The Importance of Connecting and Bonding with Others

When most people think about learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or processing deficits, they tend to only think of the associated academic struggles with reading, writing, and comprehension. However, learning disabilities can also make it difficult to pay attention during conversations or grasp the importance of social scenarios - difficulties that have repercussions far beyond the classroom or workplace.

Having a good relationship between a parent and child builds a bond of trust and self-esteem. Modeling healthy relationships makes it possible for the child to then go on to build positive relationships with others - but if the child is not able to fully comprehend social rules, then they may be more susceptible to unhealthy or abusive relationships. In order to help avoid this outcome for children with learning disabilities, it is important to focus on improving certain cognitive abilities in addition to reading, math, and spelling.

The ability to listen, pay attention to a detailed conversation, and comprehend complex social situations is related to memory, attention, processing speed, and reasoning. All of these abilities can be strengthened (at any age!) through cognitive exercises that take advantage of the brain’s amazing neuroplasticity.

Being able to comprehend and process social rules also aids in setting appropriate boundaries, while good reasoning ability helps with proper and timely conflict resolution. Since loneliness and social isolation are also linked to poor health and depression, positive social relationships may also be an important part of having a longer, healthier life.

Social bonds and connections are integral to human life in so many ways - from making friends to solving problems to living a longer life. And while learning disabilities can make it tougher to form and maintain those social connections, it is possible to address these difficulties and train the brain to be more adept at forming and navigating these important relationships.