LD at a Glance: A Quick Look
What you should know about learning disabilities (LD): LDs are specific neurological disorders that affect the brain's ability to store, process or communicate information. "Specific learning disability" (SLD) is the term used in the federal law for any LD. LDs can affect different aspects of learning and functioning - see the chart below for specific types of learning disabilities and related disorders. LDs can be compensated for and even overcome through alternate ways of learning, accommodations and modifications. According to the US Department of Education, LDs affect approximately 5% of all children enrolled in public schools.* LDs can occur with other disorders (AD/HD, Information Processing Disorders). LDs are NOT the same as mental retardation, autism, deafness, blindness, behavioral disorders or laziness. LDs are not the result of economic disadvantage, environmental factors or cultural differences.
LD TerminologyDisability: | Area of difficulty: | Symptoms include trouble with: | Example: | Dyslexia | Processing language | Reading, writing & spelling | Letters and words may be written or pronounced backwards | Dyscalculia | Math skills | Computation, remembering math facts, concepts of time & money | Difficulty learning to count by 2s, 3s, 4s | Dysgraphia | Written expression | Handwriting, spelling, composition | Illegible handwriting, difficulty organizing ideas | Dyspraxia | Fine motor skills | Coordination, manual dexterity | Trouble with scissors, buttons, drawing | Information Processing Disorders: | Auditory Processing Disorder | Interpreting auditory information | Language development, reading | Difficulty anticipating how a speaker will end a sentence | Visual Processing Disorder | Interpreting visual information | Reading, writing & math | Difficulty distinguishing letters like "h" and "n" | Other Related Disorders: | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) | Concentration & focus | Over-activity, distractibility & impulsivity | Can't sit still, loses interest quickly |
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