What are Learning Disabilities?

People with learning disabilities have average to above-average intelligence, but experience difficulty processing information. The difficulties are neurological in origin. LD is the term currently used to describe a variety of difficulties that interfere with a person's ability to process, store, retrieve or produce information.

Because of this, they may have trouble with reading, writing, math, speaking, thinking, listening and with social skills. Dyslexia is the most commonly known of the many different types of learning disabilities.

A learning disability is not a form of mental retardation and does not develop because of an emotional, visual, hearing or motor disability. Nor is it the result of environmental, cultural or economic disadvantage.

Learning disabilities can affect a person's self-esteem, education, career, daily living activities as well as family and social relationships. It is estimated that between 10 and 15% of the United States population has some form of a learning disability.

Early diagnosis and intervention, proper remediation and the support of caring and informed parents and professionals can help a child with a learning disability achieve his or her full potential. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, specific strategies and accommodations can be utilized to compensate for their learning difficulties. LD is a pervasive life-long disability but does not have to be a lifetime liability.

Children and adults with learning disabilities can learn, they just learn differently. They need to be taught in a way that makes it possible for them to learn so that they can use their strengths and abilities to compensate for their weaknesses. Individuals in all walks of life have succeeded in spite of their learning disability.