Other causes of learning disabilities must be ruled out before the diagnosis can be confirmed.
Treatment
Remedial education is the best approach to this type of disorder.
Expectations (prognosis)
The degree of recovery depends on the severity of the disorder. Marked improvement is often seen after treatment.
Complications
Learning problems
Low self-esteem
Problems with socializing
Calling your health care provider
Parents who are concerned about their child's language ability should have their child tested by educational professionals.
Prevention
Learning disorders often run in families. Affected or potentially affected families should make every effort to recognize problems early. Intervention can begin as early as preschool or kindergarten.
References
Kelly DP, Natale MJ. Neurodevelopmental function and dysfunction in the school-aged child. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JWIII, Schor NF, Behrman RE, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 29.
Review Date:
12/23/2012
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.