INFO FROM THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES, INC.

CHECKLIST FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES – CLICK LINK FOR CHECKLIST

LD BASICS

Learning disabilities (LD) are neurological disorders that can make it difficult to acquire certain academic and social skills. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or an adult with LD, learning about LD will help you support your child’s or your own success in learning and life.

 LD EXPLAINED

What is and isn’t a learning disability (LD)? LD is more than a difference or difficulty with learning — it is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information.

 Basic Facts

Learning disabilities (LD) are complex disorders. They vary in their expression and in the way they impact individuals. Understanding the basic facts will enable you to help your student or to advocate for yourself as an adult with LD.

 LD at a Glance: A Quick Look

 By NCLD Editorial Staff
Published: March 04 2009

 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 Terminology 

Disability	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