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Learning Disabilities

Home > Illnesses and Disabilities Home > Types of Illnesses & Disabilities > Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are a group of disorders that affect the brain's ability to receive, remember, and use information. Having a learning disability can affect your ability to:

• listen
• speak
• read
• write
• do math

For instance, some children find reading difficult because they see some letters as reversed or rotated. As a result, they confuse the letters d, b, p, q, and g. Other children have trouble reading because they do not understand the idea that letters in words follow each other in a certain order. They might see the word "dog" and read it as "god."

Learning disabilities may be due to:

• genes (learning disabilities often run in families)
• drinking alcohol during pregnancy
• problems during pregnancy or childbirth
• head injuries
• exposure to poisons, such as lead

Certain teaching strategies can help children with learning disabilities overcome their problems. Some people with learning disabilities reach adulthood without ever finding out they have a learning disability. If you suspect you have a learning disability, talk to your doctor. You're never too old to get help.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   NINDS Dyslexia Information Page - Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. This on-line publication offers information about what dyslexia is, treatment, prognosis and the latest research being done.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dyslexia/dyslexia.htm

2.   NINDS Learning Disabilities Information Page - This on-line publication defines learning disabilities, provides information on treatment, prognosis and current research. It also provides resources and organizations.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/learningdisabilities_doc.htm...

3. Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia (Copyright © IDA) - This fact sheet provides answers for frequently asked questions about dyslexia, including information about the definition of dyslexia, how dyslexia compares to AD/HD, treatment options, and links to additional information from the International Dyslexia Association.

   http://www.interdys.org/FAQ.htm

4. LD in Depth (Copyright © LD Online) - Thise web page links to information about many different kinds of learding disabilities that adults may experience.

   http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/adults-

5. Learning Disabilities - This fact sheet provides information on learning disabilities in children including incidence, characteristics, educational implications, and related resources.

   http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs7txt.htm

6. Parenting & Family (Copyright © WETA) - This web site contains information to help parents get organized, understand their rights and responsibilities, and provide support for their child with a learning disablity at home and at school.

   http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/parenting

7. Processing Deficits (Copyright © WETA) - Some people have problems processing visual and auditory perception, making it hard for them to learn as other people do. This page links to information about these processing deficits, including how they affect education, ideas for intervention, and what to do if there is a suspected problem.

   http://ldonline.org/indepth/processing

8. Reading and Learning Disabilities - This informational brief has been developed by the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) with two major purposes. These are: 1) to describe some of the most common learning disabilities that can cause reading problems and 2) to put you in touch with organizations that can provide assistance.

   http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs17txt.htm

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, HHS
2. Attention Deficit Disorder Association
3. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
4. International Dyslexia Association
5. Learning Disabilities Association of America
6. National Center for Learning Disabilities
7. National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, OSEP, ED
8. Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated May 15, 2008.