Learning disabilities are neurological differences in processing information that severely limit a person’s ability to learn in a specific skill area. Everyone has differences in learning abilities, but people with learning disabilities have severe learning problems that persist throughout their lives. Learning disabled people may have difficulty in school or on the job. Learning disabilities also impact independent living and social relationships.

Learning disabilities are noticed when children struggle with learning in their school years. Parents and preschool teachers often see early signs of learning disabilities. Children with learning disabilities may have difficulty learning basic skills in reading or understanding reading. Difficulty writing, math, or language may also signal learning disabilities. Some students with learning disabilities may easily learn basic skills but have difficulty applying skills in problem solving or higher level school work.
Living with learning disabilities can be a painful struggle for both the parents and the child with the learning disability. In many cases, parents are relieved to find an answer when children are diagnosed with learning disabilities. The diagnosis of a learning disability is reassuring because it leads to additional support in school through specially trained teachers and special education programs. Students with learning disabilities will also have individual education programs developed to address their specific learning disability needs.

Learning disabilities are supported with specially designed instruction based on each child's unique strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and the impact of his learning disability.

What are Learning Disabilities Anyway?
Learning disabilities are believed to be caused by neurological differences in the way the brain processes information. People with learning disabilities usually have average or higher intelligence. Simply put, a person has a learning disability when his ability to learn an academic area is much lower than expected for his level of intelligence.

Current learning disability regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act indicate that Learning disabilities exist when a student's ability to learn is average or higher, but his skills in one or more academic areas are significantly weaker. This way of diagnosing a learning disability is typically referred to as the "aptitude achievement discrepancy" method.

In the diagnosis of learning disabilities, the discrepancy is usually determined through assessment to determine the child's intelligence quotient, or IQ score, and his achievement test scores in specific academic areas of reading, math, and written language. Learning disabilities also include disorders of language processing, listening comprehension, and oral expression.

A complete review of the student's educational history is conducted to rule out other possible explanations for the difference in skill development and IQ before a learning disability is diagnosed.

Early detection and intervention for learning disabilities are critical. If you suspect your child has a learning problem, find out how to recognize common signs of LDs.

Disabilities of Learning and Heredity - Are Learning Disabilities Biological?
True learning disabilities (LDs) are believed to be an organic type of disability resulting from neurological processing problems that cause difficulty with learning and applying skills in one or more academic areas. Evidence suggests that a child's chances of having a learning disability increase when parents or other relatives also have learning disabilities. This suggests that heredity may play a role in some cases. However, there are other possible causes of LDs that can be prevented in some cases. about