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 classificationthe different learning disorders are exposed according to the classification of this psychological manual.
Types of learning disorders according to the 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 specific learning disorders, which are part of the group of neurodevelopmental disorders, that is, disorders originating in the period of development of the person. In addition, the degree of severity of the disorder that the person presents must also be specified (severe, moderate or mild), 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.
Learning disorder with reading difficulty
Reading disorder, one of the types of learning disorders according to the DSM-V, is characterized by the presence of performance in reading accuracy, speed, or comprehension of words that is below the expected performance based on the person’s age and IQ. Furthermore, due to this low performancedirectly 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 a learning disorder with reading difficulty. Dyslexia consists of a set of learning difficulties characterized by problems recognizing words, poor spelling 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.
Learning disorder with difficulty in writing
Another type of learning disorder in the DSM-V is learning disorder with writing difficulty. Writing disorder, according to the DSM-V, affects spelling, grammar, spelling punctuation, clarity and organization of written expression. For example, the person who suffers from this disorder may add, omit or substitute letters or words. Therefore, it is common for texts written by someone who suffers from this disorder to be illegible or difficult to read. So, writing skills are below those expected in relation to the person’s age and IQ. Thus, as in the reading disorder, the writing disorder significantly affects academic performance or the activities that the person usually performs during their daily life and that are closely related to writing.
Learning disorder with difficulty in calculation
Another type of learning disorder in the DSM-V is learning disorder with difficulty in calculation. Calculation disorder, according to the DSM-V, is characterized by the presence of difficulties with number sense, memorizing arithmetic operations, correct or fluid calculation and correct mathematical reasoning. Thus, the calculation abilities of people affected by this disorder are below what is expected in relation to the person’s age and IQ. In the same way as the previous disorders, calculation disorder also significantly affects the person’s school performance and daily activities that require calculation ability.
In this case, it is necessary to differentiate calculus disorder from dyscalculia. On the one hand, dyscalculia is a term used to refer to a pattern of difficulties characterized by problems processing numerical information, learning arithmetic operations, and correct or fluent calculation. On the other hand, calculation disorder includes more difficulties along with those mentioned in dyscalculia.
Severity of learning disabilities according to the DSM-V
As we mentioned previously, learning disorders can be suffered in different degrees of severity:
- 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 chance of being able to learn these skills, so it would be necessary to dedicate specialized and intense teaching during most of the school years, school adaptations, adaptations at home and even adaptations at work. Even so, the person may not be able to perform the tasks effectively.
- Moderate: At this degree there are notable difficulties in learning skills in one or more academic areas, therefore, it is unlikely that the person can become effective without some period of intense and specialized teaching. In order to provide reinforcement to affected people, it may be necessary to provide some adaptations or supports at some time of the day, not always, at school, at home or at work.
- Mild: in this case, there are some difficulties in learning skills in one or two academic areas, but these are difficulties mild enough for the person to be able to function correctly although in certain situations, especially during the school stage, some assistance is required. appropriate adaptation or support.
In intervention of learning disorders, different tools will be used, among others. In these cases, the participation of a professional with knowledge of the disorder processes and learning processes is very important.
This article is merely informative, at 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.
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Bibliography
- American Psychiatric Association. (2014). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DSM 5. 5th Edition. USA: Panamericana.