What are Learning Disabilities?

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Students with LD who leave high school and enter the workforce need to remember that:

	LD is not something to hide or be ashamed of
	Disclosing LD will be necessary to get needed accommodations
	Co-workers, supervisors and bosses may not have accurate information about LD and may attribute any struggles you experience are due to sloppiness or lack of effort
	While there is no “IEP” at work, you have rights and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
	All of the above

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LD Basics | LD Explained | Basic Facts

What are Learning Disabilities?

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By NCLD Editorial Staff
Published: March 4 2009 | Updated: May 2 2012

What Are Learning Disabilities?

Types of Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities (LDs) are real. They affect the brain's ability to receive, process, store, respond to, and communicate information. LDs are actually a group of disorders, not a single disorder.

Learning disabilities are not the same as intellectual disabilities (formerly known as mental retardation), sensory impairments (vision or hearing) or autism spectrum disorders. People with LD are of average or above-average intelligence but still struggle to acquireskills that impact their performance in school, at home, in the community and in the workplace. Learning disabilities are lifelong, and the sooner they are recognized and identified, the sooner steps can be taken to circumvent or overcome the challenges they present

How can you tell if someone has a learning disability?

The hallmark sign of a learning disability is a distinct and unexplained gap between a person's level of expected achievement and their performance.Learning disabilities affect every person differentlyand they present differently at various stages of development. LDs can range from mild to severe and it is not uncommon for people to have more than one learning disability. In addition, about one-third of individuals with LD also have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While LD and AD/HD can share common features, such as difficulties with concentration, memory, and organizational skills, they are not the same types of disorder. Unfortunately, LD is often confused with AD/HD and is frequently mistaken as laziness or associated with disorders of emotion and behavior. A careful and thorough review of concerns, with input from multiple sources (including parents, educators, physicians, psychologists, speech-language providers and, of course, the person themselves) is the only way to rule in or rule out a learning disability.

Learning disabilities can affect a person's ability in the areas of:

Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Reasoning
Mathematics

See the chart below for specific types of learning disabilities and related disorders.

What causes learning disabilities?

Experts aren't exactly sure what causes learning disabilities. In fact, there is often no apparent cause for LD. LD may be due to:

Heredity. Often learning disabilities run in families. Children with LD are likely to have parents or other relatives with similar difficulties.
Problems during pregnancy and birth. An illness or injury during or before birth may cause an LD. Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy, low birth weight, lack of oxygen, and premature or prolonged labor may also lead to an LD.
Incidents after birth. Serious illness, head injuries, poor nutrition, and exposure to toxins such as lead can contribute to LD.

Learning disabilities are not caused by economic disadvantage or cultural differences, nor are they the result of lack of educational opportunity. That said, children who are denied timely and effective instruction during critical times during their development are at high risk for showing signs of LD during the school years and beyond.

Are learning disabilities common?

Today, approximately 2.4 million school-aged children in the U.S. are identified as having specific learning disabilities (SLD) and receive some kind of special education support.1 These numbers do not include children in private and religious schools or those who are home-schooled.

What can you do about learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities are lifelong challenges. Although they don't go away, they should not stop individuals from from achieving their goals. A learning disability is not a disease, and there is no single course of treatment or intervention that works for everyone. The first step to overcoming the challenges posed by LD is to recognize that a problem might exist. Then seek help from qualified professionals, who can provide guidance through a personalized evaluation process. Working with a trusted team of professionals, it is then possible to identify the types of accommodations, services and supports that will lead to success.

Identification

The LD identification process is not set in stone and will vary from state to state (for school age children) and from one adult to another depending upon the nature of the presenting difficulties and the professionals enlisted to provide testing and guidance. For example, an elementary school age child who shows signs of dyslexia (specific LD in reading) might demonstrate excellent skills in math, so an evaluation would be tailored to better understand the specific components of reading (i.e., phonemic awareness, comprehension, automaticity) that would help with planning an appropriate course of instruction and intervention.

