Types Special Learning Disabilities and Their Symptoms

The number of people with special learning disability are on the rise in Hong Kong and so are their needs of assistance from the society. In this following essay, I will be putting the focus on two special learning disability, Autism (ASD) and Attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to look into the potential struggles they are going through and how can we work for those with special learning disabilities.

Attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD is a disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interface with functioning or development according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The symptoms of ADHD usually are noticeable at an early age, with most cases diagnosed at 6 to 12 years old. The symptoms may include inattentiveness, where the diagnosed person have trouble on focusing and staying on task; Hyper activeness where the diagnosed person is fidgety, restless and gets bored easily; And impulsive, where the diagnosed person act too quickly before processing through the thought of mind, often impede, maybe pushes or grabbing and they also found waiting is very challenging.

Although the symptoms of ADHD usually improve when years goes by, yet many adults that has been diagnosed with ADHD at their young age continues to experience the difficulties. According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, the cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is still under research since it is still not fully presumed, still researchers believe there are variant factors responsible. The first factor is genetics as the genes inherit from parents and siblings may likely cause the fault of having ADHD, yet this is considered to be complicated and it is like not only related to a single genetic fault. The second factor is brain function and structure as there may have an imbalance in the level of neuro transmitters in the brain leading to ADHD yet the exact significance of these are still not clear. There are also certain groups of people that are at risk of getting ADHD according to the National Health Service. These group include those born prematurely or low birthweight, born with epilepsy and those born with brain damage.

Autism, also known as ASD is a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic pattern of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The symptoms of ASD are also noticeable at an early age and it affect daily functioning. ASD involve a very broad range of symptoms while some that are diagnosed with ASD are fully capable to perform normally in their daily life and task, others may need significant support in order to perform normal to being able to do the most basic task.

Based on the latest analysis from the centers from Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, the number estimated for children that has ASD are 1 in 68, where boys are significantly more in the numbers.The symptoms for autism vary and are split into different stages at certain months of the infant and age group. According to the organization Autism Speaks, by 6 months, the symptoms may be few or no big smiles or engaging expression and also limited or no eye contact. By 9 months, the infant has little or no facial expressions. By 12 months, the infant has little or no babbling, little or no gestures such as pointing, reaching or waving, and has little or no response to name. By 24 months, the child has very few or no meaningful two-words phrases. There are also a sum up of symptoms for other age group such as restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, unusual and intense reaction to surroundings etcetera.