A learning disability
is a neurobiological disorder, which is development in nature. A learning
disability manifests itself as a chronic condition in many aspects of
learning and behavior across the lifespan and its impact upon an
individual’s ability to function can be significant.
Learning disabilities
impede the ability to store, process or produce information. People with
learning disabilities have trouble learning because their minds process
words or information differently than people who learn normally.
Deficits in basic
reading skills are the most common and often the most debilitating forms of
learning disabilities. Eighty to eighty-five percent of students with
learning disabilities who receive special education and related services
have their basic deficits in language and reading.
Learning disabilities
can affect the ability to read, write, speak, or compute math and can impair
one’s ability to build social relationships.
Learning disabilities
can occur along with, and be complicated by, problems in attention and the
development of social skills.
Learning disabilities
have distinct characteristics and should not be confused with mental
retardation, autism, deafness, blindness and behavioral disorders. None of
these conditions are learning disabilities.
Learning disabilities
are invisible.
Current research
indicates that individuals with Learning Disabilities are at a greater risk
to experience problems such as substance abuse, suicide, depression, and
significant psychiatric problems compared to the general public.
30% to 50% of all
individuals with Learning Disabilities also have Attention Deficit Disorder
(ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Emerging research is
supporting a higher incidence of Learning Disabilities in both urban and
rural areas, which is linked to environmental factors such as lead poisoning
and other neurotoxins
Who Experiences Learning
Disabilities?
Approximately one out
of seven Americans experiences some type of learning disability.
People with learning
disabilities are generally of normal or above average intelligence. Their
learning disability, however, creates a gap between ability and performance.
Learning disabilities
often run in families.
Fifteen percent of the
U.S. population, or 39 million Americans, have some form of learning
disability.
Fifty percent of all
public school students in special education have learning disabilities.
What Causes Learning
Disabilities?
Pregnancy trauma, such
as infection, lack of pre-natal care, prematurity, drugs, alcohol, smoking,
some prescription medicines, bulimia, or anorexia.
Viral, bacterial and/or
genetic injuries.
Abnormal development.
Any condition that
involves the brain due to infection, injury or epilepsy.
Family history of
Learning Disabilities.
Learning disabilities
have also been linked to environmental factors such as exposure to lead,
pesticides and other neurotoxins.
