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Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are manifested by significant difficulties in listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning and/or mathematical ability. The primary problems do not involve collecting information (as in sensory disabilities), but in interpreting, translating or recalling information. Learning disabilities are intrinsic to the person, presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction, and may occur throughout one’s lifespan. Learning disabilities range from mild to very severe; and, according to the National Institutes of Health, they affect nearly 4 million school-age children. In addition, the Learning Disabilities Association of America states that there are roughly 2.5 million Americans with learning disabilities ages 6 to 21 who are currently served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

People with learning disabilities often have trouble learning sequences of tasks. This difficulty is sometimes mistaken for carelessness or lower intelligence. However, learning disabilities do not denote inferior intelligence. In fact, a majority of individuals with learning disabilities have normal intelligence and are fully capable of performing complex tasks that are not impeded by their disabilities. Alternative teaching strategies can help people with learning disabilities learn to adapt and perform at academic levels comparable to their peers.

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