Types of LEARNING DISORDERS: DSM-V classification

The DSM-V is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders very commonly used in psychology. It is a manual that groups together the different existing mental disorders and integrates the criteria required to diagnose each of the disorders. In this Psychology-Online article, Types of learning disorders: DSM-V classification, the different learning disorders are exposed according to the classification of this psychological manual.

Index

1. Types of learning disorders according to DSM-V
2. Learning Disorder with Reading Difficulty
3. Learning Disorder with Difficulty in Writing
4. Learning Disorder with Calculus Difficulty
5. Severity of learning disorders according to DSM-V

There are different types of learning disorders. The DSM-V manual classifies the different disorders into groups, and specifically, learning disorders are found within the disorders specific learning disorders, which are part of the group of neurodevelopmental disorders, that is, disorders originating in the period of development of person. In addition, the degree of severity of the disorder that the person presents (severe, moderate or mild) must also be specified, which we will explain later.

Thus, the classification of types of learning disorders according to the DSM-V manual includes: reading disorder, writing disorder and calculation disorder.

Reading disorder, one of the types of learning disorders according to DSM-V, is characterized by the presence of a performance in reading accuracy, speed or comprehension of words that are below expected performance based on the person's age and IQ. Also, because of this low performance, directly affects the academic performance and daily life of the person, as long as they are activities that involve reading.

It is necessary to know how to differentiate dyslexia from learning disorder with reading difficulties. What is dyslexia? Dyslexia consists of a set of learning difficulties characterized by word recognition problems, misspelling and spelling difficulties. On the other hand, when it comes to the reading disorder we are talking about, more difficulties are included, in addition to those mentioned in dyslexia.

Another type of DSM-V learning disorder is the learning disorder with difficulty in writing. Writing disorder, according to the DSM-V, affects spelling, grammar, spelling punctuation, clarity and organization of written expression. For example, the person with this disorder can add, omit or substitute letters or words. For this reason, it is common for texts written by someone with this disorder to be illegible or difficult to read. Thus, writing skills are below expectations in relation to the person's age and IQ. Thus, as with reading disorder, writing disorder significantly affects academic performance or the activities that the person is used to doing during their day to day and that are closely related to writing.

Another type of DSM-V learning disorder is a learning disorder with computational difficulty. Calculus disorder, according to DSM-V, is characterized by the presence of difficulties in number sense, memorization of arithmetic operations, correct or fluent calculation and correct mathematical reasoning. Thus, the calculation skills of people affected by this disorder are below expectations in relation to the age and IQ of the person. As in the previous disorders, the stone disorder also affects significantly significant to school performance and daily activities of the person that require the ability calculation.

In this case, it is necessary to differentiate the stone disorder from dyscalculia. What is dyscalculia? On the one hand, dyscalculia is a term used to refer to a pattern of difficulties characterized for problems of processing numerical information, learning arithmetic operations and correct calculation or fluid. On the other hand, the stone disorder includes more difficulties together with those mentioned in dyscalculia.

As we have mentioned before, learning disorders can be suffered in different degrees of severity:

1. Serious: This degree of severity is characterized by the presence of serious difficulties in skills that affect multiple academic areas. In this way, the person shows little probability of being able to learn these skills, so it would be necessary to dedicate a teaching specialized and intense during most of the school years, school adaptations, home adaptations and even home school adaptations job. Still, the person may not be able to perform tasks effectively.
2. Moderate: In this grade there are notable difficulties in learning skills in one or more academic areas, so Therefore, it is unlikely that the person could become effective without some period of intense and specialized. In order to be able to reinforce affected people, it may be necessary to provide some accommodations or supports at some point of the day, not always, at school, at home or at work.
3. Mild: In this case, there are some difficulties in learning skills in one or two academic areas, but these are mild enough to that the person can function correctly although in certain situations, especially during the school stage, requires some adaptation or support suitable.

In intervention of learning disorders will be used different types of learning strategies, among other tools. In these cases, the participation of a professional from the educational psychology with knowledge of the processes of disorders and learning processes.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Types of learning disorders: DSM-V classification, we recommend that you enter our category of Learning disorders.

• American Psychiatric Association. (2014). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DSM 5. 5th Edition. USA: Pan American.