Learning Disorders

Learning disorders refer to a group of conditions that interfere with the acquisition of specific skills, such as understanding or using language, reading, mathematics, or motor coordination. These disorders may be caused by differences in brain structure and function or environmental factors. Common learning disorders include dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms can vary depending on the type of learning disorder but generally include difficulty understanding spoken language, problems focusing on tasks or following directions, trouble recognizing symbols and numbers, poor organizational skills, and difficulty expressing ideas. Treatment typically includes interventions such as medication, occupational therapy, or specialized education programs tailored to the individual’s needs.

Symptoms of learning disorders can vary depending on the type of disorder but can include difficulty understanding spoken language, problems focusing on tasks or following directions, trouble recognizing symbols and numbers, poor organizational skills, and difficulty expressing ideas. Other symptoms include difficulty with reading comprehension, problems with written expression, having a hard time understanding mathematical concepts, and difficulty with motor coordination. Depending on the specific disorder, individuals may struggle to maintain focus and attention span or have difficulty regulating their emotions. Additionally, they may experience feelings of confusion or frustration when trying to learn new information.

Types of learning disorders include dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADD/ADHD, and auditory processing disorder. 

• Dyslexia: Children with dyslexia have difficulty recognizing letters, learning letter sounds, and identifying rhyming words.

• Dysgraphia: Dysgraphia is a learning disorder characterized by distorted and incorrect handwriting. Children with dysgraphia have fine-motor skill issues, difficulty writing letters and often try to avoid writing.

• Dyscalculia: Dyscalculia is a learning disorder in arithmetic characterized by difficulty with processing numbers, manipulating them, and memorizing facts.  Children with dyscalculia may understand very complex mathematical concepts but will show difficulty processing formulas or completing basic arithmetic. A person with this learning disorder often struggles with visual-spatial relationships and with auditory processing.

• Dyspraxia: Children with dyspraxia have significant difficulty with balance, fine-motor control, and kinesthetic, or full body, coordination.

• ADD/ADHD: Individuals may struggle to maintain focus and attention, have difficulty regulating their emotions, struggle with impulsivity, have poor organizational skills, or have difficulty expressing ideas.
• Auditory processing disorder: This is a listening disorder where individuals may have trouble understanding language when it’s presented in a noisy environment or when there’s too much information to process at once.

Conventional treatment for learning disorders usually involves a combination of interventions from different teachers and specialists, such as special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. Depending on the individual’s specific needs, activities may include direct instruction to teach essential skills, cognitive therapy to help the person learn how to apply these new skills in everyday life, and behavior modification techniques to improve problem behaviors. Medications such as stimulants may also be prescribed in some cases.

The orthomolecular understanding of learning disorders is based on the concept that learning disabilities can be caused by imbalances in key vitamins, minerals, and neurotransmitters. Proponents believe that these nutrient deficiencies can cause impairments in cognitive functioning, brain development, and behaviors which manifest as learning disabilities. To correct these imbalances, orthomolecular practitioners may use extensive nutrient supplementation or vitamins to help improve the individual’s overall health and stimulate the language centers of the brain.

At Mensah Medical, we believe learning disorders can improve with custom nutrient therapy treatment based on the individual’s specific deficiencies, along with the continuation of vital educational therapies. Through blood & urine testing, Mensah Medical’s physicians determine your key biochemical imbalances and use individualized compounded supplementation to restore these markers, and the neurotransmitters they support, to their optimal level. By correcting imbalances of essential nutrients in the body, symptoms, and concerns are addressed at the root level.

 At Mensah Medical, we work to treat chemical imbalances but recognize that it is only one treatment modality for improvement in learning disorders. We believe the individual patient typically requires multiple disciplinary approaches to effect positive change in their condition. Balancing biochemistry provides the best foundation of neural stability to help patients in their quest to improve the conditions of dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia.

If your child has been diagnosed or you suspect that your child has a learning disorder, attention and focus challenges, or behavioral issues, then seek medical assistance promptly. Treatment at Mensah Medical is a popular alternative to prescription stimulant medication, and we believe that a natural approach should be seriously considered before agreeing to place your child on a stimulant medication. 

