FIVE COMMON LEARNING DISABILITIES

WHAT IS A LEARNING DISABILITY?

A learning disability is a brain based condition that affects how you use and understand information. It changes how the brain processes things like words, sounds, or numbers. Each person with a learning disability is different. For example, a person can have a learning disability in reading, writing, listening, speaking, or math. They can have one learning challenge or they can have a combination of learning problems.

These learning difficulties are not caused by lack of effort. They are part of how the brain works. Additionally, learning disabilities occur in people of every race, culture, and background.

People with learning disabilities have average or above average intelligence. They can also show strong abilities in many areas. A learning disability is often a single challenge within many strengths. Many individuals are creative, determined, and strong problem solvers. Therefore, with the right support, they can succeed in school and work. When their strengths are recognized, confidence and success can grow. Likewise, when their learning disability is treated at a young age, they can often learn skills to help them deal with the disability in school and at work.

The following blog reviews five common learning disabilities that occur in adults and children. If you have a learning disability, then it is possible that you qualify for SSD benefits. This article also discusses how to apply for benefits and explains the reasons you should hire the best SSD law firm to help you. Contact us.

1) READING AND LANGUAGE LEARNING DISABILITY (DYSLEXIA)

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading and the ability to understand language. It does not reflect intelligence or effort. Because many people with a reading disorder are creative and intelligent. However, reading words can feel slow and tiring. Letters may seem mixed or you may seem them in reverse order. Additionally, sounds within words can feel unclear. Reading aloud in a classroom may cause stress or fear and silent reading can also be difficult. Another sign that you or your child has a reading disability is that they have trouble spelling and writing down their ideas. This struggle can affect their confidence over time. However, early support can help most people.

Children with dyslexia may avoid books or reading tasks. You may notice, if you are reading with your child, that they may guess words instead of sounding them out.  Teachers may not understand the child’s struggle at first. Parents may notice frustration during homework time. For the child, school tests can feel unfair. However, these children often shine in hands on learning. They may excel in art or problem solving. Stories may be easier for them to tell than to read. Additionally, they often have strong listening and memory skills.

Adults with dyslexia face reading challenges at work and at home. For example, work emails can take extra time to write and to understand. Forms and instructions may cause stress. Many adults develop coping strategies. They may use audio books or speech tools. They often rely on strong verbal skills. Supportive workplaces can make a big difference to the person with a learning disability in language. Understanding reading and language disorders helps remove any shame that may come with the disorder. With help, success is possible. Many people with reading and language disorders have successful careers.

2) WRITING DISORDER (DYSGRAPHIA)

A writing disorder affects writing skills and fine motor control. With this learning disability, writing can feel painful. When you write letters they may look uneven or messy. Spacing between words may be unclear. Holding a pencil can feel awkward. Additionally, your thoughts may move faster than your writing allows. This gap can cause a lot of frustration. Spelling may also be difficult.

Students with dysgraphia may avoid writing whenever possible. They may give short answers to limit writing because it is difficult for them. Thus, teachers may think they lack effort. This is a misunderstanding and can the hurt confidence of the pupil. A student with a writing disorder may be able to show strong understanding of a subject if they are giving an oral answer. Additionally,  drawing or building may feel easier than writing. Teachers can encourage the use of a keyboard to help reduce stress for the student. Extra time on tests can also improve the end result.

Adults with a writing disorder also face daily writing struggles. For example, filling forms out can be slow and tiring. They may have difficulty taking notes during meetings. Writing by hand may cause fatigue. Therefore, many adults prefer typing instead. With computer tools, the employer can help the employee. For example, the employee can use voice tools to record meetings and AI to make notes. Even email or text messages can be improved through use of the AI and software tools.

3) MATH LEARNING DISORDER (DYSCALCULIA)

A math learning disability affects understanding of numbers and math concepts. You may be confused by numbers and math concepts. Simple math facts can be hard to recall. Time and money may feel hard to manage. Math anxiety often grows over time. Counting may feel slow and patterns in numbers may seem unclear. This struggle is not about effort. It reflects how the brain processes numbers.

Children with a math learning disability may fear math class and math homework can cause stress. Teachers may not notice the issue early, because of problems with homework or understanding math in class. Early intervention in the classroom can help the student prepare for the future.

These same children may excel in reading or art. They often think in visual images. Real life math may feel especially hard. Additionally, clocks and schedules can confuse them. But, supportive teaching can improve confidence. Teaching and skills don’t have to come from school. As a parent, you can teach your child skills to deal with their math learning disorder.

