Learning Disabilities

What learning disabilities are

A learning disability reflects differences in how the brain processes information, such as sounds in words, numbers or the fine motor and language skills needed for writing. People with learning disabilities can learn, but they need different, more explicit teaching and more practice.

Terminology differs by country. In the US, "learning disability" means a specific learning disorder like dyslexia. In the UK, "learning disability" usually means what Americans call intellectual disability, a broader limitation in reasoning and daily living skills. This page uses the US meaning. For lifelong conditions that affect development more broadly, see developmental disability.

Types of learning disabilities

Signs by age

Preschool

• late talking, trouble learning words or rhymes
• difficulty learning letters, numbers, colors or days of the week
• trouble following directions or routines

Elementary school

• difficulty connecting letters and sounds; reading far behind peers
• confusing similar letters or words, or reversing them well beyond age 7
• poor spelling, messy writing
• difficulty learning math facts and procedures
• avoiding reading aloud or homework

Teens and adults

• slow reading and poor comprehension
• difficulty with written expression, essays and note-taking
• trouble with word problems, estimating or budgeting
• poor organization and time management

Causes and risk factors

• Genetics: learning disabilities often run in families. A child with a parent or sibling with dyslexia has a much higher risk.
• Brain differences: imaging shows differences in brain networks for language and number processing.
• Prematurity and low birth weight.
• Prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
• Early childhood factors: lead exposure and severe malnutrition.

Conditions that often occur together

• ADHD: up to a third or more of children with learning disabilities also have ADHD.
• Anxiety and depression, often from repeated struggle and frustration.
• Developmental language disorder and developmental coordination disorder.

Diagnosis

1. Rule out other causes: vision and hearing tests, a medical check, and review of schooling and language exposure.
2. Response to intervention: schools often provide targeted help first and monitor progress.
3. Psychoeducational evaluation: a psychologist or school team tests intellectual ability, academic skills, language, memory and processing speed.
4. Diagnosis: specific learning disorder is diagnosed when difficulties have lasted at least 6 months despite targeted help and are well below expected for age.

In the US, parents can request a free evaluation from their public school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Support and treatment

There is no medicine for learning disabilities, but effective teaching makes a large difference.

• Structured literacy: explicit, systematic teaching of phonics and language structure for dyslexia, such as Orton-Gillingham-based approaches.
• Explicit math instruction: with concrete materials and step-by-step strategies for dyscalculia.
• Occupational therapy and keyboarding for dysgraphia.
• Accommodations: extra time on tests, audiobooks, text-to-speech and speech-to-text, calculators, note-takers.
• Formal plans: an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan sets out services and accommodations at school. College students and employees can also request accommodations.
• Treat co-occurring conditions: ADHD treatment and support for anxiety improve learning.
• Build strengths: encouraging talents in arts, sports or other areas protects self-esteem.

Outlook

Learning disabilities are lifelong, but with early identification, good teaching and accommodations, most people succeed in school, college and work. Early help, ideally before third grade for reading, gives the best results.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of learning disabilities?

The main types are dyslexia (reading and spelling), dyscalculia (math) and dysgraphia (writing). Others include auditory processing disorder, language-based learning disabilities and nonverbal learning disability. Many people have more than one.

What are early signs of a learning disability?

In young children, signs include late talking, trouble learning letters, numbers and rhymes, and difficulty following directions. In school, reading, spelling, writing or math falling well behind peers despite effort and good teaching are key signs.

Is a learning disability the same as low intelligence?

No. Learning disabilities occur in people with average or above-average intelligence. They affect specific skills such as reading or math. Intellectual disability is different, involving broader limits in reasoning and daily living skills.

How do I get my child tested for a learning disability?

In the US, request a free evaluation in writing from your child's public school under IDEA. You can also seek a private psychoeducational evaluation from a licensed psychologist. Ask your pediatrician to check vision and hearing as well.

Can adults have learning disabilities?

Yes. Learning disabilities are lifelong, and many adults were never diagnosed as children. An evaluation by a psychologist can identify them, and adults can use strategies, technology and workplace accommodations.