If a parent suspects that their child might have a learning disability, it is important that they record (in writing) their observations and share them with , teachers, physicians andothers who might be able to confirm or add important detail. If informal efforts to help the child overcome these difficulties is not successful (over a short period of time the next step is to initiate (in writing) a request to begin a formal evaluation process.

LD in Children

Early identification – the earlier, the better – is vital in helping a child to succeed academically and socially. Careful and honest observation is a key to understanding how well a child is progressing in their development of skills in important areas such as expressive and receptive language, fine and gross motor coordination, attention, and socializationEven preschoolers can show signs of risk for LD. And for some children, LD does not present itself until middle school or even high school.

Do you think your child is displaying signs of a learning disability? Don't panic. Not all children who are slow to develop skills have LD., Share your concerns with classroom teachers and others who come in contact with your child. And don’t shy away from seeking more detail information and assistance. There is no shame in having a learning disability. The shame is knowing that there is a problem and not providing the help a child needs and deserves.

Once a child is found to have a learning disability, learn as much as possible about the types of supports that are available through school and in the community. Just as important, help the child to understand their specific challenges, assure them that LD is not an insurmountable hurdle and that they are not alone: other children struggle, too, and adults are there to help.

LD in Adults

It is never too late to identify and get help for a learning disability. Finding out about a learning disability can be a great relief to adults who could not explain the reason for their struggles in the past. Testing for LD in adulthood is not uncommon, and seeking support and services (a legal entitlement through the Americans with Disabilities Act is key to leading a successful and productive life.

Accommodations and Modifications

Once a learning disability is identified, different kinds of assistance can be provided. In addition to specialized, explicit types of instruction, children with LD are entitled to have accommodations (such as extended time, readers, and note-takers) or modifications (such as abbreviated tests or alternate assignments) as appropriate. These guarantees are afforded to children with LD by law.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, people of all ages with LD – children and adults – are protected against discrimination and have a right to different forms of assistance in the classroom and workplace.

LD Terminology
Disability	Area of difficulty	Symptoms include trouble with:	Example
Dyslexia	Processing language	Reading, writing, and spelling	Confusing letter names and sounds, difficulties blending sounds into words, , slow rate of reading, trouble remembering after reading text
Dyscalculia	Math skills	Computation, remembering math facts, concepts of time and money	Difficulty learning to count by 2s, 3s, 4s, poor mental math skills, problems with spatial directions
Dysgraphia	Written expression	Handwriting, spelling, composition	Illegible handwriting, difficulty organizing ideas for writing
Dyspraxia	Fine motor skills	Coordination, manual dexterity	Trouble with scissors, buttons, drawing
Information Processing Disorders
Auditory Processing Disorder	Interpreting auditory information	Language development, reading	Difficulty anticipating how a speaker will end a sentence
Visual Processing Disorder	Interpreting visual information	Reading, writing, and math	Difficulty distinguishing letters like "h" and "n"
Other Related Disorders
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)	Concentration and focus	Over-activity, distractibility, and impulsivity	Can't sit still, loses interest quickly, daydreams

¹ IDEA Part B Child Count, 2010; student ages 6-21http://www.ideadata.org/PartBChildCount.asp

This article was first made possible by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.

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25 Comments

I have been working with my miece that was diagnose with LD she received help iin school and graduated but they did not prepare her for life They did not refer her to agencies or places that can help her with her LD . She is not ready to get a job or continue into college She also have anxiety that was not delt with at school . She is attending VESID office of vocational and educational services for individuals with disabilities that is part of New York State Education Department They help with employment and trainning.

Posted by: SORAYA on Thursday, 17 May 2012
More awareness needs to be directed towards helping students get support in college. It appears that many students struggle and suffer silently because they do not realize that their IEPs turn into 504 plans. I have just recently run into at least 6 students who have need help and didn't realize they still had rights in college.

