30th December 2021

Learning disabilities are genetic and it causes the neurological system to perform in a different way, unlike normal kids. Diagnosed with a learning disability is a challenging factor where both kids and parents face a lot of hurdles while dealing with it. Special kids who have learning disabilities always require special care because mental health should be given priority before everything.

Kids having LD have issues with reading and writing and not so fine motor skills. Unfortunately, it has been observed that there are various myths related to learning disabilities and those are absolutely incorrect. These are rumors that have gained popularity due to word of mouth as many people are ignorant of learning problems.

Special education courses on learning disabilities ensure special educators take proper care of gifted children who are dealing with learning disabilities. SEN courses or Special Education Needs courses are online courses and have time and space flexibility.

Aspirants and professional teachers who want to cater to the needs of special children can definitely opt for this course. There are three levels of this course, degree certification, Diploma, and Postgraduate. On successful completion of this course, special teachers receive a globally recognized certificate which is acknowledged across the globe.

There are various types of learning disabilities and are often confused with learning problems which are primarily the result of visual, hearing, motor handicaps, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance, etc.

DYSCALCULIA: It affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts.

DYSGRAPHIA: It affects a person’s handwriting ability and fine motor skills.

DYSLEXIA: It affects reading and related language-based processing skills.

NON-VERBAL LEARNING DISABILITIES: Kids face trouble interpreting nonverbal cues like facial expressions or body language and may have poor coordination.

Oral / Written Language Disorder and Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit: It affects an individual’s understanding of what they read or of spoken language.

Let's now discuss the myths that are related to learning disabilities.

"Accommodations are the best options for students with LD."

Reality: A child with a learning disability always needs extra time to learn a lesson or finish off an assignment. Thus, they always need a separate room or an environment where they can focus more and where other kids with LD are present.

"Tutoring helps kids a lot with learning disabilities"

Reality: Private tutoring is helpful only when some added effort is required or when a kid has missed a class due to illness or for any other reason. Learning disabilities are totally different where a child faces problems in recognizing letters or words, and expressing himself/herself is also a bit difficult.

"Smart kids seldom have a learning disability."

Reality: There are numerous people in the world who have overcome learning disabilities and Albert Einstein is one of them. They are extremely smart and talented. Their mental growth and creativity skills are amazing however, they have basic learning problems like spelling a word correctly or writing it down.

"Dyslexia means seeing letters backward."

Reality: Dyslexia actually means “poor with words or trouble with reading.” This could mean reading fluently, out loud, reading new words, and/or pronouncing words correctly.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

1. Difficulty transferring what is heard to what is seen and vice versa.
2. Struggles pronouncing new words.
3. Poor at distinguishing similarities/differences in words (no, on).
4. Weak at letter sound discrimination (pin, pen).
5. Low reading comprehension.
6. Genetics is the main reason kids are bad at math.

"Physical fitness has little effect on learning."

Reality: If a kid is obese it becomes difficult for him/her to focus on studies. Obesity does not occur due to over-eating but there are multiple hormonal reasons that result in weight gaining. Due to this, the capacity of kids to focus on their academics gets reduced. Doctors these days prescribe that a healthy lifestyle comprising of nutritious food and physical exercises often cures many diseases than pills. Hence, physical fitness has a great impact on the learning process.

Thus, the myths related to Learning Disabilities are here and special education teachers who have pursued courses on learning disabilities are aware of such unfortunate statements. They are qualified enough to use methodologies that will help kids having LD to grow more by overcoming their challenges.