Can learning disabilities be prevented?

Tanya Mayer - 31 Aug 19

Having a learning disability is different from having learning difficulties. A learning disability is a reduced capacity for dealing with information in general, including everyday tasks or socializing, dealing with financial matters and career opportunities. When it comes to education, someone with learning disabilities can struggle with math, reading and language skills. But can learning disabilities be prevented? Possibly, and usually at a prenatal stage, but there are strategies and methods to assist and support those with learning disabilities to cope with this lifelong condition and to gain a level of independence previously unavailable. 

Overview

Learning disabilities vary greatly and can be severe or mild. The main thing they have in common is that they are lifelong. It can be difficult to identify a mild case, as the person may integrate well, but struggle with certain things, such as filling in forms or dealing with their financial matters – things which lead to other more complex problems. Children with learning disabilities or other special educational needs are twice as likely to be bullied than other children. This can destroy confidence and lead to increased social anxiety and withdrawal. A worrying statistic is that just one in three people with a learning disability take part in educational or vocational training programs. A lack of professional training is also a major issue – although this is something that is changing. 

How can learning disabilities be managed? 

As with many issues which living with a disability raises, a major factor is the availability of support by highly trained carers, educational assistants and support workers A common approach to managing learning disabilities is providing the students with special education. Learning specialists have been trained to find a person’s strengths which can make up for certain weaknesses. There are various methods these experts apply to assist children when it comes to learning. Furthermore, having a disability support worker around can also help a student in achieving their goals. 

How are they caused? 

Most learning disabilities are formed either prior to birth or at birth, but sometimes soon after. They can occur when the brain is still developing, where sometimes things can cause irregularities in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Sometimes the disability can be passed genetically, but sometimes factors during pregnancy, such as an accident or illness suffered by the mother can increase the chances. Likewise, an accident or illness suffered by an infant can lead to a learning disability, as can starvation of oxygen at birth. There is a myriad of different factors which can cause learning disabilities and determine their severity and impact on a person’s life. 

Can they be prevented? 

Whilst the causes of learning disabilities are wide and varied – as we have seen above – there are some ways to minimize the risk. Leading a safe and healthy lifestyle whilst pregnant is vital (and should go without saying). If an unborn or young child is exposed to toxins such as lead this can lead to a learning disability, so limited exposure or total avoidance of it can be safer. Aiding a young child’s development if they are showing signs of learning disability can help to reduce the severity of the situation – these include coordination practice at the crawling and writing/motor skills stages, which although not fully proven, have been said to aid a child with learning disabilities development. There are really no proven causes but as with many conditions, an early diagnosis is essential and extremely beneficial to putting a support and treatment plan in place. With a good plan, a child with learning disabilities often performs better at school and suffers less than children who are diagnosed at a later date. 

Consult the professionals

All parents keep – or should keep – a close eye on their child’s development. If there appear to be signs of abnormalities in motor skills, communication problems or general development then seeking a professional opinion is essential. 

For those living with learning disabilities and for those family members supporting them life can be tough. With less severe disabilities though, life can be fairly normal for an individual, although they still may need support from a professional.  

Tanya Mayer

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