Posted by: Debbie MacFarlan on Sunday, 06 May 2012
Terence, People who have been diagnosed with Learning Disabilities are not mentally impaired. They are people with learning disabilities. It is much the same way that people who have cancer are not called cancerous, they are people who have cancer. Please think about what is it you are typing before you type it. People first.

Posted by: Laura on Wednesday, 08 February 2012
Sadly said in my observation of society and human care, we are still some what barbaric in treatment of the moderate to severely mentally impaired people in our society. Money holds the key to treatment without it your lost! What could one do? First getting basic testing to determine the severity of the disorder and the type, then see if there is any treatment plan. A major change of diet is the first order that God might suggest. Minerals in multiform,Vitamins like D are a good start and cheap to come by. These have to be taken everyday continuously if improvement is to be obtained. Lacking essential nutrients will impair the brain over time and so will food allergens. Start here. Good luck!

Posted by: Terence on Thursday, 02 February 2012
buena informacion chida

Posted by: alkjdjjenjd on Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Esto interesado en recibir informacion relacionada la incapacidad, ya que estoy en proceso de realizar mi tesis de maestria. gracias por tado informacion que puedan suministrar

Posted by: ernandts@hotmail.com on Monday, 16 January 2012
Disculpen la molestia pero me urge informarme sobre las franquicias de autos para personas con discapacidad, mi hijo de 23 años tiene capacidades diferentes, y en las concecionarias que he averiguado me dicen que no me conviene y me ofrecen planes inalcansables economicamente, desde ya muchas gracias, por favor espero una respuesta, aunque sea que me indiquen donde debo dirigirme.

Posted by: María Celia G. Tebes on Friday, 13 January 2012
Disculpen las molestias pero necesitaria informarme sobre franquicias en los autos para personas con discapacidad, mi hijo de 23 años tiene capacidades diferentes y necesitaria urgente informarme, en las concecionarias que he visitado me dicen que no conviene, y me ofrecen planes inalcansables economicamente, desde ya muchas gracias, por favor espero una respuesta.

Posted by: María Celia G. Tebes on Friday, 13 January 2012
Necesito saber sobre las franquisias para la compra de autos para personas con discapacidad,mi hijo de 23 años tiene capacidades diferentes, y necesitaria con caracter de urgente saber sobre el tema, ya q en todas las concesionarias q he visitado me dicen q no conviene, desde ya muchas cracias.

Posted by: María Celia G. Tebes on Friday, 13 January 2012
You should all sue the schools that have denied your children their right to due process and civil rights.This is a disgrace in the US, probably racism. Demanden a las escuelas y school boards por la desgracia de negarle el derecho de "due process"y derechos civiles a sus hijos, a lo mejor es por racismo.

Posted by: B RODRIGUEZ on Thursday, 12 January 2012
Mi hijo tiene 15 años y se le ha negado el aprendizaje en las escuelas oficiales , le extendieron un certificado de primaria y no sabe todavia leer ni escribir ,he intentado por todos los medios de incorporarlo a planes educativos y me cierran las puertas,lo que he aprendidi se lo enseño, ya comienza a leer palabras cortas,pero no lo quieren en ningunaa escuela que por que tiene certificado y que losmultan si lo integran se me hace absurdo ,e ignorante y a laves estupidi por las autoridades , que disque les dan oportunidad a los discapacitados es pura mentira y politica , orientenme por favor y en donde lo puedo inscribir para que tenga mas estudios academicos gracias

Posted by: juan fernando on Wednesday, 11 January 2012
mi hija tiene 14 anos cuando tenia 5 le diagnosticaron tdah y problemas del aprendizaje ahora ya de 14 la psicologa dice que esta bien pero en la escuela me dicen que no se comporta que no trabaja que se sale de clase como hacerle para apoyarla ya me reprobo un ano y como va seria el segundo donde puedo encontrar la ayuda adecuada les agradeceria la informacion

Posted by: martha medina on Wednesday, 11 January 2012
SOY UNA PERSONA CON DISCAPACIDAD Y ME GUSTARIA FORMAR UN GRUPO PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDA Y SABER ACERCA DE LAS DIFERENTES DISCAPACIDADES QUE HAY. GRACIAS...

