The Most Common Learning Disorders, Explained

Dyscalculia

Some individuals struggle more than other with mathematics for a variety of reasons. One of these reasons is the condition dyscalculia, which refers to an inability to process math and numbers well. This can run the range from difficulty ordering numbers correctly to difficulty solving math-based problems. Individuals suffering from this condition will often have trouble with basic math and counting. This difficulty may extend to math-adjacent subjects like telling time, dealing with dates, and estimating things.

Dyscalculia appears to run in families, which suggests there is a genetic component to it. However, scientists have been unable to isolate any gene or genetic marker corresponding to this condition. Therefore, further research will be required to determine precisely what causes dyscalculia. There’s no known cure, as it is a lifelong condition.

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Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that causes patients to struggle with writing. It’s a motor skills disorder, and those who have it struggle to control their hands when attempting to write. Individuals with the condition tend to write very slowly and will often have inconsistent writing styles. The slanting and angles of letters will be irregular, and patients will have difficulties writing in both print and cursive.

The exact cause of dysgraphia is currently not well known. There’s some evidence it can be caused by brain trauma later in life among adults. However, dysgraphia has also found in children where no trauma has been observed. In those cases, children with this condition also tend to be dyslexic or have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other learning disorders.

It should be noted many children struggle with penmanship and writing early in their lives without suffering from dysgraphia. The extent and duration of a child’s struggle with writing determine whether the condition is present or not.

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