Promoting Inclusivity and Empowerment: Learning Disability Week

Learning Disability Week 2023 runs from 19th to 25th June 2023 🌟

This event aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities by raising awareness about important issues, fighting stigma and discrimination, and raising funds for outreach and support programs.

In Australia, the Government defines a learning disability as "a condition that affects theability to learn, understand, and communicate information, and may impact an individual's academic, social, and emotional development." This includes difficulties with basic literacy and numeracy, attention and concentration, communication and language skills, and social interactions.

According to a survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2018,approximately 7.7% of Australian children aged 5 to 14 years had a reported disability that affected their schooling. Learning disabilities accounted for a significant proportion of these reported disabilities. This statistic underscores the importance of providing appropriate support and resources to address the unique needs of these students.

Understanding Learning Disabilities

A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life. People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with others.

Learning disabilities are often diagnosed during childhood, and many individuals with learning disabilities may also have co-occurring conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, or other mental health conditions.

A learning disability occurs when the brain is still developing (before, during or soon after birth). Several things can cause a learning disability:

• Before birth, things can happen to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) that can cause a learning disability. A child can be born with a learning disability if the mother has an accident or illness while she is pregnant, or if the unborn baby develops certain genes; genes are chemicals in our bodies that contain information about us.
• A person can be born with a learning disability if he or she does not get enough oxygen during childbirth, has trauma to the head, or is born too early.
• After birth, a learning disability can be caused by early childhood illness, accident, or seizures.

Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities

It can be difficult to diagnose a mild learning disability as the individual will often mix well with others and will be able to cope with most everyday tasks. However, they may need support in other areas of their life such as filling out forms.

People with a severe learning disability or profound and multiple learning disability (PMLD), will need more care and support with areas such as mobility, personal care and communication. People with a moderate learning disability may also need support in these areas.

For any parent, the greatest concern will be your child’s wellbeing and their future. As a parent, you can help your child by encouraging their strengths and getting the right support to help them overcome things they find difficult. Every child is an individual with their own needs, but with the right support, children with a learning disability can lead fulfilling lives in the way they choose.

At All About Kids, we're committed to providing comprehensive support and services to children and young adults. Our team of dedicated professionals believe in creating an inclusive environment where every person can thrive and reach their full potential. Our team collaborates closely with families, educators, and other professionals to provide holistic support that meets each individual's unique needs.

Contact our team today if you would like more information or support.