What is a learning disability?
"Learning disability" is a term that indicates difficulties with learning. Learning disabilities do not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of cognitive differences, of economical disturbance, or of socioeconomic or cultural backgrounds. Learning disabilities vary from person to person and can affect reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, and math.
Facts
- Individuals are generally at or above average intelligence
- Learning disabilities are very common; as many as 1 in 6 children in the U.S. have a learning disability according to the CDC
- Males have twice the prevalence of any DD than females and more specifically have higher prevalence of ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, stuttering/stammering and other DDs
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 or Visual Processing Disabilities - sensory disabilities in which a person has difficulty understanding language despite typical hearing and vision