Adults with a learning disorder or ADD/ADHD should consider our individualized, targeted nutrient therapy if they can answer yes to at least four of the following questions:

Do you have trouble with reading, writing, or reading comprehension?

Do you have trouble listening?

Are you more excitable than others?

Are you easily distracted?

Are you particularly forgetful?

Are you chronically late?

Do you have difficulties prioritizing projects?

Do you have trouble beginning a task or project?

Do you have problems controlling your emotions?

Learning disorders can be caused by a myriad of factors, genetic, environmental, and epigenetic in nature. Genetics can play a role in the development of learning disabilities, especially with regard to conditions such as dyslexia and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In many of our patients, we’ve discovered key nutrient deficiencies and biochemical conditions that can contribute to their learning disorders. Environmental factors may also contribute to learning disabilities, such as exposure to toxins like lead or trauma during early childhood development. Additionally, a combination of cognitive or social deficits can result in learning issues for children.

Risk factors for learning disorders can include certain genetic or inherited conditions, such as Down syndrome or Fragile X Syndrome; delayed language development; low birth weight; prenatal exposure to alcohol, drugs, smoking, or other toxins; and family history of mental illness. Environmental factors like extreme stress or lack of stimulation during early childhood can also put a child at risk for developing a learning disorder.

Learning disorders can have a number of complications, including delayed education milestones like reading, writing, or problem-solving; decreased self-esteem; social difficulties; and behavior problems. Additionally, adults with learning disabilities may be more at risk for unemployment, homelessness, criminal behavior, and other issues that can further impact their quality of life.

In some cases, learning disorders can be prevented by addressing environmental factors that may put a child at risk. Factors such as extreme stress, lack of physical and mental stimulation, poor nutrition, and exposure to toxins in the environment can all be addressed in order to reduce the odds of developing a learning disorder. Early intervention is also key for preventing or minimizing the effects of learning disabilities. If a child exhibits signs of a potential learning disorder, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible for an evaluation and early intervention services.

Diagnosing a learning disorder typically involves an assessment of the individual’s cognitive abilities and academic performance. The evaluation process may include intelligence tests, academic assessments, neurological testing, and other types of assessments to measure the individual’s learning capacity. Additionally, medical professionals may look at psychological factors that may contribute to learning difficulties, such as mental health issues or family dynamics that could impede a person’s ability to learn.

For those with learning disorders, lifestyle adjustments, and home remedies can be helpful for managing the condition. Establishing a routine and creating a safe and quiet environment for academic work can help an individual stay focused and organized when studying. Additionally, some people find it beneficial to break tasks down into smaller pieces and use visual cues to track progress. Adequate sleep, exercise, stress management, and healthy nutrition are also important components of managing learning disabilities. Finally, seeking assistance from family members or support groups may provide much-needed comfort and guidance during difficult times.

Alternative medicine and natural remedies can provide additional support for those with learning disorders. Yoga, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques can help to reduce anxiety and provide an individual with more control over their mental and emotional states. Aromatherapy can also be useful for calming the senses. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, magnesium, B vitamins, and iron have been shown to improve cognitive functioning. 

Prior to your first appointment at Mensah Medical, you will be required to complete a new patient intake form as well as a patient history form. These forms must be submitted to Mensah Medical before an appointment can be scheduled. For Outreach Clinic appointments, these forms must be submitted one week before the scheduled Outreach. For established patients, prior to your follow-up, you will be required to complete a progress report. This must be submitted via your Elation Passport at least 72 hours before the appointment.

At Mensah Medical, we run lab work and blood tests to confirm your bio-individual needs. If, during the appointment, the doctors deem it necessary, they may order additional testing such as hair analysis, G.I. Map, SAM/SAH Methylation Profile, or others. Please do not submit independent lab work until you have consulted with the Mensah Medical clinical team. The physicians will create an individualized nutrient protocol to address each of the imbalances presented. Treatment and long-term monitoring will be facilitated by the nursing staff, Dr. Mensah, and Dr. Bowman. Formal follow-ups on an individual’s progression will be done every six months to ensure biochemical levels and symptoms are responding appropriately. As a patient, you will have easy and efficient access to our nurses and clinical team through an Elation Passport Portal.