Posted by: JOSE ARTURO GLEZ. M. on Wednesday, 04 January 2012
Hola, me gustaria saber como puedo participar como voluntaria en la fundación y en donde se encuentra. Gracias.

Posted by: Ximena Belller on Monday, 19 December 2011
Hola! Mi hijo de 6 anios parece tener DA y he estado preguntandome todo el tiempo porque??? que paso??? lo unico que pudiera tener culpa de eso es que cuando di a luz estuve mas de 20 hrs en trabajo de parto, al final me hicieron cesarea y mi hijo nacio con un la cabeza no solo larga pero con un haro marcado? podria esto haberle causado algun mal? haber estado atorado tanto tiempo pudo haber sido la causa de su DA? gracias por su ayuda!

Posted by: Martha on Friday, 09 December 2011
muy agaradable

Posted by: valery on Wednesday, 07 December 2011
I paid to have my child tested. He was found to have mild dyslexia, dysphraxia and an auditory processing problem. He has no one to one help and is over a year behind at school. The school says it can't statement him. What conditions qualify for statementing for him to get the help he needs?

Posted by: Jo Thomas on Tuesday, 29 November 2011
no me cirbe esta informacion joms

Posted by: arturo galicia rosas on Sunday, 27 November 2011
Mi hijo parese de dyslexia el va en cuarto grado se le dificulta la lectura recibe alluda en la escuela pero pienso que no es sufficient si saben como yo pueda alludarlo porfavor dejen me saber

Posted by: Esmeralda on Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Es una pagina con la informacion necesaria para las tareas de la escuela y para otras cosas mas . Es pero que otras personas tenga el mismo interes en esto .

Posted by: ahtziri saray cortes on Saturday, 19 November 2011
Kenneth: I'm sorry your friend has been struggling so much. I would recommend checking out our Resource Locator at (http://www.ncld.org/resource-locator)to find services in your area that could help by offering adult education classes, tutoring, and job coaching for people with LD. Often your state/local branch of the Learning Disabilities Association can help with this. You can find your local chapter in our Resource Locator or at the LDA's site here: http://ldanatl.org/state_chapters/index.asp

Posted by: Kaleigh (NCLD Staff) on Wednesday, 27 July 2011
I have been taking care of a friend who has major learning disabilities for the past 15 years. I took him to social security disability and they denied his claim. My friend can't get a job he can't write a check or even use the internet because of his servere learning disabilitys. He cannot pass an apptitude test because he has problems with basic comprehintion in reading, writing and math. If I didn't help him he would be homeless. I think it's a damm shame that our government will not even help a natural born citizen with his problems find a place in our so called free & fare democracy. All my friend want's is to be a productive citizen in our society. And all of the doctors and experts just want to broom him under the rug and forget that he even exists! I really need help because I'm at my wits end and don't know where to turn. If you can please offer any help at all you can email me at www.krt_2000@cox.net or Scucco1@cox.net Thank You & god bless you!

Posted by: Kenneth Trask on Wednesday, 27 July 2011
What are Learning Disabilities?
my comment is there going to be any improvement with the people with learning disabil. is there any medacation for these poeple or any help becaues iam very concern about that. send me comment thax 4 u

Posted by: ebtesam on Monday, 11 October 2010
What are Learning Disabilities?
I'm doing my AL project on this subject. so this was a great help to me. most often people mix up these illnesses with autism etc. so I really appreciate this......

Posted by: Minoli on Sunday, 26 September 2010
What are Learning Disabilities?
Great!I've learnt alot about LD ...Thank YOU...I am able to deal with my child with understanding

Posted by: ingridRamoutar on Tuesday, 06 July 2010

We invite your comments on this article, but we are unable to answer personal questions. If you have a question, you may find these LD.org resources helpful: Resource Locator; LD Basics section; Frequently Asked Questions.