Adults with this learning disorder face math challenges daily. For example, preparing a household budget may be difficult. If driving, then being able to estimate time or distance can be hard. Directions using numbers may confuse them. Many adults rely on tools for support. For example, calculators and driving apps can help greatly. Understanding a math learning disorder reduces the problems that come with it.

4) AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER (LEARNING DISABILITY IN PROCESSING SOUNDS)

Auditory Processing Disorder affects how sounds are understood. Hearing may be normal during tests. However, the brain struggles to process sounds clearly. For example, if you have this learning disability, then spoken words may blend together. Background noise can make listening very hard. Also, following directions may be difficult. You may need word and instructions repeated so that they make sense. This can cause frustration and fatigue. However, your struggle is invisible to others.

Children with this disorder may seem like they are not paying attention. They may miss parts of instructions and the classroom may feel too noisy for them. Teachers, however, may think the child’s attention is lacking. These children often learn better with visual cues. Written support, for example, can improve their understanding. Studying in a quiet spaces can help. Also, patience from adults is very important.

Adults with this disorder face challenges at work. For example, meetings with noise can make it difficult to concentrate. Phone calls may cause stress. Misunderstandings in communication may happen often. Many adults ask for written lists and require follow up with instructions. Quiet work spaces can help focus. If the people you work with are understanding, then that can reduce some of the pressure. You can always explain your issues to the other workers and they may be willing to help you. Support from your employer and other workers helps communication feel possible again.

5) NON VERBAL LEARNING DISORDERS SOCIAL CUES AND MOTOR SKILLS

Non Verbal Learning Disorders affect social and motor skills. Verbal skills are often strong. But, the person may miss social cues. Body language can be hard to read. Also, facial expressions may not make sense. Motor skills may feel clumsy or slow. Likewise, drawing or sports may be difficult.

Children with this disorder may talk very well. But, they may struggle with friendships. Group play can be difficult, as they may miss jokes or tone changes. The child’s teachers may see uneven skills. These children often love routines and rules. However, changes can feel upsetting. Parents and teachers should provide clear guidance to help them learn social cues.

Adults with a non verbal learning disability face social challenges daily. They may struggle to make friendships at work. Unspoken social rules can cause stress. Your motor tasks may still feel awkward. Many adults learn social rules through study. Also, if they can get into therapy, then they can learn support skills. With support at work and therapy, your confidence can grow.

WHAT CAUSES LEARNING DISABILITIES?

The exact cause of learning disabilities isn’t clear. However, scientists believe there are several factors that cause learning disorders to occur.

• Genetics. Reading and writing disorders are highly genetic and they run in families. If a child has one parent with dyslexia, for example, then they have a 30% to 50% chance of inheriting it.
• Differences in brain development. If you have a learning disability, then it means your brain formed or works differently. Research shows people with learning disorders have differences in brain structure, chemistry and function.
• Disruptions in brain development. Infections and toxic exposure to things like heavy metals and chemicals can disrupt fetal development and increase the odds of later having a learning disability.

DOES A CHILD’S LEARNING DISABILITY QUALIFY FOR SSI BENEFITS?

If your child has a learning disability that causes severe or extreme functional limitations and those limitations are expected to last 12 months or longer, then your child may qualify for disability benefits from the SSA. For a child to win Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs based program, specific medical and financial criteria must be met.

MEETING THE MEDICAL CRITERIA

The medical guide, or the Blue Book, has sections for different body systems. The listing that applies to children with learning disabilities is referred to under Listing 112.11. This listing applies to math and writing disorders and other learning difficulties. Using this listing, a child must have significant difficulties in their ability to learn and use academic skills. Additionally, they must either be extremely limited in one of the following areas or have severely limited function in two of the following areas:

•  The ability to understand, remember, or apply information
•  Interacting with others
•  Concentrating on tasks and maintaining pace
•  Managing oneself such as protecting yourself from harm, controlling emotions and behaviors, and being able to maintain personal hygiene

While many children have severe learning disabilities in learning and understanding, those children with an IQ higher than 70 will not usually show extreme limitations in these areas. For example, some children with learning disabilities will not have a severe limitation in a second area, such as managing oneself, concentration, or socially. Therefore, meeting the listing can be challenging. Furthermore, many SSA judges are wary of granting SSI benefits to a child, because they do not want to label the child as disabled. They also fear the child will give up trying due to having a disability.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SSI BENEFITS FOR A LEARNING DISABILITY

Nevertheless, if your child has a learning disability and it causes severe limitations, then you should file a disability application. You can do so by filing an application on the SSA’s website. Additionally, you can file an application in person at one of the SSA field offices across the country. Or, you can call the SSA and begin your application over the phone. After the initial application process is complete, the SSA will evaluate your medical records. Their initial decision will usually arrive by mail within three to five months.

