Learning and neurodevelopmental disorders
Neurodiversity- related disorders (NDDs) have a significant impact on the academic performance of affected children and adolescents. It is estimated that these disorders, which include autism, ADHD, dyscalculia, dyslexia, intellectual disability, and borderline intellectual functioning, among others, affect between 5 and 15% of the school-age population.
The 2021 Labour Force Survey (LFS) revealed that 13.3% of young people aged 18 to 24 had not completed upper secondary education. This figure, despite being the lowest on record, is the second highest in the European Union, surpassed only by Romania with 15.3%.
ADHD, low performance and school failure
Several factors contribute to poor academic performance and even school dropout. While various social and cultural factors play a role, those related to learning difficulties are particularly noteworthy. These difficulties also have a significant impact on students' self-esteem. Therefore, fostering good academic performance is crucial for a person's emotional development and future prospects.
The 14th FAROS Report, " Learning and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Keys to Avoiding Failure ," recently published by the Escola de Salut of the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona , addresses precisely the relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders, learning difficulties, and the keys to supporting these children and adolescents from the family and school environment.
The new report reviews neurodevelopmental disorders from a neuroscience perspective. Neuroscience is the set of sciences and scientific and academic disciplines that study brain function, focusing on brain activity and its relationship to and impact on behavior. According to its authors, "knowing and understanding the neuropsychological processes involved in learning allows us to identify learning difficulties and address them by applying new methodologies based on detection and intervention."
How to know if my child has a learning disorder
The report is aimed at families, teachers, and other education professionals. It includes a description of the main neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence, as well as current treatments. It also includes numerous guidelines and recommendations for supporting children with any of these disorders.
Although the report focuses on understanding the learning process and the different adaptations recommended for each disorder, it also highlights the main lines of research being developed in the field of neuroscience. According to the document, current research is focused on identifying new biomarkers that could help identify learning disabilities earlier and thus facilitate early interventions that positively influence the child's neurodevelopment.
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