g. Dyslexia).
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), 4th Edition ,text revised, learning disability can be categorized into 3 groups:
1. Reading Disorder
This is one of the most common learning disabilities. Research shows that this disorder is related to the abnormal development of the brain and it is not related to the child’s IQ. The child has normal IQ score and appears normal and smart but his or her reading performance falls far below children of the same age. He/She cannot remember vocabulary taught, has poor spelling and phonics and is slow in reading. The child is often misunderstood as being lazy, not paying attention, has bad learning attitude, etc.
2. Disorder of Written Expression
The essential feature of this disorder is writing skills that fall substantially below those expected given the child’s chronological age. It is also known as a sensory integration problem (visual and kinesthetic) that results in children having writing difficulties. Children with such disorder have poor copying ability and poor handwriting in spite of putting in a lot of effort to write. In many cases, a child can have a comorbid of reading disorder and disorder of written expression, which is also known as Dyslexia.
3. Mathematics Disorder
The prevalence of Mathematics Disorder alone is lower than the prevalence of other learning disorders. Children with Mathematics Disorder have difficulty in applying or manipulating math concepts or symbols. For instance, they may struggle with organization of numbers, operation sign, sequencing, etc. At the same time, their performance in visual organization tasks (i.e. difficulty to complete puzzles and blocks) is not on par with children in their age group.
Children’s difficulties can be overcome if early intervention is given. Below are the prevalent features of learning disabilities. Kindly contact A Zon team if your child is encountering any such difficulties.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), 4th Edition ,text revised, learning disability can be categorized into 3 groups:
1. Reading Disorder
This is one of the most common learning disabilities. Research shows that this disorder is related to the abnormal development of the brain and it is not related to the child’s IQ. The child has normal IQ score and appears normal and smart but his or her reading performance falls far below children of the same age. He/She cannot remember vocabulary taught, has poor spelling and phonics and is slow in reading. The child is often misunderstood as being lazy, not paying attention, has bad learning attitude, etc.
2. Disorder of Written Expression
The essential feature of this disorder is writing skills that fall substantially below those expected given the child’s chronological age. It is also known as a sensory integration problem (visual and kinesthetic) that results in children having writing difficulties. Children with such disorder have poor copying ability and poor handwriting in spite of putting in a lot of effort to write. In many cases, a child can have a comorbid of reading disorder and disorder of written expression, which is also known as Dyslexia.
3. Mathematics Disorder
The prevalence of Mathematics Disorder alone is lower than the prevalence of other learning disorders. Children with Mathematics Disorder have difficulty in applying or manipulating math concepts or symbols. For instance, they may struggle with organization of numbers, operation sign, sequencing, etc. At the same time, their performance in visual organization tasks (i.e. difficulty to complete puzzles and blocks) is not on par with children in their age group.
Children’s difficulties can be overcome if early intervention is given. Below are the prevalent features of learning disabilities. Kindly contact A Zon team if your child is encountering any such difficulties.
| Toddler | Pre-school Age | Other difficulties |
| • Delay in speech/language development • Not able to master letters of the alphabet • Difficulty in understanding and following instructions • Poor memory (especially in numbers or vocabulary) • Poor balancing and body coordination / appear clumsy |
• Difficulty in copying and completing homework • Difficulty in reading and spelling • Not able to arrange numbers and letters of the alphabet in sequence • Difficulty in understanding abstract concept • Poor handwriting; handwriting is difficult to read • Poor Mathematical concept |
• Poor sense of direction and time • Poor planning and organizational skills • Low self-esteem and no interest in academic learning |
