Specific learning disorders: dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia

Understanding Specific Learning Disorders

Specific learning disorders are classified as communication disorders and manifest as persistent difficulties in the acquisition and use of language.

These difficulties can affect all forms of communication, including spoken and written language, and the use of symbolism.

It is essential to understand that these disorders are not due to a lack of intelligence, but rather to specific alterations in information processing.

Next, we will explore three of the most common specific learning disorders that can be identified in the field of educational psychology.

Dyslexia: Difficulty in Reading and Writing

Dyslexia is defined as a specific difficulty in the processes of reading and writing, which occurs despite completely adequate intelligence.

This disorder usually occurs in children between five and six years of age, coinciding with the onset of formal schooling.

Dyslexia can often be misdiagnosed as a hyperactivity disorder, as the child is easily distracted by the frustration of not understanding.

People with dyslexia tend to interpret the information they receive in an inverted way, which makes it very difficult for them to decode letters.

Despite their difficulties with written language, these children often possess completely normal intelligence and can be very skilled in other areas.

Dysgraphia: The Alteration of Graphic Design in Writing

Dysgraphia, also known as dysorthography, refers to a specific disorder that affects writing, and more specifically, graphic design.

Dysgraphia may be suspected when a child, despite being of the appropriate age, fails to master the correct pencil grip or fine motor skills.

Although the rate of development varies, it is expected that between the ages of five and seven a child will already have greater control and handling when writing.

Difficulty understanding the correct proportions of letters and words is one of the signs that may indicate the presence o