Saturday, August 3, 2013

Demystifying Learning Disabilities: 18 Facts You Need to Know

By National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) Editorial Team

Learning disabilities (LD)—what they are (and what they are not)—continue to be a source of confusion for many people. Here are some key facts to keep in mind:

What Is a Learning Disability?
  • A learning disability is a biological “processing” problem that impairs a person's ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell and do math calculations.
  • There are several types of LD based on the type of difficulties involved. Dyslexia, a problem with reading, is the most common.
  • Learning disabilities have a genetic component and often run in families.
  • LD is a lifelong disability. Children don't grow out of it. They may learn to compensate for their LD, but it's something they continue to live with as adults.
  • LD is does not include visual, hearing or motor disabilities.
  • LD is not caused by intellectual or cognitive disabilities (formerly referred to as mental retardation), emotional disturbance, or cultural, environmental, or economic disadvantage.

How Are Learning Disabilities Diagnosed?
  • Proper identification (diagnosis) of LD in K-12 students involves: parent and child interviews; classroom observation; a review of the child's educational and medical history; a series of tests to identify the child's strengths and weaknesses; the gathering of information from teachers and other professionals who work with the child.
  • There is no medical test (such as a blood test) for LD.
  • LD often co-exists with other neurological disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This can make diagnosis/identification of the disabilities tricky.

Read more HERE.

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