If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan, then you should submit that information to the SSA. Additionally, it is possible that your child has had IQ testing or other testing for learning disabilities at school. Make sure you obtain all of those records, along with medical records, and submit them to the SSA. Do this as soon as possible. Do not rely on the SSA to find the evidence for you.

If you are a parent and your child receives SSI benefits, then there is a good chance you will be your child’s representative payee. Learn about the rules that govern a representative payee and disability benefits. There are rules you must follow to use your child’s monthly SSI payments for their best interest.

PROVE YOUR CHILD DESERVES SSI BENEFITS

If you are parent reading this information, know that it is your job to produce evidence about your child. You can do it. Especially if you understand how learning disabilities impact the SSA domain areas. Evidence can be medical records from your child’s doctor. But, evidence can also be from professionals who know your child, like a teacher. Teachers can fill out information regarding the six childhood domains that SSA uses to prove disability.

A teacher or counselor at school can testify about your child’s behavior. For example, if your child has Oppositional Defiant Disorder, their teacher can discuss their behavior toward other children and the teacher at school. They could also talk about your child’s social isolation or trouble with concentration due to Autism Spectrum Disorder or some other mental or physical condition. A teacher can also fill out forms for the SSA about learning disorders. Your child may have a Sunday school teacher or a tutor at school who could give insight into the learning disabilities. Do not overlook any source of evidence.

DOES AN ADULT WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS?

If you are an adult with learning disabilities, then you may know that your issues started in childhood. However, many people struggle through school or certain subjects and are never diagnosed with a learning disability. Even though they have one. If you suspect you are one of these people, then you can get treatment now. Once you receive treatment, then you learn new skills to deal with whatever learning disability you have.

However, if you have a combination of severe learning disabilities, then you may struggle to find and keep a job. If that is the case and you suspect that you will be unable to work for over one year, then you should apply for disability benefits. The SSA evaluates your learning disabilities by looking at medical records, psychological evaluations, school history, and IQ testing results. To win benefits, you must show that your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months and that it prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity.

Medical records from doctors, psychologists, special education records, and work assessments can be especially important in proving how your learning disability affects your ability to work. Getting help from a disability attorney can make the process easier, as they understand how to present evidence and meet SSA requirements.

WE OFFER A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR LEARNING DISABILITY CASE 

If you need help filing for disability benefits, then reach out to our SSD law firm. Taking the first step by calling us.

We offer a free review of your case. What that means is that you can call us and explain your situation. At that point, we will look at the merits of your case for free and let you know if you have a chance to win benefits. We do not charge you for our review of your case.

In the past 30 years, we have won over $100 million in SSDI and SSI benefits for our clients. We are experts at what we do and we will put our knowledge to work for you. We help clients win benefits in many states, including Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and California. Find out about your benefits and how to apply in your state:

• California SSDI and SSI benefits
• Colorado SSDI and SSI benefit information
• Idaho SSDI and SSI benefits
• Nevada SSDI and SSI benefits
• Utah SSDI and SSI benefits

No matter where you live, we want to be your legal team. Hire the best Social Security legal team with no money down. Also, there will be no attorney fee unless we win your case. Contact us today. We will do our best to help you win SSI benefits for you or your child. Also, review recent changes to the SSI rules.

HIRE US TO WIN YOUR LEARNING DISABILITY CASE

In the past 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in disability benefits for our clients. If you want to win benefits for a learning disability, then you should hire an attorney with the experience. One of our lawyers can prove to the SSA that you or your child should be paid benefits. We offer a free case review and there is no attorney fee until you win benefits. Contact us.

If you want to learn about our lawyers and staff, then read our About Us page. For instance, Andria Summers has over twenty years working with our law firm’s clients. She can help you with your Medicare plan. She has also won thousands of disability cases. Dianna Cannon has been helping clients win SSD benefits for over thirty years. Finally, Brett Bunkall also has decades of experience helping people obtain their SSI and SSDI benefits. We are legal experts. You can trust us to help you win benefits for a learning disability.

In the past 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases for our clients. If you win SSI benefits, then you also get Medicaid benefits. Also, we help our clients with their Medicare benefits. Our experts can help you apply for disability benefits using the SSA’s website.

Likewise, if you need an appeal, then we can help you do that too. There are also many forms you will need to fill out. If you have questions about these forms, then we can answer them. You can learn about SSA’s appeal forms.

Call us for a free review of your learning disability case today. If you have questions or concerns about filing disability benefits, then call our SSD law firm. We can help.