What is a Learning Disability?

Learning disabilities are complex and multifaceted educational diagnoses given to students who are primarily "normally" functioning according to an IQ test, but lag in one or more academic areas. Students with above average or below average IQ’s may also have one or more learning disabilities if their achievement levels fall far below their ability level as defined by their IQ. To be categorized as learning disabled, a student must have a significant discrepancy in one or more areas of achievement. Once established, a student may receive special services as outlined in IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Facts about Learning Disabilities

Fifteen percent of the U.S. population, or one in seven Americans, has some type of learning disability, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Difficulty with basic reading and language skills are the most common learning disabilities. As many as 80% of students with learning disabilities have reading problems.

Learning disabilities often run in families.

Learning disabilities should NOT be confused with other disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, deafness, blindness and behavioral disorders. None of these conditions are learning disabilities.

Attention disorders, such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities often occur at the same time; however, the two disorders are not the same.

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 and Visual Processing Disabilities – sensory disabilities in which a person has difficulty understanding language despite normal hearing and vision.

*information compiled from the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities