Learning Disabilities
What is a learning disability?
- Learning disability is a term that indicates difficulties with learning.
- Learning disabilities affect the way a person learns.
- Learning disabilities vary from person to person.
- People with learning disabilities can learn, they just learn in a different way because their brains process information differently.
- Learning disabilities can affect reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, and math.
- Learning disabilities do not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of mental retardation, of economical disturbance, or of socioeconomic or cultural backgrounds.
Facts
- Individuals are generally of average or above average intelligence.
- Learning disabilities are very common; as many as 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have a learning disability.
- Difficulties with basic reading and language skills are the most common.
- 80% of students with learning disabilities have reading problems.
- Learning disabilities often run in families.
Common Learning Disabilities
- Dyslexia - a language-based disability in which a person has trouble understanding words, sentences, or paragraphs
- Dyscalculia - a mathematical disability in which a person has a difficult time solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts
- Dysgraphia - a writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters or write within a defined space
- Auditory or Visual Processing Disabilities - sensory disabilities in which a person has difficulty understanding language despite normal hearing and vision
For Further Information
- Learning Disabilities Association of America - www.ldaamerica.org/
- LDOnline - www.ldonline.org
- National Center for Learning Disabilities - www.ncld.org or www.ld.org
- NICHCY Fact Sheet - www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs7txt.htm
- SchwabLearning.org - www.schwablearning.org