What you should know about learning disabilities (LD):

• LDs are specific neurological disorders that affect the brain's ability to store, process or communicate information.


• "Specific learning disability" (SLD) is the term used in the federal law for any LD.


• LDs can affect different aspects of learning and functioning - see the chart below for specific types of learning disabilities and related disorders.


• LDs can be compensated for and even overcome through alternate ways of learning, accommodations and modifications.


• According to the US Department of Education, LDs affect approximately 5% of all children enrolled in public schools.*


• LDs can occur with other disorders (AD/HD, Information Processing Disorders).


• LDs are NOT the same as mental retardation, autism, deafness, blindness, behavioral disorders or laziness.


• LDs are not the result of economic disadvantage, environmental factors or cultural differences.

LD Terminology

Dyslexia

• Area of difficulty: Processing language


• Symptoms include trouble with: Reading , writing & spelling


• Example: Letters and words may be written or pronounced backwards

Dyscalculia

• Area of difficulty: Math skills


• Symptoms include trouble with: Computation, remembering math facts, concepts of time & money


• Example: Difficulty learning to count by 2s, 3s, 4s

Dysgraphia

• Area of difficulty: Written expression


• Symptoms include trouble with: Handwriting, spelling, composition


• Example: Illegible handwriting, difficulty organizing ideas

Dyspraxia

• Area of difficulty: Fine motor skills


• Symptoms include trouble with: Coordination, manual dexterity


• Example: Trouble with scissors, buttons,

Auditory Processing Disorder

• Area of difficulty: Interpreting auditory information


• Symptoms include trouble with: Language development, reading


• Example: Difficulty anticipating how a speaker will end a sentence

Visual Processing Disorder

• Area of difficulty: Interpreting visual information


• Symptoms include trouble with: Reading , writing & math


• Example: Difficulty distinguishing letters like "h" and "n"

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)

• Area of difficulty: Concentration & focus


• Symptoms include trouble with: Over-activity, distractibility & impulsivity


• Example: Can’t sit still, loses interest quickly